Monday, January 31, 2011

Malaysia National Museum




The National Museum is located within walking distance from KL Sentral. If you are in Lake Garden, you will be able to see the museum as it has a distinctive Minangkabau-styled roof. Walking from Lake Garden will take you approximately 20 minutes to reach the museum. The museum contains vast artifacts and exhibits that trace the history of the nation of Malaysia.

This building was officially opened in August 31, 1963 by His Majesty the Third Yang diPertuan Agong of Malaysia. It has a Minangkabau-styled roof and two front murals. The murals of Italian glass mosaic highlights the significant events and crafts of Malaysia. There are 4 main galleries namely Culture, Faces of Malaysia, Natural History and Weaponry, Traditional Musical Instruments and Ceramics.


The Minangkabau-styled architecture of the museum



Outdoor Display
The outdoor of the museum has big displays that you can visit without having to purchase any ticket. You will be able to see old cars, a replica of an old Malay palace, steam locomotive and bull carts. The Malaysian Maritime Archaeology Exhibition is located in the vicinity of the museum where artifacts from 11 historical shipwreck salvaged is currently on display.


The replica of an old Malay palace at the compound of the National Museum




Bull carts exhibit on display




Guided Tours
You can request for a guided tour of the National Museum and the surrounding galleries as there are volunteers who have signed up and have been trained to be guides for visitors. For a start, 25 volunteers comprising of foreign and local women from the Musuem Volunteers Malaysia (MVM) will be able to provide a guided tour in French or English. They have been trained in the history of Malaysia, Malacca Malay sultanate, Malaysian handicraft, ceramics and jewellery.
The one-hour scheduled guided tours in English and French will be available at 9am on Tuesdays and 11am on Thursdays.If you are keen to have guided tour of the museum, make a reservation by calling +6 03 2282 6255 extension 206/287 or email mvmqueries@yahoo.com
The museum is also looking for more volunteers to help out as guides. You will be trained every Thursday morning for 3 months before being confirmed as a guide. Email or call using the contacts provided above to make an appointment.


Getting Here
Take the PUTRA LRT, KL Monorail or KTM Komuter train and stop at KL Sentral Station. If you don't mind walking, the museum can be reached in 15 minutes.

Another alternative is to take Intrakota Bus No. 33 or No. 35 at Jalan Lee or Bus No. 30 at Jalan Raja Laut.

If you drive, there is a big parking bay for you to park your car at a fee of RM2 per entry.

Entrance Fee
The opening hour to visit the National Museum is from 9:00am to 6:00pm daily.
The entrance fee is RM2 for adult and RM1 for children. Children below 12 years old do not have to pay.

Further information can be obtained by calling +603 2282 6255. or visitNational Museum website. 

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Aquarium KLCC




Aquarium KLCC
Known as AQUARIA, this centre is a good place to go for a time of entertainment as well as for education on the wonders of the marine world after your shopping in Suria KLCC. Located within 5 minutes walking distance from Suria KLCC, this aquarium features over 5,000 animals of 150 species of aquatic and land animals from Malaysia and around the world.
The exhibit is divided into 6 sections:
  • 1. The Highland
  • 2. Jewels Of The Jungle
  • 3. Flooded Forest
  • 4. The Coast
  • 5. The Living Reef
  • 6. The Living Ocean

As you enter aquarium KLCC, you will see the forests with streams of rivers flowing down the mountains. The tropical rainforest of Malaysia is featured here where you will be able to see the jungle animals and the typical sound that you will hear if you go to the jungle of Malaysia. The Flooded Forest shows the ecosystems where trees, plants and sea creatures co-exists in harmony with nature. The coast has the typical mangrove plants where crabs, prawns, mud-skippers and monkeys abound. There is a touch pool for those who are curious to feel how the sea creatures actually feel like.


The big signage welcoming you to the Aquarium





The multimedia presentation of the exhibits in 
Aquarium KLCC before you enter




Underwater Tunnel
A 90m underwater walkway tunnel awaits you towards the end of the exhibition. The rich marine life is seen through the acrylic class as you walk underneath it. You will see the powerful Sand Tiger Sharks as they are being fed by the trainers in the water. Colourful fishes with beautiful coral reefs add to the beauty of the ocean life. Remember to take along your video camera to record your experience here.
If you are keen to learn in greater detail about the exhibits, there are interactive Information Kiosks that you can use. Those who are adventures may want to try to "Dive With Sharks" for a fee of RM400 for certified divers and RM450 for non-certified divers.


The magnificent turtle at the exhibit

Getting to the Aquarium KLCC
This AQUARIA is opened from 11am to 8pm everyday with the last admission at 7pm. The best means of transport to come here is using the Putra LRT. Board the Putra LRT and stop at KLCC station. Follow the signage to AQUARIA KLCC and you will be here in about 10 minutes time.

AQUARIA KLCC
Concourse Level
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
50088 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603 2333 1888


Admission Fee


The fee to enter the centre



As shown in the picture above, the entrance fees are:
Malaysians
RM28 per adult with MyKad.
RM22 per child from 3-12 years old with MyKid.

Non-Malaysians
RM38 per adult.
RM26 per child from 3-12 years old.
Senior Citizens
RM18 for those 60 years and above.
For more information, visit Aquarium KLCC website.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

TASIK KENYIR, TRENGGANU



Tasik Kenyir
Kenyir Lake is located in the district of Hulu Terengganu and is the biggest man-made lake in South East Asia, spanning an area of 209,199 hectares. This lake shares a common border with Kelantan in the west and Pahang in the south. There are over 340 islands on this lake and more than 14 waterfalls. Rivers and rapids are a common sight on this exotic getaway holiday destination.

Freshwater fishes can be found in abundance here as the lake with a catchment area of 38,000 hectares makes it a perfect habitat for fishes to thrive. Here are some of the activities that you can do while enjoying the tranquility of the beauty of Kenyir Lake.


Fishing
Whether you are new to fishing or an experienced angler, this lake is the perfect spot to get some freshwater fish. Thereare over 300 species of fishes that make their home here. The protruding dead trees as a result of the man-made lake isan ideal breeding ground for these fishes. Some of the species of fish that you can find here include:
  • Kelah, also known as Malaysian Mahseer
  • Lampam Sungai or barboides
  • Toman or Snakehead
  • Kawan or Friendly barb
  • Kalui or Gaint Gouramy
  • Kelisa or Green Arowana

Some fishing spots that you may want to explore include Leban, Petuang, Cacing and Saok.
Videos of freshwater fishing in Kenyir Lake. This 2kg Sebarau is a common fish that you can get while visiting this lake.

Waterfalls
Have a picnic at some of the many Waterfalls here. The more popular waterfalls have facilities such as washrooms and restareas that have been cleared. Lasir Waterfalls is located 16km or 30 minutes boat ride away from Pengkalan Gawi, the main gateway to the lake. This waterfall is about 500 feet high and is surrounded by lush greeneries and rocks, typical scene of a tropical rainforest.
Saok Waterfalls is another waterfall that is about 15 minutes boat ride away from Pengkalan Gawi. This waterfall has cascading waters over its rocky terraces. There is a flat sandy area at the foot of the waterfall that makes it an ideal place for a time of picnic with your family or friends.
Tembat Waterfalls consists of 5 rapids of fast flowing cascades. This waterfall is about an hour boat ride from PengkalanGawi. It has a large area for camping and is one of the most popular camping site. There is a trail that leads to the top of the fall.


Herbs Park
Taman Herba Tasik Kenyir is a park with over 200 species of traditional herbal species. Species that are planted at the15.8 hectares land include Tongkat Ali, Kacip Fatimah, Misai Kucing, Mas Cotak and Haji Samad. Located about 7km or 10 minutes boat ride from Pengkalan Gawi. Most of these herbs have medicinal values and you can savour some of the herbalbeverages here.


Caves
A good view of Tasik Kenyir can be seen at the Bewah and Taat limestone hills. Taat has 3 caves with the lower cave knownas Tok Bidan Cave submerged under water. Archaeologists have found some artefacts dating back to the Neolithic era. You will be able to see the spectacular formation of stalagmites and stalactites inside these caves. The caves are aboutan hour and a half by boat from Pengkalan Gawi.


Resorts
There are many accommodation here that you can stay ranging from rooms, chalets, dorms to bungalows.

  • Kenyir Lake View Resort with 136 rooms
  • Petang Island Resort with 27 chalets
  • Kenyir Sanctuary Resort with 43 chalets
  • Lake Land Resort with 22 chalets
  • Uncle John Resort with 22 rooms
  • Musang Kenyir Resort with 15 chalets
  • Tanjong Mentong Resort with 8 chalets and 1 dorm
  • Federal Government Resthouse with 10 bungalows
  • Kenyir Lake Resort with 42 bungalows

Water Sports
Water sports activities such as canoeing, boating, kayaking, rafting and rapid shootings are some of the outdoor activitiesthat you can do here. The annual Kengir Regatta and Telematch is held here.

Getting To Tasik Kenyir
If you are driving from Kuala Lumpur, use the Karak Highway to Jerangau-Jabor Highway where you will reach Ajil. From Ajil,drive towards Kuala Berang and you will reach Pengkalan Jawi which is about 55km away from Ajil.

Public bus can also be taken from Hentian Putra, Kuala Lumpur direct to Tasik Kenyir for a fare of about RM35.

Call Tel +6 03 4044 4276 for enquiry.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Putrajaya Sentral

Putrajaya Sentral is the main public tranportation hub of Putrajaya. It is a smaller version of Puduraya Station in Kuala Lumpur. Located at the west side of Putrajaya, this is the place where public transportation from other parts of Selangor stop. The Express Rail Link that links KLIA to KL Sentral has a station here.


If you prefer to take buses which are very much cheaper compared to the ERL, the two major bus companies that are operating here are Rapid KL and Nadi Putra. Rapid KL take passengers from outside of Putrajaya from places such as Bandar Utama, Serdang and Cyberjaya whereas Nadi Putra routes are confined to within Putrajaya. The Monorail project that was supposed to link the various parts of this new township has been put on hold due to the slowdown of the economy.


This is the place where you will stop for your next 
transit to various parts of Putrajaya



Rapid KL Bus Routes
RapidKL is one of the main bus companies that operates in this terminal. The main routes and the bus no are:

U42 : Putrajaya - Serdang KTM Komuter
This route takes you to Dataran Putrajaya, Presint 8, Tasik Putra Club, Sri Perdana Bridge, Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Botanical Garden, Persiaran Utara, SKVE (South Klang Valley Expressway), BESRAYA highway before stopping at Serdang KTM Komuter train station.



Rapid KL buses



U43 : Putrajaya - Bandar Utama
This route uses LDP highway and pass by TESCO Puchong, IOI Mall Puchong, Kelana Jaya Giant Hypermarket, Kelana Jaya LRT, Kolej Damansara Utama (KDU), Uptown Damansara Utama, Sri Pentas TV3 and 1 Utama Shopping Centre.

T429 : Putrajaya - Cyberjaya Transport Terminal (CTT)
This is the bus to take if you intend to go to Cyberjaya, the Intelligent City of Malaysia. It will pass Century Square, Multimedia Development Corporation headquarter, Cyberjaya Transport Terminal, Multimedia University, Cyberia Crescent Condominium and Cyberia Smarthomes.

E1 : Putrajaya - Terminal Jalan Sultan Mohamad via Lebuhraya Kuala Lumpur-Seremban
This express bus route go to terminal Jalan Sultan Mohamad in Kuala Lumpur using the KL-Seremban Highway.



NadiPutra Bus Routes
NadiPutra buses take you to places within the city of Putrajaya. There are about 9 bus routes that you can take depending on the precint that you would like to go.

NadiPutra 100
Route covers include Putrajaya Sentral, Police Station, Putrajaya Hospital, Jalan P9, Jalan P9G, Jalan P8, Kompleks EDCBA, Alamanda and Jalan P16.

NadiPutra 200
Route covers include Putrajaya Sentral, Police Station, Putrajaya Hospital, Jalan P9B, Jalan P9G, Jalan P8, Persiaran Perdana P2, P3, P4, Wisma Putra, Jalan P16, Alamanda and Kompleks EDCBA.

NadiPutra 300
Route covers include Putrajaya Sentral, Jalan P9, Jalan P9G, Kompleks EDCBA, Alamanda and Jalan P16.



NadiPutra buses take you to places within the city of Putrajaya.




NadiPutra 301
Route covers include Putrajaya Sentral, Jalan P9B, Jalan P9, Persiaran Perdana P2, P3, P4 and Wisma Putra.

NadiPutra 400
Route covers include Putrajaya Sentral, Jalan P9, Jalan P9G, Jalan P11, Jalan P11B, Jalan P11A, Jalan P10, Kompleks EDCBA, Alamanda and Jalan P16.

NadiPutra 401
Route covers include Putrajaya Sentral, Jalan P9, Jalan P9G, Jalan P11, Putra Damai, Jalan P11B, Jalan P11A, Jalan P10, Jalan P8, Persiaran Perdana P2, P3, P4 and Wisma Putra.

NadiPutra 500
Route covers include Putrajaya Sentral, Police Station, Putrajaya Hospital, Jalan P9B, Jalan P9, Jalan P8, Kompleks EDCBA, Jalan P14 Jalan P15.

NadiPutra 501
Route covers include Putrajaya Sentral, Police Station, Putrajaya Hospital, Persiaran Perdana, P2, P3, P4, Wisma Putra, Jalan P16, Alamanda, Jalan P14 and Jalan P15.

NadiPutra 900
Route covers include Park & Ride, Presint 1, Kompleks EDCBA and Taman Botani(Botanical Garden).



KLIA Transit Train
The KLIA-KL Sentral Transit Train stops at 3 other locations. They are KLIA-Salak Tinggi-Putrajaya/Cyberjaya-Bandar Tasik Selatan-KL Sentral.
The Putrajaya/Cyberjaya station is located at Putrajaya Sentral.



KLIA transit train Putrajaya/Cyberjaya train station.



For KLIA-KL Sentral route, trains start operation from KLIA at 5.52am. The last train leaves KLIA at 1:03am. It takes about 13 minutes to reach Putrajaya from KLIA with a train frequency of 30 minutes. The fare from KLIA to Putrajaya/Cyberjaya station is RM6.20/adult and RM3/child.
For KL Sentral-KLIA route, trains start operation from KL Sentral at 5.33am. The last train leaves KL Sentral at 12:03am. It takes about 17 minutes to reach Putrajaya/Cyberjaya from KL Sentral with a train frequency of 30 minutes. The fare from KLIA to Putrajaya/Cyberjaya station is RM9.50/adult and RM4.50/child.


If you travel to Putrajaya/Cyberjaya frequently, there are monthly travel packages that you can purchase from the station.



Taxis
There is a taxi station that is located here. However, the rate for taxi is definitely much higher than if you take bus. You can request for the rate from the counter located here before taking the taxi. The meter starts at RM4 the moment you step into the taxi. It will probably cost you about RM8-RM15 from the station to the surrounding areas in Putrajaya.



If you are in a hurry, taxis are one of the most convenient mode of transport here. However, the price is higher compared to using buses to reach your destination.





Parking Bays
There are plenty of parking bays for you to park your vehicles. At the moment, parking is Free of Charge although the facility to collect parking fee is already in place.



There are many free parking bays for you to park your vehicle.




Getting Here
This main transportation terminal is located at the western side of Putrajaya. If you are coming from Puchong or Damansara Utama using the LDP Highway, go towards the direction of Putrajaya/Cyberjaya. After the last toll, go straight until you see the Putrajaya Sentral signage on your left. Turn left and you will reach this terminal in no time.

Putrajaya Lake Club



Putrajaya Lake Club
Putrajaya Lake Club or Kelab Tasik Putrajaya is a good place to spend half a day or so during your weekends with your family. This club is located at Precint 8 in a slide valley with small hills flanking it. This ideal location is a good place to enjoy your meal at the restaurant or cafe within the club. You will be able to see the tranquil and clean Putrajaya Lake as you dine here. The bridge, the Prime Minister Office and Putrajaya Mosque are some of the landmarks that you can observe from here.


The main entrance of Kelab Tasik Putrajaya.



Some of the facilities provided here are..

Watersports Facilities
If you are into watersports, you will be able to rent the clubhouse facilities such as the canoes, the kayaks and a wide range of boats. Changing rooms and safety jackets are also available here. There is also a rowing simulator for you to practice before going out to the lake. This simulator is placed 2 feet beneath the water where you can do your rowing to gain confidence before renting the "real" boats. The renting of the single leisure kayak is RM10 per hour, RM20/hour for a Canadian Canoe, RM10/hour for a polo kayak, RM10/hour for a Walker Bay Fun Dinghy and RM5/hour for an Indoor Rower. Members of the club are offered 50% discount for the renting of all the equipments.


Watersports facilities for rent.




The Canadian Canoe. You can rent it at RM20 per hour.


Samudera Restaurant & Putra Klasik Cafe
This air-conditioned restaurant is located on the Ground Floor of the Club. It serves authentic western, chinese, Malay and Indian cuisines. Some of the signature dishes are the baked cheese-topping fish and lamb steaks. During lunch hours, ministers and VIPs can be seen here having their favourite dishes. The Putrajaya Lake Club is a good venue to bring your guests to savour the best dishes of Malaysian cuisines.

The Putra Klasik Cafe is located just outside the Samudera Restaurant. It is an open air cafe with large receptions that can cater for up to 60 guests.

Typical lattes, Italian beverages and smoothies are served here. As the weather can be quite hot and humid during the day time, having your meal at the cafe in the evening will be a better choice.


The Putra Klasik Cafe and Samudera Restaurant.





The view of Putrajaya Lake and one of the Signature Bridge.




WiFi Connection
Those who need to have business discussion and accessing the internet will be glad to know that the club has WIFI facilities for you to check your emails. All you need to do is bring your notebook with built-in WIFI and you will be connected to the web in no time.


Swimming Pool & Reading Room
The 50 m swimming pool is opened from 9:00am to 9:00pm daily. There is a Children's pool as well.
A reading room is also provided at the Club for your reading pleasure.


The 50m swimming pool is opened from 9am to 9pm daily.



Operation Hours
The clubhouse opens from 10:00am to 10:00pm everyday including publicholidays.
Address
Kelab Tasik Putrajaya
No 2, Jalan P8
Precinct 8, 62250 Putrajaya
Federal Territory, Malaysia 
Tel: 603 8889 5008


Getting here
If you are using the LDP, go to Putrajaya and follow the Precint 1 direction towards the Government offices. You will pass by the biggest roundabout inPutrajaya. Follow the signage to Kelab Tasik Putrajaya.

You can also take the NadiPutra 100 or NadiPutra 200 buses to go to Putrajaya Lake Club.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Putrajaya Millenium Monument




Millenium Monument
If you in Putrajaya, do take some time off to visit the Millenium Monument which is located on a 25 hectare park in Precinct2. The park is located directly opposite the National Registration Department or Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara building. The first monument to be built in this new federal administrative city of Putrajaya, its distinctive hibiscus shaped metalstructures was designed by world famous architect, Dr. Ken Yeang to usher in the new millenium. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, it was only opened to the public on August 27, 2005. A few time capsules were placed into the tower siteto be opened in the near future.

The main pillar has a height of 68m. Its main pillar has diameters measuring from 3 m at the base, 4 m in the middle and hasa pointed tip. The monument was constructed of solid metal and strengthened with metal structures.


The 68 m high Millenium Monument was opened to the public on August 27, 2005




The Monument building is situated near the Putrajaya Lake. You will be able to see the signature bridges and other landmarks of the city from this Monument



As you walk up along the huge walkway of the Monument, you will be able to see the information that is engraved on the plates of the building. They provide a macro overview of the country's history starting from the Malacca Sultanate, the stories of local leaders who rised up to fight for the independence of the country, the technological advancement of the country in making cars, the transportation system of the country and other mega projects undertaken by the Government of Malaysia. The success stories of Malaysia embedded here are a reminder to the younger generation of the sacrifices that the leaders of the country have made.


Notice the huge transparent signages that contained the information of the history of Malaysia



Getting Here
There is a big parking bay for you to park your car if you drive here. The parking bays are located beside the lake oppositeNational Registration Department building in Precinct 2.

If you do not have your own transport to come here, you can take the Putrajaya Passenger Cruise Boat which will stop bythis place as it makes its tour around Putrajaya Lake. The departure venue is at Putra Jetty near Dataran Putra.


Another view of the main building


Warisan Pertanian Putrajaya



Taman Warisan Pertanian
Taman Warisan Pertanian is an agriculture park that shows the agricultural development of Malaysia. While here, you will experience and learn the traditional crops that were planted in vast areas throughout Malaysia before the country changed the emphasis of being an agricultural-based country to a manufacturing-based country. Today, the manufacturing and petroleum industry contribute more than half of Malaysia export revenue.

A variety of crops that are planted here for you to see and touched are the rubber trees, the cocoa, palm oil, fruits, herbs and spices. There are over 180 crops in the park and during the fruit season, you can even sample the different type of fruits fresh from the trees. There are also many exciting events that are organized throughout the year.


The spacious visitor's complex at Warisan Pertanian is opened from 9am to 11pm daily.



The notable ones are the "Jom makan Buah" event where you can eat as much local fruits as you want for a nominal fee of less than RM10 per person. It is usually held in the month of July every year. The agriculture-related activities such as the latex collection from rubber trees and coagulation before being rolled into rubber sheets are shown here. The maintenance of crops and fruit preservation methods are also demonstrated here.
Here are some of the facilities at Warisan Pertanian that you will not miss.

Visitor's Complex
The architecture of this complex is designed using wood to show the traditional Malay design. Some of the attractions here include:

Warisan Sate
This is a cafe serves Kajang Haji Samuri sate, one of the most famous traditional charcoal grilled chicken, beef, fish and a variety of other meat served with the popular peanut sauce. Hence, instead of going to Kajang to savour this popular food, you can have it all here while visiting Putrajaya.

This cafe operates from 11am to 11pm daily including Saturdays and Sundays.


The famous Kajang Haji Samuri Sate has an outlet here.



Food and Souvenir Stalls
There are other stalls that sell drinks, juice, coffee, tea, fried chicken, local Malay dishes and rice. There are stalls that sell flowers and decorations made from dried rubber leaves, cocoa products and other products. Special souvenirs can also be arranged for local and overseas tourists.


The sweet and delicious "ciku" fruit.



Orchard

The orchard is planted with a variety of seasonal fruits of Malaysia. This include "durian", the King of Fruits of Malaysia. If you happen to be here during the durian season, you may want to try this unique fruit which has a strong smell. Most westerners will not like it when tasted for the first time. Other seasonal fruits being planted include the mangoesteen, "cempedak", rambutan, "pulasan" which is quite similar to the rambutan and dokong.

The non-seasonal fruits that you can see include the pomelo, longan, mango, guava, "jambu batu", star fruit and "ciku".



The "jambu air" fruits are wrapped with bags to prevent insects from eating them.






Banana plants growing near the information centre.





Herbs and Spices
The herbs and spices are also planted here for your learning experience. Among them are lemon grass or serai, "kunyit", "sireh", curry leaves, "kadok", pudina, "selasih", "cekur" and "jari lima". It is believed that the "jari lima" is able to repel the mosquitoes.


Agro Industry Plants

The plants that are widely planted for export is the oil palm and rubber trees. You will see a rubber gallery at the Rubber Clone Plot which has over 1500 rubber trees from 71 clone such as the RRIM 600, GT I and PB 260. Visitors will be able to see the demonstation how to tap a rubber tree, latex collection from the trees and coagulation before being rolled into rubber sheets.

Other industry-based plant include the pepper, coffee, coconut, tea and pineapple.


Operation Hours

The visiting hours to the Orchard and Visitor's Complex is from 9am to 7pm daily including weekends.

The Warisan Sate is opened from 11am to 11pm daily including weekends.
The entrance to the Visitor's Complex is Free of charge. Entrance to the Orchard will be charge a fee of RM2/person.


Address
Taman Warisan Pertanian
No 7, Jalan P16
62150 Putrajaya
Tel: +6 03 8888 0099



Getting here
This park is located at Precint 16. See the map below for direction of getting here.








Sunday, January 16, 2011

Taman Putra Perdana Putrajaya




Taman Putra Perdana
The Taman Putra Perdana or Putra Perdana Park is located in Precinct 1, within walking distance from Putrajaya Shangri-La Hotel. This is a public park and is opened to all without any admission fee. If you are a guest of the Shangri-La Hotel, ask the reception about this park as it is within walking distance from the hotel. With a large area of about 158 acres, you will find this park a good place to unwind. This park is an ideal location to enjoy a panoramic view of Putrajaya. Here are some of the landmarks and facilities that you expect while visiting this park.


A view of Wawasan Bridge and Government complexes from Taman Putra Perdana.



Mercu Tanda Plaza and Fountains
This 78 metres structure is designed in the shape of pyramid and is a proud symbol of Putrajaya. There is a time capsule in front of this monument that contained a number of official documents on the history and development of Purtrajaya. You wil also see a plaque that commemorates the launch of Putrajaya by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia on 29 August 1995. Within the vicinity of this plaza are some binoculars that you can use to take a closer view of the Wawasan Bridge, the government complexes, the Putrajaya Lake and Botanical Garden.


Notice the 78m Mercu Tanda Plaza at the background.



There are 11 fountains which are lighted up at night, giving visitors a good contrast of the night and the day. The fountains in a way help to create a cooler ambient as the daytime temperature can be as high as 32°C to 33°C. There are ample rest areas that you can sit while you are here. Traditional Shelters known as Wakaf are built throughout the park for visitors to rest.


Notice the fountains and traditional shelters in the background.



Flora and Jogging Tracks
There are about 54 species of shade trees planted in this park. On top of that, there are also 17 palm species, 63 kinds of shrubs, 19 species of groundcover and ferns, and 5 species of climbers. Other colourful plants include the yiang yiang, frangipani and Kedah gardenia.

Take the opportunity to stop by Fragrance Garden where you can smell the nice aromas of plants such as the Gardenia jasminoides, also known as Bunga Cina. Others include the Melati or Wrightia Religiosa, Cempaka Telor or Magnolia coco. These flowers are usually used during big celebrations and weddings to add natural fragrance to the place.

Joggers will be glad that there are over 2km of jogging tracks and pathways that are built around this park. Enjoy your jog in this clean park but remember to bring drinking water and cap if you are jogging the the afternoon. Late evening is the best time to jog as the environment will be cooler.


A close-up view of Mercu Tanda Plaza.



Restrooms
Basic restrooms facility is provided here for your convenience. They are located just by the main car park.


Basic Restrooms facility is provided here.




Getting Here & Operation Hours
Go towards the biggest roundabout of Putrajaya where you will be able to see the Government complexes. Look for Shangri-La signage and follow the direction to this hotel. The park is located within the vicinity of the hotel.

Operation Hours
Monday-Friday: 7am to 8pm
Weekends, School and Public Holidays: 7am to 10pm
Admission is FREE

Tropical Botanical Garden in Putrajaya



Tropical Botanical Garden
The tropics near the equator that stretches from Asia Pacific to Africa and South America received plenty of sunshine and rain throughout the year. As such, the diversity of the flora and fauna in these region still remains to be explored. Malaysia is located at 2 ° to 7 ° north of the equator has one of the oldest tropical forest in the world. The man made tropical botanical garden of Taman Botani was established in Putrajaya of which the landscape of the city was to be designed as the "City in the Garden". Taman Botani is one of the many gardens that has been gazetted for development as a tropical garden.

Covering an area of 230 acres or 93 hectares, the development of this park is divided into 3 phases. The first phase covering an area of 63 acres has been completed and is now open to the public. The more than 700 species of plants in this garden come from over 90 countries of the world.


The lush greeneries in the tropical botanical garden of Putrajaya




Taman Botani Overview
The garden is divided into 5 different themes. They are the Explorer's Trail, Palm Hill, Floral Gardens, Sun Garden and the Lakeside.

Explorer's Trail is located at the Visitor Centre to the garden where you can visit the Visitors' Interpretive Centre for an educational knowledge of the plant world before proceeding to go into the garden. This centre is opened daily but closed on Mondays. The opening hours is 10am to 6pm during weekdays and 10am to 7pm during weekends. The admission fee is RM3.

As you depart the building to go out, you will walk along the Canopy Bridge where you will be able to see the "tree top". Come back in a few years time and the trees would have grown into huge tall trees. As you descend from the bridge, you will see Heliconias plants such as bananas, Marnthas, Calatheas and the Traveller's Palm. Proceed on and you will see Vine Garden where a variety of vines such as Tecomarias can be found here. Take note and read the information about each type of tree on the informative material.


The Canopy Bridge at tropical botanical garden in Putrajaya




Palm Hill is the next theme that you will encounter. There are more than 50 species of palm trees. Notice the Rotan, the Chinese Fan Palm and the Umbrella Leaf Palm as you walk up the slope.


The Palm Hill



Sun Gardens as its name implies is a collection of plants that grow well in the bright sun. The flowers in this area react differently according to the time of the day. Notice the Brunfelsia flower which changes its colour daily from purple to pink to white. It is also known as Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

Floral Gardens have a collection of plants from Africa, America and the Asia Pacific region. The Flame Of The Forest and Plumbago are some of the species that originate form the African region. The Peacock Flower and Frangipani come from the American region. The Ficus tree from the region of Asia Pacific is a major source of food for the wildlife in Asia.

Lakeside has a collection of Ixora and Hibiscus. The Pandanus plants which have long, narrow, piny leaves and stilt roots can be seen here. There are also the Cannas with colourful and big flowers. As the trail comes near the end, you will be able to see the ferns that have been said to be in existence for more than 200 million year.


Facilities at the tropical botanical garden
The admission to the garden if FREE. The big parking area is available to the public for a fee of RM1. Tram services are available for a fee of RM4 for adult and RM3 for children. If you want to sweat if out, bicycle and paddle boat can be rented from Tuesdays to Sundays. If you are hungry, the Putrajaya Seafood Restaurant is just by the garden. It is open daily from 11am to 11pm.
Further information on the tropical botanical garden can be obtained by calling Tel: +6 03 8888 9090


Bicycle for Rent




Getting here
If you intend to come by bus, take the Cityliner bus 868 from Sinar Kota, Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya. The fare is aroundRm2.60 and it operates from 6:30am to 10pm at night. From the bus terminal in Putrajaya, take a Nadi Putra bus here.

If you come by train, use the ERL KLIA transit train that departs from KL Sentral or KLIA. The train operates from 5:30amto 1am daily with an interval of 30 minutes. At the Western Transportation Terminal in Putrajaya, take the Nadi Putra bus and you will arrive here.

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