Putrajaya – The Future of Malaysia

2010-01-04T00:47:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make. Despite hearing countless stories of the wonderment of Putrajaya, I have always been sceptical about that place. Named after our first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Putrajaya was developed as the ‘City in the Garden’, an intelligent city which emphasizes on the significance of nature. Deciding to eliminate my doubt once and for all, and the fact that it was holiday season; I dragged my family out for a mini-road trip. Besides, anything beats bumming at home on a perfectly gorgeous day.

With the help of our handy GPS, we started our journey by heading to the acclaimed Putrajaya Botanical Garden located at Precinct 1, just along Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Abdul Aziz Shah. Launched on the 4th December 2003 by our former prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, this botanical garden boasts an astounding diversity of flora and fauna from over 90 tropical countries. First to impress was the ‘Queen of the Tropic’, our very own national flower, the hibiscus. Beautifully adorning the sidewalk to the entrance of the Visitor Centre, these brilliant flowers offered a glimpse to what surprises and marvels that would be in stored for us.

Hibiscus; One of the many symbols that defines the identity of Malaysia

Upon entering the visitor centre, we were warmly greeted by the well-kept interior of the place and its friendly staff. A wealth of information was readily available through the strategic placing of informative posters, pamphlets and brochures. From a map provided, it can be seen that the garden is divided into four main zones – the Explorer’s Trail, Palm Hill, Floral Gardens and Lakeside. Upon enquiry, we discovered that admission to the gardens was free. WOO HOO!!

A view of the visitor centre peeking out from among the lush greenery

Next to amaze us was the Canopy Bridge spanning a staggering 170 metres across a valley planted with samples of rainforest trees such as meranti, kapur and keruing. The purpose of this bridge is to enable visitors to enjoy the unique experience of walking through the canopy of a typical multi-storied rainforest.

The Canopy Bridge at the Explorer’s Trail linking the Visitor Centre to the Heliconia Trail

Following the exhilarating walk across the bridge is the Heliconia Trail. Here, a wide variety of flowers from the Heliconia genus are displayed. One particular species of plant worth watching out for is the Musa acuminata or more commonly, the Blood Banana. The Blood Banana has leaves flaunting reddish purplish streaks that resembles blood from afar, hence its name.

An unusual parade of flowers of the Heliconia genus

Another plant to be cognizant of is the bizarre pitcher plant located in the Vine Garden. This insectivorous plant utilizes its unique shape as a prey-trapping mechanism. Insects caught within the plant’s deep cavity are drowned before being digested by enzymes contained in the liquid secreted by the plant. Hmm... I wonder if having this plant in my house would help to reduce the presence of mosquitoes which has become a nuisance of late due to the onset of rainy season.

The elusive pitcher plant – a rare sight to behold

Other flowering vines dangling prettily from the roof of the Vine Garden

After trekking through other sections of the garden such as the Palm Hill, Sun Garden, African Collection, Tropical American Collection, Asia Pacific Collection, Bougainvillea Tunnel and Orchid Path, and witnessing their remarkable exhibition of plants, we finally arrived at the Lakeside where traditional attap ‘pondoks’ or huts were built for the comfort and relaxation of visitors. A good thing they were there too, for moments later, the unpredictable temperament of Mother Nature brought down upon us slight showers.

Traditional wooden huts with attap roof made of woven tree leaves

Not to fret though as every cloud has a silver lining. The rain gave us an opportunity to literally sit back and enjoy the tranquil scenery by the lakeside. The gentle breeze blowing at us gave a sense of calmness and serenity. Beside us, a group of friends were gaily chatting and munching on some titbits that they brought. AAaHHH… A truly great way to spend the evening!

Smile everyone! =)

View of the lake as seen from the hut. Picnic anyone?

It was not long before the rain subsided and Mrs. Sunshine bestowed her smile on us once more. It was getting late though. However, that did not deter us from briefly exploring the Pandanus Walk and Floral Steps which was situated just by the Lakeside.

Like a scene from a Bollywood movie

Soon, it was time to head back to the car. My family was getting hungry from the exercise. The sights and surroundings encountered on the way back did not disappoint either.

Boardwalk. Here, we noticed something we initially thought to be an alligator swimming. It turned out to be a squirrel. How cute!

Sheltered walkways leading back to the car. Bye botanical gardens =(

On the way to dinner, we passed by Putrajaya Wetland Park located at Precinct 13. Being the natural busybody that we were, we had to stop by even if it was just for a moment to scout the area. Putrajaya Wetland Park is the first man-made wetland in Malaysia, and proudly, the best in the tropical region. This place not only advertises a scenic atmosphere, but also offers a host of activities such as fishing and canoeing. We will certainly reserve this for another day.

Fishing anyone?

After dinner, while driving, something from afar caught our attention. Was it a bird? Was it a plane? Superman??! NO! Something far more astounding than that – the Seri Wawasan Bridge! Standing majestically across the river, this state-of-the-art cable-stayed bridge dazzled us with its reflection glistening across the waters. Truly the picture that we took using our digital camera did not do justice to its splendour.

Seri Wawasan Bridge – Its magnificent sail ship appearance left us all in awe

The wonder of this bridge made us all keen to further tour the rest of Putrajaya. And where better to experience it than the core of it all – the Putra Square. Located at Precinct 1, the 300 meter circular Putra Square is bounded by Perdana Putra, Masjid Putra, Putra Bridge and the promenade.

Perdana Putra – The Prime Minister’s office

Masjid Putra (Putra Mosque)

The Malaysian flag waving ceremoniously at the very centre of the Putra Square

The Putra Square is divided into segments through the motive of pointed stars, each point representing the states of Malaysia. The outer 11-pointed star epitomise the initial 11 states of Malaya when the country gained independence in August 1957, the inner 13-pointed star - the 13 states in 1963 and the 14-pointed star which takes into account Putrajaya which was made a Federal Territory in 2001. The arrangement of these stars finally terminates in a circle at the centre of the Putra Square exemplifying the ultimate goal of national unity. This is in accordance with the concept of 1Malaysia which focuses to foster unity among the multi-racial and multi-ethnic citizens of Malaysia which is vital in the development of our country.

The Lively Putra Square

To wrap up the day, I would like to cite a particular slogan which was displayed boldly on a building in Putrajaya we passed on the way home:

“Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan”

Translated, it implies that the citizens of Malaysia should be prioritized and at the same time, placing importance on the achievement and development of the country. This theme was etched deep in my heart and mind throughout the journey back. As a nation, we have been able to achieve so much through the cooperation and teamwork of everyone, and not to forget, through the vision of our country’s leaders.

All in all, my trip to Putrajaya made me gain insight into the many lessons I would have usually brushed-off; the importance of unity in the growth of our nation, our country’s capabilities to be of first class, the abundance of resources present in our country and, the delights and wonders in our country just waiting to be discovered. In conclusion, with the superb roads and highways and the cheap air fares offered (kudos to Air Asia!), everyone should visit Putrajaya. You might just be surprised!

The Diary of a Traveller

Putrajaya – The Future of Malaysia