Things to do in Putrajaya for 24 hours:Travel Tips on Where to Stay and Eat!

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Another must see city in Malaysia is the federal capital of Putrajaya. It is located south of Kuala Lumpur and is approximately a 30 mins drive. I find Putrajaya a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of city life to a much more calming environment surrounded by lakes and late 20th century architecture, this city enfolds one in tranquillity. Its eclectic combination of buildings and bridges are best viewed when illuminated at night.

Source :- http://www.kuala-lumpur.ws/attractions/putrajaya.htm
From starting up a smoky BBQ by the lake which has an exceptional bridge view or just random drives along  structured and beautifully paved roads across state of the art architecture, Putrajaya has a lot to offer and is quite accessible both from the city and airport (for long layovers a must visit due to proximity). This time around my family and I decided to do a short stay-cation and I feel it would help anyone who wants to spend just about a day in Putrajaya. So I shall provide some basic info on hotel and transportation as well towards the end of the blog.

1. Buffet Breakfast at JW Marriot Putrajaya

There's nothing like a good breakfast to start your day. The buffet breakfast at Zest Restaurant serves a wide array of Malaysian, Continental and Oriental cuisine to tingle your taste buds but nothing comes close to the morning bar that provides fresh juice and piping hot coffee/tea. A truly scrumptious meal to jet start your day of exploration. 
p.s Although its rather expensive if you are on a budget ,JW Marriot is an excellent 5 star hotel experience if you are having a layover to unleash your exhaustion with exclusive views and cosy beds. I shall attach some pictures from my stay for reference.
Buffet Breakfast :- MYR 55  ($14.26) ADULTS, MYR 28 ($6.5) Kids <Age 6-12>
Deluxe Double Room :- MYR 300 ($74.96) excluding breakfast, MYR 410 ($102.44) including breakfast


The view from my window was exceptional.


 2. Explore Putra Mosque

One of the most distinct and magnificent landmark located at the popular Putra Square is the Putra Mosque. It is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the world and true to its title boasts Islamic architecture blending traditional designs and local craftsmanship and is located right by the Putrajaya lake. Its pink dome can be seen from various angels throughout Putrajaya. If you head towards the back of the mosque it offers exclusive views of the sunset and creates a tranquil ambience.
Traveller Tip: If you do want to enter the mosque one has to be modestly dressed, there are large capes available for the convenience of visitors. Visitors are provided leaflets in English with historical information.

Source :- https://www.askideas.com/amazing-click-of-putra-mosque-malaysia/
This area is right below the Putra Mosque which not only provides fantastic views but also has food and entertainment.


 3. Take in the beauty of Perdana Putra 

Two blocks away from Putra mosque lies the magnificent Perdana Putra the office complex of the Prime Minister of Malaysia. It is located on the main hill of Putrajaya. The design of the complex assimilates Islamic-Mogul architecture. The structure is quite symbolic and representative of the Malaysian nation.
Traveller Tip: Appropriate attire is required for the tour and no bag or cameras are allowed inside the office. Passports are required upon entry
Source :-https://perdanaputragreenbuilding.org/
4. Relax by the Putrajaya Lake
The Putrajaya lake is a 650 hectares man-made lake designed to create a cooling atmosphere within the city and also for recreational activities such as fishing and boat cruises. I have experienced fantastic sunset views from the lake and it is an excellent place to start up a BBQ. Over the weekend you can find several families and tourists flocking in to have a picnic and relaxing by the lake. The lake like the mosque can be seen from several points in Putrajaya as it seems to flow through the city. 






5. Take a scenic Putrajaya Cruise around the city
One of the best ways to view the city is through the lake as it crosses along all the main attraction points and the cooling breeze guarantees a relaxing experience. The basic sightseeing cruise lasts about 45 mins enough time to unwind and seep in the view. Its preferable to go towards the evening as the bridges irradiate light upon the lake creating a stunning mirage.
Cost :- Adults MYR 50 ($12.5) Child MYR 35 ($8.75) (Commencing 1pm). 
Sight Seeing Cruise Map. Source:- http://www.cruisetasikputrajaya.com/

Source:- http://www.cruisetasikputrajaya.com/about-cruise-tasik-putrajaya.php



Source:- https://www.dorsetthotels.com/malaysia/putrajaya/cruise.php


6. Lunch at Balqis Restaurant
Putrajaya is predominantly known for Arabic cuisine and locals travel from Kuala Lumpur to enjoy a wide array of food at relatively lower costs. The restaurant also provides a view of Putrajaya lake whilst you enjoy an appetising meal.
Source :- https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Restaurant_Review-g298305-d11802055-Reviews-Balqis_Restaurant-Putrajaya_Wilayah_Persekutuan.html

Source :- https://www.hungrygowhere.my/selangor/balqis-restaurant/photo/24210000

 7. Talk a walk on the Seri Saujana Bridge 
 Seri Saujana Bridge is one of the main bridges in the planned city of Putrajaya. It comprises of strategically placed cable like structures through an arched bridge. It tends to represent the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It stretches over 300 metres across Putrajaya Lake providing vehicles and pedestrians a passage from Putrajaya-Cyberjaya highway to the coral island. The sunset views from across the bridge are phenomenal and it relaxes the soul.

8. Seep in the panoramic city view from Putrajaya International Convention Centre
Although the convention centre is solely for musical festivals and other such events it is located strategically on top of  Putrajaya;'s highest point and is architecturally appealing. Once you drive, one can admire the intricate design on the surrounding garden and grasp a beautiful view of the city scape from the iconic landmark. Food & Beverage is available inside for a quick coffee break.
Fantastic bird's eye view of the planned city and road structure.


9. Learn some culture at the Millennium Monument 
Now this is for those who love plunging into the historical insights of a country and capturing a glimpse of national pride. The monument is 68 m high and has a multilevel platform around it at the base. This monument is the first structure to be built in Putrajaya and spirals up to the very top , the most interesting detailing are the railing which contain plates each plate signifying a year like a timeline with a macro-view of the country's achievements and sacrifices made in that year. The structure is situated by the Putrajaya Lake and also provides excellent view of other structures surrounding it. This structure is almost like a museum giving a quick insight into the countries history and culture.
Source :- https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Attraction_Review-g298305-d7624382-Reviews-Menara_Alaf_Baru_Millenium_Monument-Putrajaya_Wilayah_Persekutuan.html
11. Thai dinner at Aroi Dee
Situated at Palm Garden Hotel Aroi Dee is a hidden gem that provides tantalising Thai cuisine.Its serves a fusion of spicy and sour Thai delicacies. The restaurant serves a fantastic open air ambience with plenty beautiful flora and art structures to create an authentic ambience to enjoy your food.

I absolutely forgot the name of this delicious thirst quencher its lime with a sour condiment that is so refreshing in the heat.

  Accommodation 
Putrajaya is a place to relax,unwind and enjoy the calmness of the city and thus the best hotel I have come across would be Palm Garden Hotel. The price is not as steep (look out for discounts on bookin.com & agoda.com) and its facilities are beautiful. The lobby area adorns lush greenery and tranquil tunes. The rooms are super comfy and cosy.
Heliconia Twin room.Cost :- MYR 227 ($56.7)

Main Entrance and Lobby

A mini garden surrounded by the hotel itself.
This was my favourite part of the hotel

Getting There
Rail
Express Rail Link provides commute from KL Sentral and Salak Tinngi KLIA .
Frequency : 30 mins
Cost: MYR 6.20 - 9.50 ($1.55 -$2.37)
Estimated Time : 20 minutes
Cab
Grab Car 
Cost: MYR 45 ($11.24)
Estimated Time: 30 minutes

 Putrajaya is an incredible place to relax especially for tourists with long layovers. I believe it does not get noticed as often by visitors as it is slightly further away from the main city of Kuala Lumpur. If you are looking for a place to relax and experience culture Putrajaya is a must in your travel itinerary to Malaysia.

Location: Putrajaya, Malaysia

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