Putrajaya Destination Guide: Everything You Need to Know (2024)

Malaysia’s administrative and judicial capital is the city of Putrajaya. This is a planned city that has wide boulevards, extensive green spaces as well as the world’s largest roundabout. Known as an intelligent garden city, it was established in 1995 and was formally declared a federal territory in 2001. Located halfway between Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Lumpur International Airport, it is easily accessible via the KLIA Transit rail line. The city boasts architectural gems such as Putra Mosque, Putrajaya Bridge and the Iron Mosque. Find out more in this Putrajaya destination guide.

What is Putrajaya Malaysia famous for?

Putrajaya is Malaysia’s administrative and judicial capital. This planned city is filled with impressive architecture, including the Iron Mosque, Putra Mosque as well as the world’s biggest roundabout. Putrajaya is a green city and is also home to Malaysia’s largest man-made freshwater wetlands – Putrajaya Wetlands Park.

Why you should visit Putrajaya Malaysia

Putrajaya is a great stop-over when visiting Malaysia. Located just a short train ride from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, it is a convenient first stop when arriving in the country. With two impressive mosques, it is a popular pilgrimage destination for Muslim tourists as well as those interested in stunning Persian Islamic architecture. Additionally, its significant green space provides plenty of opportunities to surround yourself in nature. In fact 38% of the city is green space, including many parks and gardens as well as a large man-made lake. Spanning across the lake are beautiful bridges which provide beautiful focal points to the cityscape. Another claim to fame of the city is the world’s largest roundabout. Furthermore Putrajaya has plenty of entertainment options including shops, restaurants, street food markets as well as a number of vibrant events throughout the year.

Putrajaya Destination Guide: Know before you go

Basic info about Putrajaya Malaysia

• City name in other scripts – ڤوتراجاي (Jawi), 布城 (Chinese), புத்ராஜெயா (Tamil), పుత్రజయ (Telugu)
• Date established – 19 October 1995
• Date declared a federal territory – 1 February 2001
• Language – Malay. There are 10 dialects of Malay used throughout thought the country, with Standard Malay being the unifying language. English is becoming more widely spoken in the country. However not everyone you meet will be able to speak English. Mandarin Chinese, Malaysian Chinese, Tamil, other Indian languages as well as Creole are spoken by the various ethnic groups that live in Malaysia.
• Currency – Malaysian ringgit (MYR). This has been the official currency of Malaysia since 1967. Currency exchanges are in most cities and ATMs are also available widely throughout the country.
• Population – 91,900 (2018)
• Area – 49 km² (19 sq mi)
• State – Putrajaya is a federal territory enclaved within the state of Selangor
• Emergency number – 999
• Police number – 999

Utilities in Putrajaya Malaysia

• Electricity – Malaysia uses Type G power plugs. The country operates on a 240v supply voltage at 50Hz. Power outages are reasonably common in Malaysia.
• Water – the tap water in Malaysia is not generally safe to drink. Tap water is usually treated, but pipes may be old. Therefore most locals boil their water or use a water filter just to be safe.
• Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets as well as Asian style squat toilets are common in Malaysia. Toilets generally come equipped with a spray hose (sometimes referred to as a Muslim shower). The spray hose is like a European bidet and is used for cleaning personal areas as an alternative to toilet paper. All of the accommodation we stayed in throughout the country had western style sit-down flushing toilets with spray hoses. Toilet paper is also usually provided. Don’t flush your toilet paper – use the bins provided. The use of bathroom slippers is customary and is provided in accommodation and sometimes also in public bathrooms. Public bathrooms often offer both sit-down and squat style toilets. Public toilets are common in Malaysia. The charge is usually around 30-50 sens.
• Telephone country code: +60

Where is Putrajaya Malaysia?

Putrajaya is a federal territory enclaved within the state of Selangor Malaysia. This city is next to Cyberjaya, Malaysia’s Silicon Valley. It is also located within MSC Malaysia, the Special Economic Zone and high-technology business district of Malaysia. Furthermore, the Putrajaya is roughly halfway between Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The closest cities to Putrajaya are Cyberjaya, Petaling Jaya, Klang and Kuala Lumpur. Putrajaya is 20 minutes by car from Cyberjaya and less than 50 minutes by car from Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya and Klang.

How to get to Putrajaya Malaysia

Putrajaya destination guide: Arriving by land

Putrajaya Malaysia intercity land transport

The main transport options for travelling overland to Putrajaya Malaysia are:

• Private vehicle
• Private transport operator
• Train
• Bus
• Bike

Driving to Putrajaya from within Malaysia

If you are driving to Putrajaya from within Malaysia, here are the travel times and distances:

• Cyberjaya, Selangor – 18 minutes (12km, 7miles) without tolls
• Kuala Lumpur – 38 minutes (40km, 25miles) with tolls, 44 minutes (35km, 22miles) without tolls
• Petaling Jaya, Selangor – 47 minutes (48km, 30miles) with tolls, 1 hour 12 minutes (48km, 30miles) without tolls
• Malacca, Malacca – 2 hours 6 minutes (139km, 86miles) with tolls or 2 hours 55 minutes (141km, 88miles) without tolls
• Kuantan, Pahang – 3 hours 41 minutes (286km, 178miles) with tolls or 5 hours 4 minutes (317km, 197miles) without tolls
• Johor Bahru, Johor – 3 hours 43 minutes (320km, 199miles) with tolls or 6 hours 21 minutes (374km, 232miles) without tolls
• George Town, Penang – 5 hours 16 minutes (390km, 242miles) with tolls or 7 hours 5 minutes (424km, 263miles) without tolls
• Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu – 5 hours 26 minutes (482km, 300miles) with tolls or 7 hours 53 minutes (515km, 320miles) without tolls
• Kota Bharu, Kelatan – 7 hours 3 minutes (475km, 295miles) with tolls or 7 hours 49 minutes (473km, 294miles) without tolls

Intercity trains to Putrajaya Malaysia

The Cyberjaya and Putrajaya train station is located in Putrajaya Central (Putrajaya Sentral). This train station services both Cyberjaya and Putrajaya, connecting these cities with Kuala Lumpur as well as Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Intercity buses to Putrajaya Malaysia

A common way to get around Malaysia is by using intercity buses. These are budget friendly and the network is extensive. Intercity bus companies in Malaysia include KKKL Express as well as S&S International.

Putrajaya destination guide: Arriving by air

The closest airport to Putrajaya is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Airport code KUL). This airport is 21km (13 miles) away.

Other nearby airports include:

• Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Airport code SZB). This airport is 27km (17 miles) away.
• Pinang Kampai Airport (Airport code DUM). This airport is 150km (93 miles) away.
• Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport (KUA). This airport is 193km (120 miles) away.

The national airline of Malaysia is Malaysia Airlines.

Putrajaya destination guide: Arriving by boat

Port Klang is the closest port to Putrajaya, located 60km (37 miles) away. This port is also known as Kuala Lumpur Cruise Port and was previously called Port Swettenham. Klang Port is the major port of Malaysia. In 2012 it was the 11^th busiest container port in the world.

Putrajaya destination guide: How to get around Putrajaya Malaysia

Walking in Putrajaya Malaysia

Putrajaya is a very walkable city with leafy areas and footpaths.

Local buses in Putrajaya Malaysia

Local buses service Putrajaya. The main bus terminal is at Putrajaya Central (Putrajaya Sentral).

Shuttle buses in Putrajaya Malaysia

There is a shuttle bus service which operates between Putrajaya Sentral, Institut Kanser Negara and Hospital Putrajaya. This service operates every 15 minutes Monday-Friday 6am-6pm. It does not operate on weekends or public holidays. For more information call 03-831242000 ext 2302.

Trams in Putrajaya Malaysia

Putrajaya does not have a tram system.

Local trains in Putrajaya Malaysia

Putrajaya does not have a local train line.

Metro trains (subway or underground) in Putrajaya Malaysia

Putrajaya does not have an underground train line.

Vehicle hire in Putrajaya Malaysia

A wide variety of vehicles can be rented in Malaysia. This includes:

• Electric scooters
• Bicycles
• Motorcycles
• Cars
• SUVs
• Boats

In Malaysia they drive on the left side of the road.

Taxis in Malaysia

Taxis are common in Malaysia. Fares are regulated and are usually metered. However taxi drivers in Malaysia do not have the best reputation, which is why alternative services like Grab are very popular.

In general your fare will include the following costs:

• The pickup fee or minimum fee – this is charged as soon as you get into the vehicle.
• Airport surcharge – this is an additional fixed fee for travelling to an airport.
• Price per kilometre – the rate is double between midnight and 6am.
• Price per hour – this is a price that gets charged when the taxi is stuck in heavy traffic.
• Surcharge for more than 2 adult passengers – this is an additional fixed fee.
• Surcharge for using the luggage compartment – this is an additional fixed fee.
• Surcharge for booking by phone – this is an additional fixed fee.
• Road toll charges

Check that the meter gets switched on at the start of your journey at the right rate. We also recommend bringing enough change in cash as drivers generally only accept cash and may not have change.

Alternatively, if booking in advance the fare may be a fixed price that is agreed on before the trip. Some taxis also operate on a pre-paid coupon system where the coupon is purchased from a counter at the airport.

It is not necessary or expected to tip taxi drivers in Malaysia.

Ride-share services in Putrajaya Malaysia

Grab is the main app based ride-hailing service in Malaysia. Other ride-share services in Malaysia include MyCar, MULA, DACSEE, EzCar, inDriver as well as the women only service Riding Pink. Uber no longers operates in Malaysia after Grab acquired all of its Southeast Asia assets. Lyft services only Putrajaya in Malaysia via its Grab partnership.

Putrajaya destination guide: Is Putrajaya Malaysia worth visiting?

Putrajaya is one of Malaysia’s two capital cities and is conveniently close to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Most people just get a glimpse of the city as they make their way from the KLIA airport to Kuala Lumpur. However if you take the time to explore, you will find a beautifully green and peaceful city filled with architectural gems waiting to be explored. We think that Putrajaya is an underrated Malaysian destination that is well worth visiting.

Putrajaya destination guide: How long to spend in Putrajaya Malaysia

Putrajaya is a modern planned city with beautiful architecture and plenty of activities to suit all ages. The city has a beautiful waterfront area, gorgeous parks and gardens and a great food scene. In particular, there are numerous hawker centres, food truck hotspots, restaurants and cafes to satisfy your food cravings. Moreover, Putrajaya has a relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals. The city also host popular events such as Royal Floria Putrajaya.

Located midway between KLIA and Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya is a great stopover when flying in or out of the country. It is perfect for a short stop over when in transit in Malaysia or as part of a larger Malaysian trip. However if you have more time to spare, this is a great value destination that could easily keep you entertained for a few days. We spent 2 nights in Putrajaya and particularly enjoyed exploring the food scene, marvelling at the architecture and enjoying the annual flower festival.

Putrajaya destination guide: What to do in Putrajaya Malaysia

Putrajaya is a peaceful Malaysian city with a number of interesting activities. It has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities.

Putrajaya destination guide: Free things to do in Putrajaya Malaysia

There are enough free activities in Putrajaya Malaysia to keep you entertained for a day or two:

• Putra Mosque
• Putra Square
• IOI City Mall
• Putrajaya Bridge
• Putrajaya Botanical Garden (Taman Botani Putrajaya)
• Putrajaya Lake
• The Iron Mosque (Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque or Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin)
• Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (the world’s largest roundabout)
• Prime Minister’s Office
• Seri Wawasan Bridge
• Bubbles & Beans
• Putrajaya Wetlands Park
• Putrajaya International Convention Centre
• Tangga Putrajaya Steps
• Taman Saujana Hijau Putrajaya
• Perbadanan Putrajaya
• The Symphony Walk
• Seri Gemilang Bridge
• Millennium Monument
• Shaftsbury Putrajaya Shopping Mall
• Alamanda Shopping Centre

Putrajaya destination guide: Paid activities in Putrajaya Malaysia

A number of attractions in Putrajaya Malaysia charge a fee:

• Moroccan Pavilion Putrajaya – entry fee 3 ringgit for adults (as at 2023).
• Pantai Floria – entry fee 6 ringgit for foreign adults (as at 2023).
• District 21 – active pass 64 ringgit weekdays, 80 ringgit weekends (as at 2023).
• Dreamworld Playland @ IOI City Mall – entry fee 20-55 ringgit, depending on age and day of the week (as at 2023).

Events in Putrajaya Malaysia

Putrajaya hosts a number of events throughout the year, including:

• Putrajaya Bridge Night Ride – an annual night bicycle riding event, touring the bridges of Putrajaya
• Malaysian National Tree Climbing Championship
• Royal Floria Putrajaya – annual flower and garden festival
• Putrajaya Water Sports Festival
• Putrajaya Bird Race
• Putrajaya Lights and Motion Festival (LAMPU)

Weather in Putrajaya Malaysia

The climate for Putrajaya is classified as tropical, with relatively uniform hot temperatures and also high humidity throughout the year. The hottest month is May with an average temperature range of 24°C to 32°C (76°F to 90°F) and coldest month December with an average temperature between 23°C to 31°C (74°F to 88°F). There are two monsoon seasons in Malaysia, November to early March, which is typically the most rainy, and June to September. The period of March through to June between the two monsoons is the hottest and also the most uncomfortable weather of the year.

Internet and mobile phones in Malaysia

Major internet and phone companies in Malaysia – Celcom, Digi, Hotlink (Maxis), U Mobile, UniFi Mobile, Tune Talk, Yes, XOX Mobile / ONEXOX, redONE, Yoodo, Telekom Malaysia and Time dotCom.

5G has been in Malaysia since December 2021. 2G will not be be switched off in Malaysia. 3G is was switched off in March 2022.

Malaysia is ranked 61^st fastest in the world for mobile internet speeds and 38^th fastest for fixed broadband. For Fixed Broadband the average download speed is 90mbps and upload is 51mbps (as at October 2022).

Cell phone SIM cards can be bought in a numbers of places throughout Malaysia. These include phone stores, in shopping malls, at bus stations as well as at airports. Some form of ID, such as a passport, is required in order to purchase a SIM card in Malaysia.

How much to budget for Putrajaya Malaysia?

Putrajaya destination guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in Putrajaya Malaysia

As a rough guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:

• Low-budget daily spend – 150 ringgit per day for a couple will get you hostel accommodation, meals from bakeries and markets, local transport and free or cheap activities such as visiting shopping centres and markets
• Mid-range daily spend – 300 ringgit per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, local transport, restaurant meals and a few paid activities
• Luxury spend – 2000 ringgit per day for a couple will get you a premium experience in Malaysia, staying at luxury hotels, travelling by private transport, doing a range of paid activities and eating at high end restaurants

Putrajaya destination guide: Accommodation in Putrajaya Malaysia

There is a good range of accommodation to suit most budgets in Putrajaya Malaysia. Airbnb operates in Malaysia, and there are a number of Airbnb properties in Putrajaya. Wifi is not always provided for Airbnb properties in Malaysia, so we recommend checking if it is included in the listing. One thing to keep in mind with hotels in Malaysia is that smoking in hotel rooms is often permitted. We also noticed that some accommodation in Putrajaya rents rooms for the day and it’s an extra cost if you stay overnight. Other accommodation is catered to Muslim guests only.

Where to stay in Putrajaya Malaysia

We recommend the following accommodation in Putrajaya Malaysia:

• Best budget hotel in Putrajaya Malaysia – for great value accommodation in Putrajaya Malaysia we recommend Hotel ali Imran. The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable. It is in a rural part of Putrajaya outside of the main part of the city, but there is parking onsite.
• Best mid-range hotel in Putrajaya Malaysia – The Everly Putrajaya is the best mid-range hotel in Putrajaya Malaysia. It is conveniently located near Putrajaya Lake as well as Alamanda Shopping Centre. The rooms are clean and spacious and the breakfasts are very nice.
• Best luxury accommodation in Putrajaya Malaysia – Le Méridien Putrajaya is the best 5 star hotel in Putrajaya. It is conveniently located right next to IOI City Mall. This modern hotel has spacious and comfortable rooms. The staff are also friendly and helpful. Furthermore, the buffets are excellent with lots of choices.

How much is accommodation in Putrajaya Malaysia?

For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:

• Budget accommodation – there is no dorm accommodation in Putrajaya. The cheapest accommodation is 89 ringgit for a private room.
• Mid-range accommodation – 100-200 ringgit for a private room.
• Luxury accommodation – 200-520 ringgit a night for a luxury hotel.
• Rental property – 160-700 ringgit a night for a fully furnished 3-4 bedroom home.

Tourist tax on accommodation in Malaysia

From 1 January 2023 there is a tourist tax of 10 ringgit per accommodation per night in Malaysia. This tax is collected by the property. Permanent residents and Malaysian nationals are exempt from the tax. Furthermore the tourist tax does not apply to homestays and kampung stays registered with the Ministry of Tourism.

Putrajaya destination guide: Food in Putrajaya Malaysia

How much does food cost in Putrajaya Malaysia?

Our price guide for your food budget in Putrajaya Malaysia is as follows (prices as at 2022):

• Restaurant meal – 20-60 ringgit for a main dish
• Night market or hawker market food – 5-15 ringgit for a dish
• Ais kachang – 4-6 ringgit
• Coffee – 1.50-2.50 ringgit

Must eat food in Putrajaya Malaysia

• Street food at Putrajaya Food Truck Hotspot@Presint 2
• Waterfront dining at Ayer@8

Cheap Eats in Putrajaya Malaysia

• Bakeries are a great place to get cheap and delicious food.
• Hawker centres in Malaysia are ubiquitous and have excellent budget friendly food. The variety of stalls available means that you have a good range of options to choose from.
• Night markets in Malaysia are another of our go to places for affordable and tasty food. There’s also usually stalls selling items like clothes, toys and shoes in addition to the food stalls.
• Street food is also a very common cheap eat option in Malaysia. You can often find street food around transport hubs as well as scattered in various places around the city.

Putrajaya Malaysia culture

Weekends in Putrajaya Malaysia

Which days are weekdays and weekend days vary in Malaysia depending on the state or territory you’re in. In Putrajaya weekdays are Monday to Friday and weekends are Saturday and Sunday. Keep this in mind as weekends can affect prices and availability (particularly for accommodation). Additionally weekends may impact opening hours as well as how crowded attractions are.

Putrajaya public holidays

Malaysia has one of the highest number of public holidays in the world. In total, there are between 18 and 20 public holidays observed in each state. This includes national holidays as well as state based holidays. Public holidays for Selangor are as follows:

• New Year’s Day – 1^st January
• Thaipusam – full moon in the month of Thai, in January or February
• Chinese New Year’s Day – 1^st day of 1^st lunar month, in January or February
• Chinese New Year Holiday – 2^nd day of 1^st lunar month, in January or February
• Federal Territory Day – 1^st February
• Labour Day – 1 May
• Wesak Day (Buddha’s birthday) – May or June, date varies
• Hari Nuzul Al-Quran – 17^th day of Ramadan, date varies
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa – the last day of Ramadan, date varies
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday or Hari Raya Puasa Holiday – day after the last day of Ramadan, date varies
• Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday (King’s Birthday) – 1^st Monday in June
• Hari Raya Qurban (Aidiladha) (Feast of the Sacrifice) – date varies
• Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year) – date varies
• Merdeka Day (National Day, Independence Day) – 31 August
• Malaysia Day – 16 September
• Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday) – 12^th day of the 3^rd month of the Islamic calendar
• Deepavali – date varies, October or November
• Christmas Day – 25 December

National symbols of Malaysia

• Malaysia flag – 14 alternating red and white stripes with a blue canton with a yellow crescent and 14 pointed star. The Malaysian flag is called the Stripes of Glory.
• Malaysia coat of arms – two tigers supporting a shield with a yellow crescent and a 14 pointed star on top and a yellow banner with words that translate to “Unity is strength” written in both romanised Malay and Jawi at the bottom.
• National flower – hibiscus
• National bird – rhinoceros hornbill
• Malaysia national animal – the Malayan tiger

Malaysia pastimes

• National dish – nasi lemak
• Popular drinks – teh tarik, Ipoh white coffee, milo ais, sirup bandang
• National sport – sepak takraw
• Religion – 64% Islam, 19% Buddhist, 9% Christian, 6% Hindu (as at 2020)

Is Putrajaya Malaysia Safe?

Malaysia travel guide: Safety in Malaysia

We have spent around 4 months travelling extensively through Malaysia over two separate trips. In our experience the country is extremely safe. Malaysia ranks 18^th safest country on the Global Peace Index (as at 2022). As with any country, there are good areas and bad areas. Watch out for pickpockets and bag snatching particularly at crowded tourist attractions. In particular, when eating out don’t leave your bag, phone or wallet on the table or next to you where someone can quickly grab it and run away. Instead keep your belongings physically attached to you at all times. Make sure no-one is watching whenever you are entering pin codes and never lose sight of your credit card when making a purchase.

General safety considerations in Malaysia

Other general safety considerations for travel in Malaysia:

• Drinking water – tap water in Malaysia is not generally safe to drink. Tap water is usually treated, but pipes may be old. Therefore most locals boil their water or use a water filter.
• Mosquitoes – mosquito borne illnesses are a significant risk in Malaysia, particularly dengue, Zika and chikungunya. Malaysia is in the pre-elimination phase of malaria. While malaria is a greater risk in Malaysian Borneo, there have also been cases on the Malaysian peninsula. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
• Altitude sickness – Malaysia has areas of high altitude and therefore altitude sickness risk. If you visit high altitude areas in Malaysia, allow sufficient time to acclimatise. If you experience signs of altitude sickness, including headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or shortness of breath, get help immediately.
• Road safety – Road accidents are a significant risk in Malaysia. While road conditions in Malaysia are generally very good, traffic is often very heavy. Furthermore drivers in Malaysia tend to speed up rather than slowing down for amber lights. We also found that roads in Malaysia are not typically built with pedestrians in mind, and footpaths often stop unexpectedly in busy areas.
• Water safety – take care when swimming as currents and waves may be stronger than you expect.
• Earthquakes – Malaysia experiences both regional and local earthquake activity. In an earthquake, stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall. If inside, get under a table, desk or solid furniture and hang onto it. Cover your head and torso to protect from falling objects. If outside, stay outside and go to an open area away from buildings.
• Sun safety – Exposure to the sun can have adverse short-term and long-term effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. Sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses is very important to ensure you don’t get burnt.
• Dogs – rabies from rabid dog bites is a risk in Malaysia. For more on dog safety while travelling, check out this video.

As with any destination, take all of your normal safety precautions.

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