Putra Mosque – MALAYSIA WORLD HERITAGE TRAVEL SITE

Dubbed the futuristic administrative capital of the country, Putrajaya is famous for its strategic town planning, striking architecture, the largest roundabout in the world (at 3.5 km in diameter), as well as scenic man-made lake. It is often regarded as a place for official functions and events.

Lately, though, Putrajaya, located 40 km away from Kuala Lumpur, is gaining popularity among those looking to escape the capital city. Its parks, wetlands, lakes, architecture and peaceful ambience is a magnet for those who love nature, photography enthusiasts, joggers, cyclists and those who indulge in water sport activities.

It is not uncommon to see tourists taking their selfies, or for graduation and wedding pictures to be taken against the beautiful backdrop of Putrajaya.

In addition, more and more events and activities are planned in this administrative capital such as the Royal Floria Putrajaya, which is a flower and garden show much-anticipated by all.

But we’ll let you in on a secret…Putrajaya is even more beautiful by night! The city is, of course, lit up by streetlights and lights from buildings. What’s more enchanting is the lights on several of the iconic bridges of the city.

Yes, the city itself consists of eight signature bridges, i.e. Putra, Seri Perdana, Seri Saujana, Seri Gemilang, Seri Wawasan, Seri Bakti, Seri Bestari and Seri Setia. These bridges are built to link various parts of the city separated by the sprawling network of lakes.

Most of the bridges are lit up in colourful LED lights and high-powered spotlights in the evenings and well into the night. They have become popular sites for wedding photo shoots, and sometimes, are the star of the photographs themselves. When foreign dignitaries are in town, or when it is a national holiday, the night-time ambience of Putrajaya is even more magical with creative and stunning play of lights.

Start your tour of Putrajaya after hours just before sunset. As the sun goes down on the horizon, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view: the brilliant rays from the sun cast shadows across the city and the reflections off the lake make the sight of these bridges even more romantic.

Let’s take a look at our top recommendations for Putrajaya bridges by night!

Putra Bridge

One of the main bridges in Putrajaya, the Putra Bridge is 435m long, connecting Precints 1 and 2. The upper level of the bridge forms part of the Boulevard, or the main street in the capital. Its design is inspired by the Islamic architecture of the famous Khaju Bridge in Isfahan, Iran. Its attractions include the four minaret- like piers complete with observation decks that overlook Lake Putrajaya.

Inspired by the design of the Khaju Bridge in Iran, Putra Bridge is the longest of the bridges in Putrajaya at 435 metres. It also makes up the focal point of Putrajaya together with the Putra Mosque in its dusky pink glory and the Putra Square, the hive of activity in Putrajaya.

The bridge connects Precinct 1 (Government Precinct) and Precinct 2 (Mixed Development) on the Core Island. The upper level of the bridge forms part of the Persiaran Perdana (Boulevard). We like to take a sunset drive over the bridge to appreciate the arresting scene of the placid lake with the iconic dome of the Putra Mosque and its surrounds completing the picture.

A special feature of the bridge is its four octagonal towers and its wall of Islamic motifs. The towers are equipped with observation decks which overlook Lake Putrajaya.

Seri Wawasan Bridge

This is one of the main bridges in Putrajaya, connecting Precint 2 to the residential area of Precint 8. The design of this cable-stayed bridge resembles a futuristic ship. Spanning 2.4km, this bridge can accommodate motorised traffic, bicycles and pedestrians. Highly visible even from afar, it has become one of the beautiful icons of Putrajaya.

The Seri Wawasan Bridge, meaning Bridge of Vision, is one of the most beautiful bridges, we feel, in Malaysia. It is the main link between Precincts 2 and 8, featuring a dual three-lane carriageway with a pedestrian walkway and cycling track at the sides.

The bridge spans a length of 240 metres across the Putrajaya Lake. Driving over it, this magnificent cable-styled bridge gives off a sense of strength and purpose. Its elegant lines draw inspiration from the beauty of a sailboat. At night, the whole look of the bridge is transformed with interesting and colorful light play. This much-photographed bridge has become an icon of Putrajaya, it can be easily spotted from various vantage points in the city, even from surrounding areas such as Cyberjaya.

Seri Gemilang Bridge

This ceremonial bridge connects the Heritage Square with the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. Spanning nearly 233m in lenght, the bridge is one of the most popular spots for photography in Putrajaya. The most dominant feature of the bridge is its four distinctive towers which are visible from a distance. Specially designed street lamps light up the bridge at night.

Seri Gemilang Bridge is a rather romantic bridge set in a quieter enclave of Putrajaya. It is a stunning double of Pont Alexandre III that spans the Seine River in Paris, France. As you cross this bridge, you can’t help but notice the intricate mouldings and detailed decorative works inspired by traditional Malay plants and floral motifs. Four main towers with four smaller entrance towers complete this 240-metre long bridge.

The view from this bridge is stunning and we recommend going at sunset to witness the changing colours of the sky reflected on the surface of the lake. You’ll enjoy a stroll on the pedestrian walkway of the bridge, or you can venture down the steps to get to the edge of the lake. From here, take a leisurely walk to explore the peaceful surroundings.

Seri Saujana Bridge

This is another premier bridge in Putrajaya, connecting Precint 4 to Precint 7. This cable-stayed arch bridge has been designed to reflect a transparent, elegant and futuristic structure. With an overall single span of 3km, it is an awesome sight to behold, both day and night.

The Seri Saujana Bridge is one of the signature bridges of Putrajaya. It is the first bridge in the world to successfully combine two different engineering techniques, arch and cable stay. There is no other bridge structure like it in the world! Some have even compared it to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Located at the southwest corner of the city, this 300-metre bridge connects Precinct 4 (Commercial Precinct) to Precinct 7. It serves as a grand entrance into Putrajaya for those entering the city from the south on the upgraded B15 road and Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Lumpur International Airport highway.

The night view of Seri Saujana Bridge is even more impressive with mood lighting to enhance the beautiful lines and architecture of the bridge. Like other bridges, it provides a pedestrian walkway and cycle track for public usage.

While the above are our top picks for Putrajaya bridges to visit at night, the administrative capital has four other notable bridges worth visiting as well to enjoy their beautiful architecture and admire the stunning engineering effort.

Seri Perdana Bridge

Located at the South-West of Precinct 1, this bridge connects the Government Precinct to Precincts 8, 9, and 10 across the Putrajaya Lake. Along the bridge are eight pavilions with arches and domed roofs, and these act as viewing decks for pedestrians to pause to take in the magnificent views of the lake.

Compared to the other bridges, the Seri Perdana is simple in design, yet remains elegant with its interesting tile-work in patterned hues of yellow. This continuous beam bridge is 372 metres long and was one of the first bridges to be completed in Putrajaya.

Seri Bakti Bridge

This simple beam bridge is located in the northeast of the city that connects Precinct 1 to the residential area of Precinct 16, which also houses the official residence of the Deputy Prime Minister.

The 270-metre long Seri Bakti Bridge offers a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area. Driving along this bridge towards the Government Precinct imparts a sense of purpose and ceremony because the road ahead leads to the Prime Minister’s office and department.

This bridge has dual two-lane carriageways that provide access for vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. The tile work in Islamic motifs and the stylised streetlamps along the length of the bridge give it a unique identity.

Seri Bestari Bridge

The Seri Bestari Bridge lies at the northeast side of Putrajaya, connecting the Core Island to Taman Warisan Pertanian in Precinct 16. It is part of the direct route from the Deputy Prime Minister’s official residence to the Core Island.

This concrete arch system bridge spans 152.6 metres and has dual two-lane carriageways as well as a cycle track cum pedestrian walkway. The footpath bears a tropical theme with its palm trees and plants. Specially-designed lamp posts light up after dark with mood lighting to complete this stunning piece of architecture.

Seri Setia Bridge

Located in the southeast part of the city, the Seri Setia Bridge spans 210 metres across the lake, bridging the commercial district of Precinct 4 to Precinct 19, a high-density residential area with full amenities and facilities.

The designers implemented simple design features to enhance the beauty and functionality of the bridge. For example, the tropical landscaping around the bridge not only serves as an aesthetic element but also protects motorists from the glare of headlights of oncoming traffic.

Another thoughtful design element is the dual three-lane road system constructed on the bridge in anticipation of the heavier traffic in the area. Other enhancements include the tapering of the “legs” supporting the bridge, creating the illusion of an arched hallway beneath the bridge, besides the reference to Islamic identity.

Putrajaya, the making of a city

As a young capital, Putrajaya may not have the character and soul of the great cities of the world, but it is well on its way there with innovative architecture, community-centric town planning and long term ambitions. In relation to many of Malaysia’s other cities like Kuala Lumpur and Melaka, the garden city of Putrajaya is like a new kid on the old block. Granted, it lacks the dramatic history of the former and the age-old culture of the latter but what it has in excess is youthfulness, a modern vision and a spirit to embrace the new.

From crops to city

A walk down its memory lane – or in this case, its landmark 4.2 km-long boulevard – may be short but it is filled with many aesthetically-pleasing buildings, parks and bridges. Barely 16 years since its groundbreaking ceremony, Putrajaya, gleaming in the tropical sun today, is a majestic city fitting of its role as the new centre of the Malaysian government.

What you see today is a far cry from the time when the area was known as Prang Besar. Those were the days when rubber and palm oil plantations dominated the terrain. In the late 1990s, work began to transform the estate into the glossy administrative capital envisioned by then-Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. It was to be his legacy for Malaysia, but at the time, the city was conceived for a more practical reason – to relieve the urban congestion that was slowly choking the capital city, Kuala Lumpur.

For some years during the initial phase of development, Putrajaya looked like a muddy pit where man and nature engaged in heavy battle – an apt reflection of its name (Prang Besar loosely translates into Big War) – as trees were mowed down and earth was flattened to make way for the new city.

Building with care

In the following years, the barren landscape sprouted shiny new buildings connected by a wide and impressive boulevard, while around it, a new township complete with schools, shopping malls and residences were built. It’s interesting to note that Putrajaya’s master plan focused on creating optimum living conditions. For instance, as much as 70 percent of Putrajaya’s total area is still green with more being done to reduce carbon emissions and waste products and to promote cooler outdoor temperatures in the tropical heat.

A broad range of housing types are available to bring people of diverse backgrounds together in Putrajaya. Public amenities and facilities within each neighbourhood are located within five minutes’ walking distance from any point. Solid fencing around the perimeter of a house is discouraged so as to promote interaction and socialization among neighbours (hedges, shrubs and trees are used instead to demarcate one house from the next).

The original streams running through the barren landscape — Sungai Chuau and Sungai Bisa – were flooded over and dammed up to create a chain of scenic man-made lakes that together, make up about 600 hectares or 12 percent of Putrajaya. Entire forests were re-planted, a whole other ecosystem was re-created. A new city was built from ground zero.

The lake district

The lake – its presence too huge to ignore — has now become the main feature of Putrajaya. It functions as both a recreational area and scenic element, as well as being an environmental filter and cooling system. It’s been the venue for high-profile events such as international hot air balloons festivals, flower carnivals, the Le Tour De Langkawi, and international waterski championships.

As many as eight bridges of majestic architecture were constructed over the lake at various points. These have become scenic backdrops for a variety of television commercials and favourite subject matters of the many photography enthusiasts. Visitors can best enjoy the beauty of the lake, and Putrajaya, via a lake cruise that highlights the many stunning landmarks around.

A 38 km waterfront area was developed along a part of the lake with parks, landscaped walkways, fishing piers and viewing decks. A well-kept secret is the public “beach” right next to Pullman Putrajaya Hotel where folks can enjoy some sun while the kids splash away in the water.

The lake also forms part of the wetland park and functions as a habitat for new wildlife to the area such as swifts, moor hens, water hens, wild ducks and kingfishers, as well as migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere. Needless to say, it offers bird-watchers and nature lovers a fruitful outdoor session.

Landmark buildings

One of the first Putrajaya structures to be completed was the Putra Mosque which, till today, remains an important icon of Putrajaya. Its dusky pink dome, topped with a gold tiled finial measuring 76 metres above ground level, has been the point of reference for many who navigate the roads around the city. Surprisingly, the elaborately-decorated dome took only six weeks to complete due to the use of modern technology which was able to create a perfect mould of the dome. Pre-fabricated sections of the dome were made off-site and mounted on the mosque without the use of scaffolding and in 30 per cent less time than conventional methods.

Today, the mosque, which seems to “float” on the Putrajaya Lake, can welcome as many as 10,000 worshippers in its vast prayer hall. Even so, there was a need to construct another mosque just five years later, the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin mosque which can take in up to 20,000 worshippers at a time. Nicknamed the Iron Mosque because of the 6,000 tonnes of steel used in its construction, it couldn’t be more different than the Putra Mosque just 2.2 km to the north. Influenced by German and Chinese architectural aesthetics, the mosque does away with minarets, fans and air-conditioning. Instead, a fountain courtyard, large open spaces and latticed walls were implemented to cool the interiors and promote ventilation. Other design elements include the use of “transparent” walls on which etchings of Quranic verses seem to float.

Another building worth mentioning is the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications, or better known as the LEO building, short for Low Energy Office. It broke new ground in the area of energy efficiency and conservation in buildings, operating on approximately 135 kWh per m2 a year, with the aim of sustaining on as little as 55 kWh per m2 a year. It has become a model for green buildings that are both beautiful in design and user friendly for the comfort of its inhabitants.

The Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) in Precinct 5 also has a striking architecture. Located right at the end of the Putrajaya Boulevard, “facing off” Putra Perdana, the PICC was inspired by the design of the royal Malay belt buckle or pending, which is best appreciated with an aerial view of the building. From the front, however, the roof – whose sides are “lifted up” — reflects hints of Japanese origami design elements. The rest of the building is made of glass, to illuminate the interiors with as much natural light as possible.

Another distinctive feature of Putrajaya is the 100 metre wide and 4 km long boulevard with the Putra Perdana (the Prime Minister’s office) at one end and the PICC at the other. It’s been said that Tun Mahathir wanted it fashioned after the Champs-Elysees of Paris where parades and celebrations could be held in grand fashion along the main thoroughfare.

The garden city

Besides the Wetland Park, there are at least five other major parks in the vicinity. The Botanical Park has a fine collection of plant exhibits in beautifully landscaped grounds featuring 700 species from 90 countries. The Agriculture Heritage Park meanwhile honours the origins of Putrajaya by maintaining an original tract of the Prang Besar rubber plantation including an authentic rubber processing machine and smokehouse. It also cultivates Malaysian fruit trees in its orchards to give visitors a chance to sample local seasonal fruits.

Within the diplomatic enclave lies a man-made dipterocarp forest; what used to be an oil palm estate is now an urban jungle complete with natural streams, walking trails, and horse-riding trails. Two other unique parks within Putrajaya are the Challenge Park, to promote X-Games type recreation, and the Equestrian Park.

Putrajaya may be small in size at only 49 km square (compared to Kuala Lumpur’s 243 km square), but it certainly packs in a lot with its mixed development. And while it may be relatively young, it’s creating history of its own with landmark architecture, seamless marriage of modernity and nature, and its spirit of community.

For more information on Putrajaya, go to www.ppj.gov.my or www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my.

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