Putrajaya — Malaysias geplante Bundeshauptstadt und Putra-Moschee
Putrajaya (25 kilometres south of Kuala Lumpur city centre — the planned administrative capital of Malaysia, developed from scratch from 1995 onwards on former palm oil plantation land in the Corridor Raya Multimedia (MSC Malaysia) as part of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's Vision 2020 programme of transforming Malaysia into a fully developed nation): Putrajaya is one of the largest planned city developments in Southeast Asian history, eventually encompassing 4,931 hectares of government offices, official residences, a large artificial lake, botanical gardens, and monumental civic architecture.
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Masjid Putra — Pink Granite Mosque on an Artificial Lake
Masjid Putra (Putrajaya, 1999) is the largest mosque in Malaysia and the seat of federal government religious ceremonies — built from pink granite quarried in Selangor, the mosque's colour changes from pale pink at noon to deep rose at sunset; the main dome (70m high) is modelled on the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca; the mosque accommodates 15,000 worshippers; entry free, abayas provided for non-Muslim women.
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Putrajaya — Malaysia's 25-Year-Old Planned Capital
Putrajaya (Malaysia's federal administrative capital, 25km from KL, connected by ERL train) was built on a 4,931-hectare site from scratch beginning in 1999 — the 650-hectare Putrajaya Lake (the largest man-made lake in Malaysia) is surrounded by government ministries in a postmodern Islamic architectural style; Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad conceived the city as a symbol of Malaysia's Vision 2020 development plan.
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Perdana Putra — Prime Minister's Office Complex
Perdana Putra (the Prime Minister's Office, 1999, green copper dome, overlooking the Putrajaya Lake) is the centrepiece of Malaysia's administrative capital — the Moorish-influenced architecture blends Malay, Islamic, and Western elements; the complex is open for guided tours by advance application; the Putra Bridge (four-tiered Moorish arches) connects the complex to the residential areas.
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Putrajaya Wetlands — Urban Bird Sanctuary
The Putrajaya Wetlands (197 hectares of constructed wetlands purifying water entering the Putrajaya Lake system) are home to 93 bird species including purple herons, brahminy kites, and both Javan and little pond herons — the wetlands function as the ecological filter for the artificial lake while serving as a public recreational area with 8km of boardwalk trails; entry free, open 8am–6pm daily.
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Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Festival — March
Putrajaya hosts the Malaysian International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (March, Taman Warisan Pertanian, 3 days) — 30+ international balloon teams from 20+ countries participate in competitive and display flights over the Putrajaya Lake; night glows (balloons inflated and lit at dusk without flying) are the most photographed events; tethered balloon rides (RM50) give a 30m elevated view of the administrative capital.
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Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin — Steel Mosque
Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin (Putrajaya, 2009, Masjid Besi, 'Iron Mosque') is Malaysia's second largest mosque and the most innovative architecturally — 75% of the mosque's structure is exposed stainless steel rather than the traditional masonry and tile; the main dome (15 tonnes of steel) is perforated with geometric patterns that project light patterns on the interior floor; natural ventilation eliminates air conditioning needs.