Paya Indah Wetlands

Paya Indah covers about three thousand hectares of peat swamp and open water south of Putrajaya, most of it lakes left by tin mining that were rehabilitated from the late 1990s into a managed wetland - so the landscape is artificial in origin and now genuinely functions as habitat. Lotus and water lilies cover the shallow lakes, and the bird list runs past two hundred species, with herons, storks, kingfishers and migratory waders in season. The reserve also keeps animals in enclosures, including hippopotamuses brought from Africa, crocodiles and some deer, which sits oddly with the wild-wetland framing and is the part visitors either enjoy or find out of place. Boardwalks and a cycle track run between the lakes, buggies can be hired, and there is basic accommodation. Weekday mornings are quiet and best for birds.

What you actually see

• Flooded tin mines - rehabilitated into lakes covered in lotus and lily.
• Over two hundred bird species - herons, storks, kingfishers and migrants.
• Animal enclosures - hippos, crocodiles and deer kept on site.
• Boardwalks and cycle tracks - running between the lakes, with buggies for hire.

When to go

All year; weekday mornings for birds. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Part of it is effectively a small zoo rather than a wild reserve. It is hot and exposed with little shade. Facilities have been variable and sections have closed for works at times - check before travelling.

Nearby

Putrajaya is north; Kuala Lumpur is an hour away.