Putrajaya Botanical Garden

Taman Botani Putrajaya covers about ninety-two hectares on the lake shore and was opened in 2001 as part of the new capital's landscape, which makes it the largest botanical garden in the country. It is organised as a sequence of zones - a floral and ornamental section near the entrance with formal terraces and a sunken garden, a palm collection with several hundred species, an explorer's trail meant to trace the history of plant collecting, a canopy bridge over a wooded section, and a lakeside promenade. The Moroccan Pavilion, an ornate building put up with Moroccan craftsmen, stands at the top of the site and charges separately. Because it is spread out and largely young planting, the buggy or tram is worth taking, and the shade is thinner than in an old garden.

What you actually see

• Ninety-two hectares of garden - the largest botanical layout in Malaysia.
• A palm collection - several hundred species in the dedicated section.
• A canopy bridge - crossing above the wooded part of the grounds.
• The Moroccan Pavilion - the decorated building at the top of the site.

When to go

All year; early morning or late afternoon. Half a day.

Honest expectations

The planting is young and shade is limited - it is very hot by mid-morning. The site is large and walking it all is a slog; the buggy costs extra. The pavilion has separate hours and charges.

Nearby

The Putrajaya wetlands, Putra Mosque and the lake are all close.