Putrajaya

  • FT of Malaysia,  Putrajaya

    Autoshow @ Putrajaya

    The only time I saw fancy colorful cars, like those which may have also utilized shop paint supplies for your car, was when I watched The Cars movie. Remember when the truck was sleepy and McQueen was sleeping safe and sound inside, there was a group of cars with loud music and fire coming out from the exhaust?

    Well, I saw real ones today. My family and I was attending a wedding at Perbadanan Putrajaya hall when we saw an autoshow at Precint 3 Boulevard. We stopped by as my son wants to see the cars up-close. He was very excited!

    Here are some of the pictures I captured during the autoshow.

    Bumblebee
    Yassin and his dad with their favourite Bumblebee.

    fireexhaust
    Whoaaa… fire-spitting exhaust!

    HelloKitty
    Hellooooo Kitty!

    insdieHK
    This shows how the owner loves Hello Kitty so much.

    Bambush
    Bambush.

    ChunLi
    Chun Li.

     More on my Instagram or sidebar mini gallery later!

  • ABOUT ME,  Family travel,  FT of Malaysia,  Kuala Lumpur,  Malaysia,  mixed media,  Putrajaya,  TRAVEL/HOLIDAYS

    On Saturday morning…

    …we went to Titiwangsa Lake after having breakfast at Restoran Haslam.

    Wanted to make this a routine but last Saturday, we couldn’t make it. Went there a week before last week.  Previously, it was not that full when we reached Titiwangsa Lake around 9am. But today, it was so full! I get to ask a boy with a fishing rod in his hand, “Dik, ada acara apa ni? Pertandingan memancing ke?” The boy replied, “haah, kak.” Ok there was a fishing competition this morning, no wonder. We made few rounds and luckily we found a spot.

    And the three of us, spent time doing things we love; Yassin with his cycling, me sketching, husband taking videos.

    titiwangsa lake

    Didn’t bring my camera as my bag was full..just relying on my phone camera.

    waterlily

    a frame from my husband’s camcorder

    Here are some of the sketches I got to draw on lovely Saturday morning:

    fern on palm tree

    Epiphytic ferns on palm tree

    waterlily

    waterlilies

    Later on, we went to another lake! hehe…Putrajaya Lake Garden. I love it there, we got the field in front of the Millennium Monument all to ourselves. There’s no other family except some guards and landscape workers.

    putrajaya lake garden

    payung ceritera

    Ceritera garden umbrella

    kacang

    Peanuts…
    [Kacang tak pernah lupakan kulit, kita je yang makan kacang dan buang kulitnya. ~ Emila
    ]

  • Family travel,  FT of Malaysia,  Malaysia,  Putrajaya,  TRAVEL/HOLIDAYS

    Taman Botani Putrajaya

    bed of purple flowers

    This is the first time I went to Taman Botani Putrajaya and I love the place! There are so many plants and flowers to see. My family and I (especially my boy) had a great fun!

    lying on a lil hill

    rolling... and rolling! that was fun!

    where's yassin?

    can you find where’s yassin? hehe

    ala santorini booyah! sitting on a bed of purple flowers

    momok....

    flower boy dimple boy my tourist guide

    We parked at the main parking area and started our walk from the Gazebo to the Canna Walk via the covered walkway. We just followed the trail and visited Fern Garden, Heliconia Trail, Vine Garden, Palm Hill, Sun Garden, Orchid Path, Floral Gardens and Pandanus Walk. I dunno how many miles we walked but imagine, it’s a 93ha park! But it’s all worth it. I captured a lot of photos for my drawing reference. Here are some:

    do you know the genus? let me know. thanks

    I searched high and low for an information sign but couldn’t find any. Please lemme know if you know the name. Thanks in advance.

    pink allamanda clustered fish tail palm giant spiderlily

    canna

    Canna


    Taman Botani Putrajaya is the biggest botanical garden in Malaysia and is located in Precint 1, Putrajaya. This area is 25 km from Kuala Lumpur and if you intend to come by bus, take the Cityliner bus 868 from Sinar Kota, Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya. From the bus terminal in Putrajaya, take a Nadi Putra bus here. If you come by train, use the ERL KLIA transit train that departs from KL Sentral or KLIA. At the Western Transportation Terminal in Putrajaya, take the Nadi Putra bus and you will arrive here.

    It has been designed as an Arcadia or a national sanctuary for the Malaysian living collection of plant taxonomy as well as a centre for education and research. Taman Botani Putrajaya is an oasis of tranquility that brings us back to our roots in nature, a place where we can reflect on the vital, interdependent relationship that exist between man and the amazing plant kingdom around us. The garden currently has more than 700 species of flowering plants, local plants as well as plants from the Asia-Pacific and Africa regions. Most plants and gardens throughout Taman Botani will have reading material positioned for visitors to read.

    The garden is divided into 5 different themes. They are the Explorer’s Trail, Palm Hill, Floral Gardens, Sun Garden and the Lakeside. There is a Visitors’ Interpretative Centre (VIC), explorer’s trail, palm hill, sun and floral gardens for visitors wishing to experience more from the Botanical Garden. You can take home some interesting collections from its quaint gift shop offering environmentally friendly souvenirs.

    Taman Botani Putrajaya achieved international accreditation when it was listed in Paradise Found as one of the top 40 most beautiful parks in the world.

    Opening hours are 9am-7pm daily. Admission to the gardens is free. Entry fee to the Interactive Exhibition is RM2.

    Time for guide Tour (Walk-In) is 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 2:30 pm and 4:00 pm.

    You can also rent a bicycle here and the rate is as per below:

    Monday-Friday
    One Seater – RM2 per hour
    Two Seaters – RM4 per hour
    Baby Carrier Seat – RM1 per hour

    Sat/Sun/Public Holidays
    One Seater – RM4 per hour
    Two Seaters – RM8 per hour
    Baby Carrier Seat – RM2 per hour

    For more information, please contact :
    Taman Botani Putrajaya
    Presint 1, 62000 Putrajaya
    Tel: (6)03-88889090
    Website: www.putrajaya.net.my

    Here’s the map of the park, scanned from the brochure that I got at the Gazebo.

    map of taman botani

    credits: putrajaya.net.my | click on map to view larger version.

  • FT of Malaysia,  local events,  Malaysia,  Putrajaya,  TRAVEL/HOLIDAYS

    Floria 2010

    Went to the Floria Festival 2010 at Putrajaya last Saturday. It was the last day, so most of the flowers were drying and quite some gardens were left unmaintained. Typically, every garden has heliconia or crane flowers or strelitzia or bird of paradise. This was because they were the theme flower for this year. Nonetheless, there were other local flowers as well.

    The feeling was not that great compared to the one I attended in KL Lake Garden back in 2008. I kinda like the 2008 one better as the individual gardens were quite big and constructed as if they were there to stay.

    crane flower bouquet

    periwinkles

    The French Marigold

    Hibiscus

    Wooden pavement. I like this idea, kinda suitable for my wooden house.

    Yassin playing at the the playground field just in front of the Millennium Monument.

    We missed the march band.


  • FT of Malaysia,  Putrajaya

    Blog4FT prize-giving ceremony

    When I arrived at Kelab Tasik Putrajaya, I was greeted by Hakim, one of the team members of Blog4ft organising committee. He is the person behind the familiar chirpy voice since October, in charge of delivering the good news via the phone.

    And it’s always nice to put a face behind a voice.

    After talking with Hakim and filled in a form, I was led inside to the front table. After being seated, I was approached and greeted by a fellow blogger, Categorically Random (CR). We talked awhile and later I saw a familiar face waving at me from far. It was Bain! Bain joined us and I introduced Bain to CR. “Aa, the crony,” CR said. And the three of us laughed. Bain, my neighbour during the 80s, has won the monthly prizes for the Public Category as well! Yay Bain!

    I was informed earlier that I would be seated with other monthly ‘winners’ and would be separated from my husband but little did I know, I was the only monthly winner seated there. I became suspecting as Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Elyas Omar (The Former Mayor of KL)  and his wife, was seated at the same table. When Encik Ahirudin Attan (The Editor of The Malay Mail), and later Datuk Fauziah Bachik (Federal Territories Ministry’s Deputy Secretary-General (Management) and her husband arrived with the Minister of Federal Territories, Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, I finally concluded to my own self that I was the only monthly winner seated with the VIPs. I panicked but was truly honoured to be seated with them albeit the feeling of being a little ant amongst mighty elephants.

    blog4ft_pg02

    The ceremony started with a prayer and later a speech by Datuk Raja Nong Chik followed by the prize-giving ceremony.

    blog4ft_pg01

    I went up the stage twice as I won for both October and November. It was a double joy for me!

    Before dinner, winners were gathered on the stage for a photography session with Datuk Raja Nong Chik.

    blog4ft_pg03

    From left: Azizul Fahmi, Razzi Rahman, Muzaffar, Shaun Low, yours truly, Nadiah (cute little girl in front of me), Bain, Wong Ee Lynn, Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, Emily Yeow (Minyi Yeow’s sister- cute girl in front of Datuk), Ooex, Selamber, Smiley Aisha, Cayenne, Comelgurl, Wan Fakhrul, Sharifah Hani and Mustapa Lakawa.

    Datin Nafesah Raja Nong Chik arrived later during dinner and I was all smiles when she said she likes my postcards!

    For those who wanted to enter for December, it’s not too late! The closing date is on January 5, 2010. Just visit Blog4ft to find out how!

  • FT of Malaysia,  Malaysia postcards,  pen & ink,  Putrajaya,  Travel illo,  watercolor

    Illustrated Postcard VI – Putrajaya

    UPDATED!

    The KL Illustrated Postcard Series ended with postcard V but I am continuing with number VI with Putrajaya illustrations.

    These illustrations are made especially to promote Federal Territories of Malaysia in the eyes of the world. Will make few more with different landmarks and different characters. I have converted it to postcard and made it downloadable and printable.

    Federal Territories Illustrated Postcard VI - Putrajaya

    Download and print postcard: Illustrated Postcard VI
    Resolution: 300dpi, jpg, 1.5MB

    postcard Vii

    Download and print postcard: Illustrated Postcard VII
    Resolution: 300dpi, jpg, 1.7MB

    I think I should change the series to Federal Territories Illustrated Postcard Series, what say you?

    Here’s the FT postcards once again in a row (click to see larger version):

    FT postcards in spread

    Yes, they are spread illustrations (measured 147cm width for all 7 illustrations). Final width will be 168cm with addition of Labuan postcard. Will update this post with the Labuan illustration soon!

    Here’s the Labuan postcard:

    poscard labuan

    Download as print postcard: KL Illustrated Postcard V
    Resolution: 300dpi, jpg, 1.80MB

     

    Terms of Use
    You can use them long as it’s for personal use only.

    Instruction
    You need:

    • a two-sheet card (120gm)
    • a clear self-adhesive lamination sheet
    • Spray mount or PVA glue
    • and of course a color-printer.

    Instructions:

    • After printing, cut along the dotted line and fold by half.
    • Glue the inside by using spray mount or if you don’t have spray mount, use glue polystyrene and use a piece of cardboard to spread the glue evenly.
    • Fold it and keep it under thick book for a while.
    • Cut the lamination sheet just about the size of the postcard.
    • Stick the sheet onto the image side of the postcard. Take a piece of cardboard and squeegee the sheets until it’s even.
    • Trim the edge nicely.
    • Keep it under the thick book again for half an hour.
    • Now you can send it safely to any destinations of the world!

    Note: If your printer’s inks are waterproof or if you’re using laserjet printer, you can skip the lamination process.

    Here’s the KL Illustrated postcards:

    Download as print postcard: KL Illustrated Postcard V
    Resolution: 300dpi, jpg, 1.65MB

    Download as print postcard: KL Illustrated Postcard IV
    Resolution: 300dpi, jpg, 1.8MB

    Download as print postcard: KL Illustrated Postcard III
    Resolution: 300dpi, jpg, 1.5MB

    KL postcard II

    Download and print postcard: KL Illustrated Postcard II
    Resolution: 300dpi, jpg, 2.9MB

    Download and print postcard: KL Illustrated Postcard I
    Resolution: 300dpi, jpg, 2.56MB

  • Family travel,  FT of Malaysia,  Malaysia,  Putrajaya,  TRAVEL/HOLIDAYS,  yassin

    Putrajaya: Putra Square

    I’m the kind who likes to take pictures so whenever, my husband has free times, we will get in the car and just drive anywhere. So one fine day in July 2009, we ended up revisiting Putrajaya. We parked at Putra Square and did some walking, to the Promenade as well as the Putra Bridge.

    The Putra Square (Dataran Putra in Malay Language) is a city square located opposite the Prime Minister’s office complex, Perdana Putra, in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The square has been used for festivals such as the Malaysian Independence Day parade and features flagpoles flying Malaysian states’ flags. The 300 meter circular Putra Square is bounded by Perdana Putra, Putra Mosque, Putra Bridge and the Promenade Shopping Mall.

    a view from the promenade area

    A view from the Promenade – we can see a part of 650 hectares man-made lake as well as Seri Wawasan Bridge from here. I’m not sure of the name of the building right in the center (do let me know, thanks).

    seri wawasan bridge

    Seri Wawasan Bridge

    While capturing the beautiful view, we saw movements from the lake!! My husband said it was Lampam Jawa fish. The fish was quite big, about one and a half feet. I bet there are more bigger ones!

    lampam

    There’s a children’s playground area near the Promenade.

    playground at promenade

    Situated on the right of the Promenade is The Putra Mosque, while Putra Bridge on the left side.

    putramosque putra bridge putra bridge architecture

    The Putra Mosque (Masjid Putra in Malay language) is the principal mosque of Putrajaya, Malaysia. Putra Bridge  (Jambatan Putra in Malay language) is the main bridge in Putrajaya, Malaysia. It has been designed to be a special feature of Putrajaya and with a span of 435 metres, this bridge connects the Government Precinct to the Mixed Development Precinct and links Putra Square with the perdana putraBoulevard (yet to discover this area).

    I couldn’t believe myself that I actually didn’t take pictures of Perdana Putra that day but here’s one (on the left, click to see larger image) I took after having dinner at Alamanda Shopping Mall few weeks later. I did have pictures of it (taken back in 2006) and ourselves on a boat in the lake but I couldn’t find it, I have more than 10 thousand pictures already! I know I should’ve renamed pictures in my storage.  The quality was rather bad but I promise to take nicer ones when I revisit Putrajaya again.

    Till then and I end this post with a picture of a hummingbird sucking nectar from red iris:
    hummingbird and red canna

    Red Canna is planted heavily just besides the escalator that leads to the promenade.

    Related links:
    Putrajaya (corporate)
    Putrajaya Portal
    Putrajaya @ Wikipedia