Locals favour Putrajaya as holiday destination

PUTRAJAYA is often a preferred destination for local tourists during school holidays because of its proximity to Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Negri Sembilan, as well as various attractions there such as parks and lakes.

Large crowds throng tourist spots at the federal administrative centre including Climbing Sports Complex at Climbing Challenge Park, Putrajaya Equestrian Park, Anjung Floria and Dataran Putra.

Among those who enjoyed the year-end break in Putrajaya was Catherine Leong, 45, who took her three children to Climbing Challenge Park as they were keen on the extreme sport.

“My friend recommended Putrajaya and I find it very attractive with many activities and sightseeing spots,” she told BK.

She said the situation with floods and Covid-19 was also why she chose nearer and less-crowded places for family outings.

Nur Huda Salam, 45, said she was more comfortable visiting places near her home in Dengkil, Selangor, to avoid traffic congestion during school holidays and her top choice was Putrajaya.

“We can enjoy various activities and visit popular eateries here,” she said.

“I take the children for climbing activities at the park because it is suitable for everyone.”

Siti Hajar Maisara, 38, from Kelantan, said Putrajaya was the best place to go for sightseeing with family.

“We wanted to head back to Kelantan but because of the floods, we had to cancel the plan.

“There are also many interesting places here such as parks and eateries,” she said.

A worker at Sisiran Floria, which provides water activities such as kayaking and fishing at Anjung Floria, said crowds had been larger than usual because of the school holidays.

Siti Nur Izzah Mokhtar Rudin, 23, said, “During school or public holidays, this place is lively, especially in the evening.

“The number of visitors increases by 20% on weekends, especially during school holidays.”

She said the water taxi was the latest public transport service along Putrajaya Lake.

Meanwhile, Chinese national Iris Lee, 41, said her Malaysian friend had recommended visiting Putrajaya Equestrian Park.

“It has a nice environment. Besides, my son loves horse-riding,” she said.

Putrajaya Equestrian Park executive Muhammad Fakhruddin Kamarul said there was a 65% increase in number of visitors during school holidays.

“Many people bring their children to see the horses and learn about the animals as well as learn to ride,” he said.