New tourism magnets for Putrajaya

Stepping up: Artist’s impression of the iconic steps in Taman Putra Perdana of Precinct 1, leading up to the Putrajaya Landmark.

ANOTHER iconic Steps project is under way in Putrajaya. This time, it is being built in Taman Putra Perdana of Precinct 1, with a garden concept.

Once completed — expected to be in August — it will connect pedestrians in Laman Perdana to the Putrajaya Landmark, where the time capsule was planted in 1995 during the establishment of the administrative capital.

This landmark is also the highest point of the precinct.

Putrajaya Corporation president Datuk Muhammad Azmi Mohd Zain said the idea of the steps was mooted by Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa to boost the city’s tourism industry by adding to its products in the administrative capital.

“We hope our Putrajaya steps will be comparable with other iconic steps in the world, namely Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy; the steps in Baha’i Gardens in Haifa, Israel; and Potemkin Stairs in Odesa, Ukraine.

The vibrant award-winning Alamanda Steps in Precinct 1 of Putrajaya.

“It is a straight axis that will connect people from Dataran Putra, which is a tourist attraction, to another, the Putrajaya Landmark, and also the Pulse Grand Hotel.

“It doubles as an access point into the park and can be used for exercising too, besides leisure and recreational activities.

“The height is estimated at 30m and the climbing distance will be 200m.

“The structure of the steps will not be steep but comfortable for users,” he assured.

The entire design includes a main plaza at the foot of the steps, two landings and another plaza before the final flight of stairs to the Putrajaya Landmark.

Azmi said the new steps are visualised to be comparable to other iconic steps in the world,

“In line with the garden concept, colourful trees and shrubs will be planted on both sides and the middle of the steps.

“We have in mind pink tecoma trees, bougainvillea, shrubs of various colours and hanging potted plants such as petunias,” he said.

“We anticipate the steps will attract a lot of people when movement restrictions are eased.

“As such we will allocate space for a few food kiosks at strategic places so that traders can benefit from the new attraction,” he said.

The first landmark steps in Putrajaya were the Alamanda Steps.

These, which extend from outside the Alamanda Putrajaya shopping centre (which opened in 2004), to the lakeside, did not get much attention until they were given a makeover in 2019 when the plain grey steps were painted over with bright and colourful geometric designs.

From being merely functional for pedestrians, the new aesthetics of the steps attracted people to hang out on the steps and take photographs.

The repainted Alamanda Steps were so well-received that it won platinum in the open public park category (on the move) under the MyPlace Awards 2019 organised by Malaysian Institute of Planners.

Glamping at Putrajaya

Another attraction that is also under construction in the administrative capital is a glamping park.

It is being built at the Taman Wetlands campsite in Precinct 13.

It will be known as Glamping@Wetland Putrajaya or in short, GL@W.

Azmi said Annuar had wanted to diversify the tourist facilities that were available and maximise the natural beauty of the city.

The first phase would be completed by the end of the year, said Azmi, which will see 10 camping tents.

Eight of them will have a capacity to house four people and the remainder have a capacity for two glampers.

Another view (artist’s impression) of the iconic steps under construction.

“Glamping, or glamorous camping, is a trending tourism activity and provides facilities that offer great comfort and safety,” Azmi elaborated.

“People need not rough it out, make their own campfire or food, or use makeshift toilets.

“The glamping tents and site will be fitted with carpet, fan, air-conditioner, hammock, spring beds and mattresses.

“There will also be a designated space for caravans or motorhomes.”

He said the facility would be managed by a third party and it was expected to be open for booking in September.

“A fishing pond, petting zoo, ATV track and muddy play area for children are in the plan.

A fish pond for fishing enthusiasts.under construction at the upcoming glamping site. Photo by CHAN TAK KONG

“The area will also be fitted with two trampolines, five barbecue pits, 10 hammocks and four Arabian transparent tents.”

He stated that the toilets would be upgraded to have pumps, water heater and other amenities.

In addition, he said the surrounding areas would be more photo-friendly with big signage, outdoor furniture and a walkway.

Phase two of the project will add 20 more tents, with night trail lights and a treehouse.

This is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

A flying fox attraction that will cross over the Wetlands, and three treehouses for the purpose of lodging are expected to be completed in 2023.