If you?re looking for a place to cycle, spot birds, or have a picnic, then Putrajaya Wetlands Park is the place to be. The wetlands park is not just a top attraction for birdwatchers and researchers but also a main Ecohydrology Demonstration Site as recognised by UNESCO.

When the designers of Putrajaya decided that they wanted to build the city around a man-made network of lakes, they realised that they would need an efficient filtering system to prevent the lakes from becoming polluted and stagnant. Rather than opt for an artificial filter they instead created a freshwater wetlands, said to be the largest one in the tropics.

Commenced in 1997, the wetlands project covered 197 hectares of what was once an oil palm plantation. Putrajaya Wetlands Park is one of the largest man-made freshwater wetlands in the tropics. Climb up the observation tower at the park to get a better view of the entire area. Remember to bring your binoculars to see the different type of birds. Over 100 species of birds can be found here and among them are Buffy Fish Owls, Purple Swamphen, Swans and Jungle Fowls. Also, drop by the plant nursery nearby if you?re curious to learn more about various species of rare plants.

The Nature Interpretation Centre is a mini-museum explaining how wetlands work and introducing the types of flora and fauna found in the park. If you go on a weekday you will probably have the place to yourself and indeed almost anytime park visitors are usually outnumbered by the gardening staff. At the main Information Centre you can rent a bike or a set of binoculars or take a tram ride round the park. There is a small fee for these services - entrance to the park itself is free.

Must do:

• Visit the Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC)
• Take in the sprawling view from an 80m lookout tower
• Enjoy nature as you walk along the trails
• Watch flamingos at the flamingo pond
• Spot birds such as Little Egrets, Little Green
• Herons and Cinnamon Bitterns
• Opening hours: 9.00am - 6.00pm daily