What is Putrajaya and Why Do Expats Choose It?
Putrajaya is Malaysia’s federal administrative capital, located about 25 kilometers south of central Kuala Lumpur. Built with purpose and planning, it is home to government ministries, landscaped boulevards, futuristic bridges, and tranquil lakes. For expats, Putrajaya is a breath of fresh air compared to the busier districts in KL.
It’s often chosen by families, diplomats, educators, and remote workers looking for a quieter, more structured place to live. Streets are clean, traffic is minimal compared to KL, and green spaces are everywhere — which is rare in a city this close to the capital. And if you work in Cyberjaya or travel regularly to KLIA, the location is just right.
Why expats choose Putrajaya:
· Meticulously designed neighbourhoods surrounded by greenery
· Affordable, spacious housing options
· Proximity to international schools and Cyberjaya tech hub
· Peaceful atmosphere ideal for raising children or working remotely
· Access to parks, lakes, and recreational facilities
1. Housing and Condos in Putrajaya
If you’re used to the density of KL, Putrajaya’s housing will feel like a luxury. The city is divided into precincts, and each one is well-planned with its own parks, schools and shops. Homes are generally newer, and the layouts are functional — often built with families in mind.
You’ll find condos with pools, gyms and security, as well as terrace houses, bungalows and serviced apartments. It’s a mix of modern developments and quiet, residential streets.
Popular residential precincts for expats:
· Precinct 8 & 9: Great for families who want to be near the lake and city centre. Plenty of green areas, good access to shops.
· Precinct 11 & 14: More affordable and suburban. Known for townhouses and landed homes with private yards.
· Precinct 15 (Diplomatic Enclave): Upscale, quieter area with embassies and private residences.
· Cyberjaya: A ten-minute drive away and a popular alternative. Known for high-rise condos, co-working spaces, and international schools.
Condo and apartment highlights:
· Dwiputra Residences: Spacious units, family-friendly pool and playgrounds, close to Alamanda Mall.
· Shaftsbury Putrajaya: Convenient with retail downstairs. Well-suited for single professionals or couples.
· TheArc @ Cyberjaya: Stylish, modern and close to university campuses. Geared towards younger expats and students.
Rental estimates(monthly):
· 2-bedroom apartment: RM 1,500 – RM 2,500
· 3-bedroom condo: RM 2,000 – RM 3,500
· Landed family homes: RM 3,000 – RM 6,000
Facilities often include pools, function rooms, gyms, and sometimes even tennis courts or saunas. Parking is included in nearly all complexes.
2. Schools and Curriculum Options in Putrajaya
If you have children, schooling is probably one of the biggest factors in choosing a place to live.While Putrajaya has a few good local options, most expat families send their kids to schools in nearby Cyberjaya. Commutes are short, and the quality of education is solid.
International schools nearby:
· ELCInternational School (Cyberjaya): Long-standing school with a British curriculum and strong academic reputation. elc.edu.my
· KingHenry VIII College: UK-style curriculum, modern facilities, boarding options available. kinghenryviii.edu.my
· InternationalModern Arabic School (IMAS): Bilingual Arabic-English programme, popular with Middle Eastern families. imas.edu.my
Preschools and early education:
· Kinderland Cyberjaya: Strong bilingual focus and holistic curriculum.
· SmartReader Kids Putrajaya: Fun, engaging early learning with creative teaching style.
· Tadika Diyana Putrajaya: Local preschool with international elements and strong parent involvement.
Most schools offer door-to-door transport or work with reliable transport providers. School runs from Putrajaya are short and traffic is minimal compared to central KL.
3. Transport and Accessibility
Putrajaya’s road system is one of the best in Malaysia. Wide lanes, well-marked roads, and very little congestion make driving here a pleasure — a rare thing to say in most ofSoutheast Asia.
Estimated driving times:
· KLCC:30–40 minutes
· KLIA(airport): 25 minutes
· Cyberjaya: 10–15 minutes
· Bangsar: 35–45 minutes
Train access:
· Putrajaya Sentral is the main hub. It connects to both the KLIA Transit and the new MRT Putrajaya Line.
· From here, you can take a train to KL Sentral, and onward to Bukit Bintang, KLCC and even Subang.
Public transport:
· Buses connect precincts and run regular schedules, but many residents still prefer driving or using Grab.
Grab and ride-hailing:
· Grab is reliable but less frequent than in KL. Wait times can be around 5–10 minutes depending on time of day.
Cycling and walking:
· Wide sidewalks and dedicated bike paths make Putrajaya one of Malaysia’s most cycle-friendly cities.
· There are even bike-share stations near some parks and government buildings.
4. Healthcare in and Around Putrajaya
Healthcare in Putrajaya is affordable and generally reliable. There’s a mix of public and private hospitals, plus dozens of clinics for day-to-day health needs.
Hospitals:
· Hospital Putrajaya: Large government hospital with full emergency services, maternity care and specialist clinics.
· Hospital Serdang: Public hospital known for its cardiac care.
· DPulze Medical Centre (Cyberjaya): Modern private hospital with shorter wait times, English-speaking staff and outpatient services. dpulzemedicalcentre.com
Clinics and dental care:
· Klinik Mediviron Putrajaya: Popular for GP visits, fast and affordable.
· Qualitas Health Clinics:Multiple branches, including in Cyberjaya and Precinct 9.
· iCareDental @ IOI City Mall: Clean, efficient, and English-speaking dentists for routine and cosmetic work.
Insurance coverage: Most private hospitals accept international plans like Cigna, Allianz, and AIA. For those without coverage, out-of-pocket costs are still much lower than in mostWestern countries.
5. Grocery Shopping and Everyday Life
Grocery shopping inPutrajaya is very manageable, with a good mix of local supermarkets and a few premium options nearby.
Where to shop:
· JayaGrocer (IOI City Mall): Best for imported goods and organic produce. Great meat and bakery sections.
· VillageGrocer (Cyberjaya): Well-stocked with Western brands and expat-friendly items.
· Mydin, Lotus’s, Giant:Local chains offering fresh produce, snacks, and household goods at budget prices.
Daily essentials:
· 7-Eleven,FamilyMart, and myNEWS are everywhere.
· Pharmacies like Guardian and Watsons are located in every major mall or retail cluster.
Online grocery delivery:
· Happy Fresh and GrabMart work well in the area.
· Some expats also shop from B.I.G. (Ben’s Independent Grocer) and have items delivered.
6. Where to Eat and Drink inPutrajaya
You won’t find nightlife here like in KL, but there’s still a good variety of restaurants and cafés. If you’re willing to drive ten minutes to Cyberjaya or IOI City Mall, your options expand significantly.
Cafés and hangouts:
· ZestCafé: Calm environment, solid coffee, and Western-Malay food.
· Broc & Bakes:Artisan pastries and proper flat whites — expat favourite.
· BoostCafé (IOI Mall):Quick smoothies and sandwiches.
Restaurants inPutrajaya:
· Volcano Shabu Shabu: DIY hotpot that’s fun for families or groups.
· Homst Putrajaya: Malaysian-Chinese dishes in a halal-friendly setting.
· Serabei Restaurant: Local fusion food with a nice atmosphere.
Nearby in Cyberjaya:
· Al-Mukalla Restaurant: Middle Eastern, generous portions, great grilled meats.
· my Burger Lab: Malaysian indie burger joint — cult following for a reason.
· Aroi Thai: Affordable, reliable Thai cuisine.
7. Fitness, Parks and Outdoor Life
If you love the outdoors or want a lifestyle that’s more active, Putrajaya will probably surprise you.Jogging tracks, lakes, and wide open green space make it easy to get outside —and stay there.
Public parks:
· Taman Saujana Hijau: Pine trees, flower gardens and rolling hills. Great for morning walks or picnics.
· Putrajaya Botanical Garden: The largest in Malaysia, with themed areas, boat rides and walking paths.
· Taman Wawasan: Overlooks the Putra Mosque and features a beautiful lake promenade.
Gyms and clubs:
· Celebrity Fitness @ IOI City Mall: Group classes, weight training, cardio zones.
· Anytime Fitness Cyberjaya: Open 24 hours, convenient for those with flexible schedules.
· Putrajaya Lake Club:Membership-based, offers gym, tennis, water sports and dining.
You’ll also find yoga studios and martial arts centers scattered across Cyberjaya and Putrajaya.
8. What Makes Putrajaya Special for Expats
Living in Putrajaya isn’t about being at the centre of the action — it’s about being surrounded by space, structure, and nature. It’s clean, calm, and convenient for those who want amore peaceful daily routine.
It’s perfect for remote workers, teachers, diplomats, and families who value access to parks, education, and a bit of distance from the intensity of central Kuala Lumpur.The growing café culture, international schools and easy access to KLIA are just bonuses.
In short: if your ideal day includes a quiet jog by the lake, picking up groceries without a crowd, and letting your kids ride their bikes in the street — Putrajaya might be exactly what you’re looking for.
