Taman Saujana Hijau @ Putrajaya

If you’re willing to suspend disbelief, a trip to Taman Saujana Hijau in Putrajaya could easily pass for a day out in the Malaysian Highlands.

Used to the unkempt wilderness of jungle trails, Taman Saujana Hijau’s manicured gardens and concrete jogging path never appealed to me. But, it seemed ridiculous that I had travelled to the most southerly point in Continental Asia and Malaysia’s most northerly state, yet had not explored my own backyard. So in December of last year, I satisfied my curiosity.

The main walkway from the carpark into Taman Saujana Hijau.

Located in the leafy residential area of Precinct 11, Taman Saujana Hijau’s 47 hectare expanse of conifer-lined hill slopes provide a picturesque backdrop to Putrajaya and Cyberjaya residents who come here to workout and exercise. Walk, jog, skate, cycle and even unicycle (no kidding!), it happens here.

Set atop the three rolling hilltops, the park’s 2.8 kilometre circuit may be short but its undulating nature makes completing a loop (or two or three) enough of a challenge. And stepped pathways and detours to scenic lookout points can add more mileage to your daily step count should you choose to wander off in a different direction.

0.0 m – the official starting point of Taman Saujana Hijau’s 2.8 kilometre loop.

325 metres – left of the main entrance into the park.

One of many detours off the jogging track.

For sweating it out, panoramic views over the suburbs to some of the administrative capital’s landmarks like the Pink Mosque and the Prime Minister’s Office are your reward, but what makes Taman Saujana Hijau such a draw is its alpine-like quality.

Dotted with Dymnosperms such as pines, junipers and rows of thuja trees, Taman Saujana Hijau presents visitors with the visual illusion of being in the Malaysian Highlands, while the floral flourishes that line the track fill the air with fragrance reminiscent of an English summer.

At an elevation of between 75 and 135 metres asl, Cameron Highlands this is not, and the weather, like the rest of Putrajaya, is blazing hot and oppressively humid. This alone must have made the job of curating plants an interesting one for the park’s landscape artists.

To give the appearance of belonging in a temperate climate yet able to survive the tropical conditions, many of the plants here are non-native and come from places such as Mexico, Mozambique and China.

Nothing cheerier than a sunflower.

Gymnosperms are a group of seed producing plants that include conifers and cycads. If you can’t tell look out for pine cones such as these.

Looks like a fern or palm but the seed gives it away – this is a cycad.

Nowhere is this flair for fantasy landscaping more evident than at the park’s English Garden. One of three – the other two being the European and Oriental Gardens – the English Garden’s pristine lawn, creeper-covered pavilion and bright blossoming floral beds easily conjure up images of tea and scones, and games of croquet.

The park’s European Garden.

The unmistakable pavilion of the Oriental Garden, surrounded by bamboo and weeping willows.

With the exception of its rotting wooden fences, Taman Saujana Hijau is also one of the most well-maintained parks in Putrajaya, well tended and largely litter-free.

This attention to detail and the park’s unique qualities contribute to making Taman Saujana Hijau one of Putrajaya’s most popular parks, and the English Garden its photogenic focal point.

Don’t be surprised that besides fitness enthusiasts, you’ll find yourself amongst picnicking families and bridal couples memorialising their wedding memories.

The quaint charm of the park’s English Garden.

Altitude The jogging track rises to a height of 135 metres but is by no means the highest point in Taman Saujana Hijau. For that head to the European and Oriental Gardens.
Time and distance 2.8 kilometres. Approximately 30 minutes if brisk walking.
Open 7am-7pm

One of 6 access points of this kind into the park from nearby residential areas.

The park’s service entrance, located near the water pump house.

Entry Free. Parking Free. Taman Saujana Hijau has several entry points from nearby residential areas. The main entrance is by the carpark. However do note that the 2.8 kilometres jogging track, which is marked every 25 metres, officially begins near the water pump house.

The park’s public toilets. Vending machines are also located here.

Facilities The park’s only public toilet is located between the carpark entrance and the water pump house entrance. Drinks vending machines can be found here and behind  the gazebo at the English Garden.
Tip Gymnosperms don’t provide much shade so go in the early morning or late evening to avoid the worst of the heat. Skip weekends if you’re not a fan of crowds.

Taman Saujana Hijau, Precinct 11, Putrajaya, 62000, Malaysia. T: +60 3 8887 7770.
GPS coordinates
Carpark 2.962882, 101.678566
Entrance 2.962263, 101.677701
Official starting point of jogging track 2.964700, 101.677657

For the map and details, go to my AllTrails map for Taman Tasik Cyberjaya  here.