Botanical Garden - Lakeside

The Putrajaya Botanical Garden is really huge. During our last visit, we only managed to cover the Morrocan Pavillion, Vine Garden and Heliconia Walk (shown by the the pink arrows in the map below). This time, we were able to cover the Canna Walk and Pandanus Walk located by the lake before it started to drizzle and we had to run for shelter. Sigh!!! Or shall I stay optimistic and tell myself that gives us reason to return to the Botanical Garden again for another visit!!

It was a gloomy afternoon. But we were filled with excitement. We brought some snacks, books, newspaper and a mat with the intention of having a picnic at the Botanical Garden. It has been a looooong while since all 4 of us had a picnic. Our excitement was shortlived, when the drizzle started. Thus our visit only covers area near to the lake side.

Here is the jetty where one can get a boat ride in the lake. As our visit was on a week day, so the boat service was not available. We were hoping to get a ride on the tram. Unfortunately, it was not available too as the tram has been sent to the Prime Minister's residence, meant to be used during the Hari Raya Open House.

Overlooking the lake, is a huge structure with green roof and domes. That is Perdana Putra that houses the Prime Minister's Office.

By the side of the lake is the Putrajaya Lakeview Restaurant. My friend said that the view from the restaurant is spectacular in the evening.

Fortunately, we had those grass-thatched gazebos that provided us with shelter from the rain. It was really nice to sit under those gazebos and enjoy the splendid view of the lake in front of us.

Some beautiful orchids used to decorate a small section at the entrance of the Lakeview Restaurant. As it is the month of Ramadan, we can see an oil lamp has been placed there. I assume it is lit up in the evenings as part of the celebration of Lailatul-Qadr* night.

* Note: During the last 10 days of Ramadan month, Muslims will keep vigil for Lailatul Qadr (The Night of Decree), the night when the holy Quran was sent down. It is believed that angels descend and shower blessings on that particular night, so homes are brightly lit-up with oil lamps.

Tall, splendid-looking pandanus plants greeted us at the Pandanus Walk. Aren't they beautiful?

Bright, vibrant-coloured Rangoon Creeper was found near walkway by the lake.

These are what we found at the Canna Walk. These bright coloured Cannas definitely cheered us up!