A Complete Guide to Royal Floria Putrajaya

But you will be surprised that there are in fact many who love plants and gardens in Malaysia, and the Royal Floria in Putrajaya is the biggest and best event to visit for this.

This amazing Malaysian horticulture event also reflects the standards of the nation’s landscaping industry, which has gotten better over the years since it was first inaugurated.

Royal Floria has also managed to put the country on par with other countries that are known for their flower and garden expos and events.

Entrance to Royal Floria in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Complete Guide to Royal Floria Putrajaya

The Putrajaya garden, flower and horticulture expo originally started in 2007 as a biannual event, and from the year 2010, it became an annual event due to the overwhelming response from the public and participants.

10th anniversary of Royal Floria in 2018

10th Anniversary of Royal Floria Putrajaya

2018 marked the 10th anniversary of Royal Floria, and featured a special showcase of the last 9 years of Floria as the main display. This was a stand alone special garden for for visitors to walk through.

Visitors are taken through a special garden time walk with displays of the theme flowers starting from 2007 right till 2016, and with some basic information of each year.

Royal Floria 2018 showcased 10 years of Floria, this is Floria 2009 with the Orchid theme.

Overall landscaping was done using all the flowers from the previous years, which created a vibrant outlook for the flower festival.

His Majesty the Sultan of Selangor officiated the event on the first day along with VIP’s and other dignitaries.

• Royal Putrajaya Floria 2018 – 10 Wonders of Floria, every theme flower from last 9 years
• Royal Putrajaya Floria 2017 – There was no event this year
• Royal Putrajaya Floria 2016^[1] – Chrysanthemum Theme
• Royal Putrajaya Floria 2015^[2] – Lily Theme
• Floria Putrajaya 2014 – Begonia Theme
• Floria Putrajaya 2013^[3] – Orchid Theme (Orkid)
• Putrajaya Floria 2012 – Flower Paper Theme (Bunga Kertas)
• Putrajaya Floria 2011^[4] – Rose Theme 
• Floria Putrajaya 2010^[5] – Heliconia Theme
• Floria Putrajaya 2009 – Orchid Theme (Orkid)
• Floria Putrajaya 2008 – There was no event for this year
• Floria Putrajaya Flower and Garden Exhibition 2007 – Hibiscus Theme

Begonia was the theme flower for Floria 2014.

What is Royal Floria? 

A large Floria sign seen at the event

However, reports state that in 2014, the ‘Royal’ status was awarded by His Majesty Agong (King) of Malaysia, and this needs to be clarified as there is no official documentation.

Otherwise, visit the Royal Garden during sunset hour for the magical moment when the lights are put on.

Putrajaya’s enchanted garden at Royal Floria 2018

Royal Floria is also the brainchild of the Putrajaya Corporation (Perbadanan Putrajaya or PPj), and the they work in collaboration with the Federal Territories Ministry.

Since then, Royal Floria has also won numerous awards and accolades locally and also internationally. 

Today, this flower and garden event is marked in the tourism calendar of Malaysia, making it one of the must-visit events in Malaysia during the National Day week.

Beautiful flower colours on display at Royal Floria Putrajaya.

However, being the first time the event was held, there were many hiccups which included dying flowers, wilting flowers and plants, bad layout designs and no proper signages. 

A Merdeka themed garden in conjunction with the Malaysia National Day.

Did You Know? 

Because of this, there is a lot of emphasis on the elements of the nation’s independence that is used on the floral decorations. They are also done by professionals and also the college and university students.

This in turn, results in some beautiful creations by the designers and landscapers for the largest floral and gardens exhibition in Malaysia.

When is the Best Time to Visit Royal Floria in Putrajaya? 

This is a tricky question, but if you ask me, I would personally recommend you visit the flower exhibition in the first few days.

It is also best to visit just before the weekend, as the event can get really crowded on weekends and on National Day. Trust me, it does get really crowded.

For photographers, or those who want some peace and quiet, I would highly recommend going on the opening day, and in the morning or evening. Try to avoid going on midday as it can get really hot and humid.

For those who dislike the humid weather, I recommend going in the evenings, when the weather is much cooler. The event closes at around 11.00 PM, so you have a lot of time in the night there.

One of the floral displays located indoor.

Exhibitions and Displays at Royal Floria

Designers floral work.

There have even been countries from as far as the Middle East and Europe that have taken part at Royal Floria in Putrajaya.

Every year, we see new countries participating, and in 2018, Korea had also participated for the event. Hopefully for Royal Floria 2019, we will see even more countries participating. 

• Royal Floria Entrance Statement
• Royal Floria Wonder Garden
• Royal Floria Royal Garden
• Royal Floria Miniatur Garden
• Royal Floria Fertigation Garden
• Royal Floria International Dialogue

The main entrance into Royal Floria in Putrajaya.

Often, the prime minister or deputy prime minister of Malaysia is also invited for the official launching of Royal Floria.

The word Floria at the entrance of the event.

What Goes On At Royal Floria?

While flowers and plants are the main highlight at this Malaysian horticulture event, there are a few other things that go one during the nine day event here.

Exhibits of themed gardens are held indoors and of course outdoors from participating teams, councils and companies from around Malaysia, and also some regional companies.

Though creativity takes center stage here, a fun filled family or couple activity is easily achieved when you spend the day here.

And apart from just the flowers and gardens, there are of course other things happening at Royal Floria, which are;

• Flower and Garden Displays
• Colleges and Universities Gardens
• Floral Pavilion 
• Orchid Display
• Bonsai Display
• Outdoor Plant Bazaar
• Craft Bazaar Indoor
• Floria Flavours Food Center
• Horticulture Talks
• Workshops and Demonstrations
• Various Contests

Orchids being sold at the Plant Bazaar of Royal Floria.

Plant Bazaar at Royal Floria

On average, there are about 20 vendors that provide an avenue to beginners or even plant collectors to get some of the plants and fertilizers for discounted prices.

Orchid vendors at the plant bazaar.

Most popular are the orchid vendors, that showcase many different types of orchids for sale. This is a big hit among the locals and also orchid lovers.

Many locals will head to the Plant Bazaar to buy all sorts of plants, because the vendors come from all over Malaysia.

And if you love plants, I would highly recommend you make your way to the Plant Bazaar at Royal Floria.

Vendors include many orchid sellers, who have some beautiful hybrid and rare orchids, air plant sellers, cacti and succulent sellers, and the commercial landscaping plants.

Inside the Royal Floria Craft Bazaar and Hipster Square

Craft Bazaar and Hipster Square

This section is held inside an air-conditioned tent at the event and houses over 50 vendors. You will find a good mix of items being sold here, but of course, the priority goes to plant related sellers.

Overall there are all sorts of everything at the Royal Floria Craft Bazaar which range from clothes, food, jewelry, collectibles, terrariums, and the list goes on.

In the middle of the event hall, they have a horticulture themed art experience for kids and also adults, which is open to everyone.

There are also workshops and demonstrations done here. The art session and vendor list changes from year to year too.

One of the contestants for the Royal Floria awards.

Royal Floria Contest and Awards

Every year, Royal Floria will have various contest held throughout the duration of the event here in Putrajaya. There are also special awards given out to participants as well.

The contest is divided into a few main areas, one for the invited participants, one for the media, and the other for the visiting public.

Below is a list of the contest that are usually held in conjunction with Royal Floria;

Contest and Awards for Participants

• Garden Prime Awards – This is for participants that showcase gardens at the event, and stand a chance to win cash prize of RM15,000. 
• Designer Boutique Garden Award – Another award and prize totaling RM10,000 for this category. 
• Garden of Malaysia Award – This category has a cash prize of RM5,000 as well. 
• Royal Floria Putrajaya Inter­na­tional Cup
• Bonsai and Suiseki Competition Awards
• Orchid Competition Awards

Some of the air plants that make interesting photography subjects.

Contest for Media

• Best Media Article – RM5,000 for either print or electronic media
• Best Media Photograph – RM5,000 for either print or electronic media

Contest for Public

• Photography Competition – Open to public, but you need to register at the event for this.
• Watercolor Competition – Open to kids, and registration at the event.
• Colouring Contest – For kids and set on a specific day, registration required.

One of the floral competition pieces on display.

Where is Royal Floria?

Previously, the first few events was held at Precinct 2 of Putrajaya, and after negotiations over the years, the organisers finally found a home here at Precinct 4.

Anjung Floria is located near the main CBD area of Putrajaya, where all the government administrative buildings are located at.

It is also located just by the Seri Saujana Bridge, which is one of the most modern and beautiful bridges in Putrajaya.

One of the creative designs using flowers on display indoors.

Royal Floria Ticket Prices

Please note that there are weekday and weekend tickets for Royal Floria and the prices below are based on the 2018 event. 

It is also recommended to use Waze or Google Maps and just key in Anjung Floria and follow the instructions, and it will lead you directly to the event. I usually do that when I visit the event. 

You will need to download the application onto your Android or Apple smartphone, and please note that there is no Uber in Malaysia. 

• Train – KLIA Transit from KL Sentral and get off at Putrajaya station and then take the local Nadi Putra Bus. 
• Taxi – From KL Sentral, it is around RM45-50 one way to Putrajaya. To get back from Putrajaya, I suggest you call a taxi service or use Uber or GrabCar. If you take a normal taxi, I also suggest you tell the taxi man that you may need a return journey or get his contact number. 
• Bus – Rapid KL bus from KL Sentral to Putrajaya, around RM5 one way. Bus services usually end around 10 to 11pm.
• Shuttle Bus – Some hotels in Kuala Lumpur offer a paid shuttle service to and from, but you need to check with your hotel. Shangri-la Hotel in KL is one of them. 

Swimming pool view from the Pulse Grande Hotel in Putrajaya

Below is a list of hotels in Putrajaya which are in the main area;

You can use the map to get directions here or simply key in Anjung Floria into Waze or Google Maps for directions and it will direct you to the event. 

For your added knowledge, the Penang Flora Festival^[11] also took place in 2015 at the Penang Botanical Garden, but never followed through. However, the Penang Orchid Show was a more popular event on the island.

You can also read my review on the previous Royal Floria 2018^[12], which of course I attend yearly without fail, and there are also photos with information about the event. 

I hope you found this complete guide to Royal Floria Putrajaya helpful, and if you have any comments, I would love to hear them in the comment form below. 

References

1. ^{^} Royal Putrajaya Floria 2016 (blog.malaysia-asia.my)
2. ^{^} Royal Putrajaya Floria 2015 (blog.malaysia-asia.my)
3. ^{^} Floria Putrajaya 2013 (blog.malaysia-asia.my)
4. ^{^} Putrajaya Floria 2011 (blog.malaysia-asia.my)
5. ^{^} Floria Putrajaya 2010 (blog.malaysia-asia.my)
6. ^{^} Royal Floria in 2015 (blog.malaysia-asia.my)
7. ^{^} Pulse Grande Hotel Putrajaya (www.booking.com)
8. ^{^} Pullman Resort Putrajaya (www.booking.com)
9. ^{^} Everly Hotel Putrajaya (www.booking.com)
10. ^{^} Dorsett Putrajaya (www.booking.com)
11. ^{^} Penang Flora Festival (blog.malaysia-asia.my)
12. ^{^} review on the previous Royal Floria 2018 (blog.malaysia-asia.my)