Once envisioned as Malaysia’s Silicon Valley, Cyberjaya hasn’t exactly hit its lofty goals – no thanks to the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, which left a lot of plans and projects hanging.

By the time the crisis was over, businesses and investments had moved on, and the city has been in limbo ever since, with only a smattering of tech businesses left. These days, it is better known as a university hub or as a place for young families looking for a quiet urban environment.

But despite failing to achieve futuristic city status, one good vestige of town planning is that Cyberjaya is pretty green, with shaded walkways and parks aplenty. The largest of these is Taman Tasik Cyberjaya, or Cyberjaya Lake Gardens. Designed to function as a green lung, the park covers some 400 acres in the heart of Cyberjaya and features a manmade lake, recreational facilities, and natural wetlands.

Since the park is vast, some sections can get pretty isolated, so it’s best to come in the morning or evening when there are more joggers. Evenings provide pretty views when the sun’s rays cast a golden glow over the lake’s surface. There’s a bridge over the water that takes you to an islet in the middle of the lake, where you can observe fish and turtles. Close to the entrance of the park is a children’s playground, suitable for families with children.

The jogging path circles around the lake, and at the end is an elevated wooden walkway with foliage on both sides, so it feels like you’re walking through jungle. This section is not always open, however, as the deck can be slippery and occasionally there are monkeys. Don’t be surprised to see local wildlife like monitor lizards as well.

PS: If you’re a mosquito magnet like me, remember to bring some repellent!

Fruit trees grow within the park, too, like this cempedak (a relative of the jackfruit).

Cyberjaya Lake Gardens is a pretty place, although I think there is room for improvement with the maintenance of its facilities. Some of its gazebos look run down, there are hardly any food options or vending machines, and the playground facilities are in need of an upgrade. That being said, if you’re here for a stroll or to exercise, it provides a nice and quiet respite in the heart of the city.

TAMAN TASIK CYBERJAYA (CYBERJAYA LAKE GARDENS)

Persiaran Semarak Api, Cyber 4, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor

Getting there by public transport: Rapid KL Bus T504 stops along the route from MRT Cyberjaya Utara – Cyber 11.

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