Cyberjaya

Officially opened in 1997 by then Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad, Cyberjaya is the centre of the Multimedia Super Corrider (MSC). Built on former oil palm plantations, Cyberjaya is now a fast developing township that is home to many multinational corporations, office and commercial buildings, institutions of higher learning, Government affiliated agencies and, food and retail outlets. There are also residential areas consisting of landed properties and condominiums occupied by the workers and students. The development of the MSC’s progress is spearheaded by the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) which has its headquarters in Cyberjaya.

On working days, Cyberjaya is a buzz with knowledge workers, executives and professional expatriates going about their business. Envisioned to be a modern, technologically advanced city of the future, Cyberjaya is home to a few well-known international corporations such as Dell, HSBC, Shell, DHL, Ericsson, IBM and many other big names. Then there are SMEs especially those who are involved in IT-related businesses such as Monster.com, HolidayCity.com, AJV Holdings and many more local and international enterprises. Cyberjaya is also the chosen location for two of Malaysia’s reputable universities, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and the Multimedia University (MMU). Both universities offer a wide range of courses ranging from Engineering, Information Technology to Creative Multimedia and many other IT-related subjects. The latest to set-up operations in Cyberjaya is Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences.

There’s not much to see in terms of attractions in Cyberjaya. But what it offers is a healthy lifestyle with the opening of Sports Arena that has sports facilities such as futsal and basketball courts, the Cyberjaya Community Club with indoor and outdoor recreational facilities such as a gymnasium, swimming pool and pool tables, a 400-acre Cyberjaya Lake Gardens perfect for jogging or leisure walks, and a children’s playground among others. The small population in Cyberjaya is also well-protected with round the clock surveillance cameras in strategic areas of the town, a modern police station as well as a fully-equipped fire station, The township is relatively crime free but as always, it pays to be aware of your surrounding especially at night and on weekends when the area becomes very quiet.

During its early years, it can be quite difficult to find good restaurants in Cyberjaya. But as the working population grew, quite a number of outlets have opened its doors for business. Now, you can easily find something to eat even in the wee hours of the morning. A number of restaurants such as Ariff and Hassan’s are open 24 hours to cater to those on night shifts. During the day, you can easily get a filling lunch at one of the stalls at Terminal or cross over for cakes at Secret Recipe.

If you’re looking for a bit of excitement and adventure, you can always head out to Dengkil and Banting, two small towns within half hour to 45 minutes drive from Cyberjaya. Dengkil has a few restaurants that serve good and cheap Chinese food as well as Malay and Indian. Drive towards Banting and stop by Paya Indah Wetlands Park to see how the wetlands are being conserved for the future generations. It is also a great place for fishing and nature watching. Banting is another interesting place to spend an hour or two. Visit the historical town of Bandar Jugra, a former royal town for Selangor. Here, you will find royal palaces, namely, Istana Bandar and Istana Jugra, a royal mausoleum and old mosques. On the way back, don’t forget to buy the local crackers or ‘keropok’ that Banting is famous for.

Currently, there is only one hotel within the Cyberjaya, the Cyberview Lodge Resort & Spa. This 5-star boutique resort is beautifully located in well-designed landscape gardens giving it an air of serenity and calming ambience. Designed to create an airy and spacious feeling, the Cyberview Lodge Resort & Spa was built to enhance its natural surrounding instead of overwhelming it. The swimming pool is quite unique with cascading water fall that is quite romantic. A favourite destination for garden weddings and intimate gathering, the nighttime here is especially beautiful and quiet. The rooms are quite large and luxuriously furnished with modern amenities and its Italian restaurant comes highly recommended for lunch or dinner. If you’re looking a quick getaway or just a relaxing weekend with your loved ones, the Cyberview Lodge Resort & Spa should be on the list. And with a starting rate of RM478 (USD136), it’s a luxury you can afford.