PUTRAJAYA, Aug 31 — The free water taxi service emerged as a highlight for visitors at the 2026 National Day celebration in Dataran Putrajaya today, with people from all walks of life seizing the opportunity to cross Putrajaya Lake in a spirit of patriotism.

Operating from 5 am until noon, the service drew visitors heading to the parade venue and quickly became one of the standout attractions of the celebration.

The journey across Putrajaya Lake also offered people a chance to enjoy the surrounding views of the Federal administrative centre from a different perspective, making it one of the more memorable highlights of this year’s National Day celebration.

Michelle Wong, 31, said she and two other family members made a last-minute decision to attend the celebration here, with a quick Internet search for public transport information.

“We managed to park at the Terra 8 area and took the water taxi here. This is our first time at Dataran Putrajaya and our first time experiencing the water taxi.

“We were given safety jackets, and we really enjoyed the early morning scenery in Putrajaya,” said the digital marketing professional.

Teacher Hajar Salih, 27, who also used the water taxi service, said this was her second time using the service, having enjoyed a similar experience last year.

“I find this the most convenient option for me because I arrived early at the Marina Jetty area and didn’t have to wait long for a water taxi,” said the Gombak resident.

A Bernama check revealed that the water taxi service operated on three routes, with three water taxis available on Route 1 and Route 2, while three cruiser units were provided on Route 3.

Safety was also given due attention, with visitors required to wear life jackets throughout the journey.

Route 1 runs from the Terra 8 Jetty, Presint 8, to the Monument Jetty, Presint 2, while Route 2 connects the Putrajaya Lake Club Jetty to the Monument Jetty, Presint 2.

Route 3 operates between the Putrajaya Marina Jetty, Presint 5, and the Anjung Floria Jetty, Presint 4.

In addition to the water taxi service, the public could also take advantage of free shuttle bus services for the celebration.

The free shuttle bus service on Route MS01 from Putrajaya Sentral Terminal to Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Presint 2, operates non-stop for 24 hours, starting from 2 pm yesterday to 2 pm today.

Another free shuttle bus service, Route MS02, operates from the main lobby of PICC, Jalan P4X, Presint 4, from 4 am to 2 pm today, with buses every five minutes. — Bernama