Negeri Sembilan is located on the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, just south of Kuala Lumpur and is bordered in the north by Selangor, in the east by Pahang and in the south by Malacca and Johor.
Negeri Sembilan, which means, “State of nine” is a name believed to derive from the nine districts of Negara that existed during the time of the early settlers, the Minangkabau, people originally from West Sumatra. Minangkabau features are still visible today in traditional architecture, the dialect of Malay spoken, the arts and craft and in particular the matrilineal kinship system found even today in the state.
Negeri Sembilan differs from its monarchical adversaries and royal Malay states in its constitutional makeup. The ruler of Negeri Sembilan is known as Yang di-Pertuan Besar instead of Sultan and is elected by the council of Undangs who lead the four biggest districts of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol, and Rembau, making Negeri Sembilan one of the more democratic monarchies of Malaysia.
The royal capital of Negeri Sembilan is Seri Menanti in the district of Kuala Pilah. The Old Palace and current Royal Museum is a fascinating five-storey structure built entirely with hardwood timbers extracted from the forest all around Negeri Sembilan and almost miraculously without using any screws or nails. The palace was the royal residence of Yang Di Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhammad between the years 1908 and 1931, who occupied the third floor while using the fourth floor as the royal treasury and repository of royal records.
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The state capital is Seremban located 50kms from the nations capital, Kuala Lumpur. This culturally rich city is easily accessible by road and rail to the nations capital.
The city’s Handicraft Centre is one of the eight established nationwide branches of the Handicraft Development Corporation of Malaysia and is the main production centre for bamboo, rattan and as well as glass based crafts, mass produced for the commercial market. Besides the rattan products, visitors can also witness the transformation of glass into items for gifts and souvenirs. The centre also has a Skill Training Program to identify and develop the skills of artisans and craftsmen state wide.
The State Museum, Crafts and Culture Complex located at Seremban houses several buildings such as the State Museum, Teratak Perpatih, Rumah Negeri Sembilan or Negeri Sembilan House as well as the Top Spinning Court.
The State Museum was originally the Ampang Tinggi Palace, built in the year 1861 by Yam Tuan Imam Sri Menanti. Just like the Seri Menanti Old Palace, this was built without using any form of nails or screws. The museum houses various collections of artefacts, weaponry and silver ware that once belonged to the Royal Family.
The Teratak Perpatih House with its gallery of porcelain, woodcraft and batik is located near the State Museum. It is an eye-catching building with its roof design mimicking the two pointed ends of a buffalo’s horns, unique to the Minangkabau architectural style.
Port Dickson, the most popular beach in Negeri Sembilan is located 33 kilometres west of Seremban. PD, as it is populary known, lies on the shores of the Straits of Malacca making it a resort town with miles of golden beaches and a wide range of accommodation. The beach also hosts the annual Pesta Port Dickson or PD Fiesta between July and August.
The "Blue Lagoon", though not the actual location of the popular movie and tucked away from the busy town of PD is a popular playground for the city dwellers of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore as well as the neighbouring towns.
A half kilometre drive from PD beach through lush jungle leads to a flight of steps leading to the foot of a 16th century lighthouse, Tanjung Tuan lighthouse formally known as Cape Rachado and built by the Portugese. Entry to the lighthouse requires a permit and leads to a panoramic view of the Straits of Malacca.
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The state also has many attractions for the adventurous at heart like the Batu Maloi Cave, located around thirty-five kilometers away from Kuala Pilah. Formed beneath masses of large rocks, the cave has a crystal clear stream of water passing through its floor.
Lata Kijang is yet another exciting destination from its thrilling off road access to its lush green forests to its 300 feet tall water fall. A dip in the cold refreshing water is sure to wash away the exhaustions of even the weariest of adventure seekers.
Gunung Datuk, standing tall at 2900 metres is a popular campsite. The mountain offers a picturesque view of its lush green forests from its peak.
Seremban also has one of the oldest jungles in the world, the Ulu Bendol Recreational Forest located at the southern edge of the Titiwangsa mountain range. The forest is estimated to date back to more than 130 million years ago and offers many outdoor activities like camping, jungle trekking, fishing and as well as swimming. There are many tranquil picnic spots as well as trekking opportunities for the adventurous to Gunung Agsi, 825m metres above sea level. There are also chalets and A-shaped huts available priced reasonably between RM19 to RM30 per night.
From refreshment to the mind to refreshment of the body, Negeri Sembilan has all the solutions.
Pedas Hot Springs, underground springs with medicinal values for certain skin and rheumatism problems. The town itself is like a huge spa with its private bathing enclosures known to relieve muscle and body aches.
Negeri Sembilan is definitely a state with a difference. The traditional beef rendang (beef cooked in rich spices and coconut), gulai lemak cili api (tumeric gravy with chilli) are some local delicacies and an unforgettable culinary experience for many tourists true to its Arabic honorific Darul Khusus, meaning "the Special Abode". Double click the map for a closer look!
