Negeri Sembilan: A Fascinating Heritage

The most distinct feature greeting visitors to the little state of Negeri Sembilan is its legacy of Minangkabau culture. Tales are told of a clash between western Sumatran settlers and the Javanese, where a Bull represented the Sumatrans and a Tiger, the Javanese. The incredible culmination of the battle with the victory of the Bull over the ferocious Tiger, resulted in the title Minangkabau, meaning ‘Victorious Bull’. Negeri Sembiland not only features picturesque Malay villages with their distinctive Minangkabau architecture and quaint townships but also the thrills and experiences of verdant rainforests, fast flowing rivers and cascading waterfalls. There is much to discover in the State of Negeri Sembilan, most notably, its special character and identity.

Geography
Negeri Sembilan is located on the southwest of Peninsular Malaysia and encompasses an area of approximately 6,643 sq km which includes a 48-km coastline. It is bordered in the north by Selangor, in the east by Pahang and in the south by Melaka and Johor. Geographically, the state covers varying topography from sandy seaside terrain to valleys and plains and gentle hillsides and mountains.

The name Negeri Sembilan literally means nine states. It used to be made up of nine districts, each ruled by a different chieftain. However, today it comprises a confederation of seven administrative districts, namely Seremban (the state capital), Jelebu, Kuala Pilah, Port Dickson, Jempol, Rembau and Tampin.

The administrative centre of the state is Seremban which is only 35 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) via the North-South Expressway (NSE). Kuala Pilah, located about 38 km from Seremban, is the home district of the royal family of the Yang-Di-Pertuan Besar or ruler of the state. The royal Seri Menanti Palace here remains the most significant edifice in the area. The district resonates with nobility and heritage.

History & Culture
Negri Sembilan is steeped in history dating way back to the 15th Century when the Minangkabau people of Sumatra came to settle there. In the early days, Negeri Sembilan was not a unified State in the past. It used to be a loose confederation of nine fiefdoms. Initially under the protection of the Melaka Sultanate until its collapse  in 1511 with the arrival of the Portuguese, Negeri Sembilan then became a vassal of the Johor Sultanate. In the 18th century attacks by the Bugis forced the Minangkabaus to seek protection from a prince from their homeland, Raja Melewar of Pagar Ruyong. Raja Melewar was proclaimed the first Yang Dipertuan Besar (meaning 'He who is Greatest') of Negeri Sembilan in 1773. Subsequent civil wars among the nine Malay chieftains resulted in the British appointing a British Resident in 1895, primarily to protect their tin trade along Sungai Linggi (Linggi River), and the appointment of the Yam Tuan Seri Menanti as the ruler of the State of Negeri Sembilan in 1889. Today Negeri Sembilan is still ruled by the Yang Dipertuan Besar and not a Sultan as is the norm with most of the other states in Malaysia.

The population of Negeri Sembilan is estimated to be around 978,248 comprising primarily Malays (the extensive Minangkabau residents are considered Malays), Chinese, Indians and others. The culture and traditions in Negeri Sembilan are strongly influenced by the culture brought by the Minangkabau descendants. A unique aspect of their culture is the cultural and social system called Adat Perpatih, which is a matrilineal system that dictates women as the leaders of society and inheritances are passed down to daughters, and not sons. The horn-roof style of architecture typical of the predominant ‘bull’ element of the Minangkabaus is evident around the state and even some of the headgears worn by the locals on festive occasions resemble the horns of the bull!

Getting There & About
Negeri Sembilan is easily accessible from most parts of Malaysia and even Singapore via Highways and expressways. It is linked by train to Butterworth, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Seremban while east coast states are linked to it by rail from the town of Gemas. Frequent bus services are available to Port Dickson. Taxi services also link Seremban, the capital, to other major towns around the peninsula. The capital Seremban is also a mere 30 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Taxis and buses go to all parts of the state and the main bus-cum-taxi terminal is at Jalan Sungai Ujung, Seremban.

Heritage Discovery
Negeri Sembilan State Museum/Complex Centre
Located along Jalan Labu is the Cultural Handicraft Complex, comprising three main buildings: the Teratak Perpatih, the Ampang Tinggi Palace and the Minangkabau House, built in typical Minangkabau style. Teratak Perpatih features artifacts, handicrafts, traditional clothes, woodcarvings and photographs while the authentic Minangkabau House features the state’s history and culture. The tourist information centre is also here. A restored palace, the once magnificent Istana Ampang Tinggi is today the State Museum which houses exhibits of various old weapons as well as brass and silverware used by the Royal families.

Sri Menanti Royal Museum
The Seri Menanti Palace built at the turn of the century by two local craftsmen is an architectural marvel. The five storey wooden palace which took six years to complete was constructed using no screws or nails and is held together using interlocking techniques and wood pegs. It is all black with a long balcony and wooden pillars carved with intricate gold flower motifs. Its 99 solid timber pillars that soar 65 feet in height represent the 99 warriors who guarded the palace. Now the Royal Museum, it is a classic showcase of Minangkabau structure and design. The repository of the regalia of the Negeri Sembilan Royal family, it has on display costumes, ceremonial weaponry, bed chambers and documents on the Royal lineage. The Museum is tucked amidst green hills 50km form Seremban in the Royal town of Sri Menanti, which is also the official residence of the State Ruler.

Lukut Museum/Fort
Lukut, a historical town just North of Port Dickson, is where you will find the site of the Lukut Museum and an old fort. . The Lukut Fort was built in 1847 by "Raja Jumaat" on top of a hill, Bukit Gajah Mati,..to protect the town’s booming tin trade from unwanted intruders. The museum showcases Lukut’s golden days as the capital of tin trade. It has exhibits of the NASSAU shipwreck. NASSAU is the famous Dutch East Indiaman battleship belonging to the EIC (East India Company) which sank during the Battle of Cape Rachado (Tanjung Tuan) in 1606

Port Dickson Army Museum
The Army Museum is located at Jalan Sua Betong, Port Dickson, was established to showcase the history of the Royal Armoured Corps (Kor Armor Diraja) which is located at Sunggala Camp, Port Dickson. The Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Al-Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah, the Sultan of Terengganu, launched the museum on September 4, 1993. The Duli Yang Maha Mulia is also the colonel for the Royal Armoured Corps. 

Pengkalan Kempas Historical Complex
Pengkalan Kempas, a village along the Port Dickson-Melaka trunk road, is where an old grave - Keramat Sungai Ujong - marks the final resting place of a leading historical personality, Ulama Sheikh Ahmad Majnun, an Islamic missionary. Adjacent to the tomb is the group of three very mysterious carved granite monoliths, each about 2 meters high, known, because of their shapes, as the Sword, the Spoon and the Rudder. They are believed to be monuments of an unidentified pagan culture which was practiced in Malaysia before the advent of Islam. Dubbed the Living Stones they are said to glow at night and to possess special properties.

The Gemas Railway Station
The Gemas Railway Station, which is still fully operational to this day, was constructed in 1922. It is a stopover for trains from the North, East Coast and the South and also accommodates cargo trains carrying major commodities such as cement, petrol, rubber and logs. The station building has maintained its original structure and even houses two 1946 model North British Locomotive Company steam engines.

Arts & Cultural Exploration
Adat Rembau Museum
The Adat Museum in Rembau displays a fascinating array of cultural artefacts, from hand crafted antiques to community heirlooms to the unique Minangkabau ladies’ buffalo horn shaped headdress. Documents and charts provide insight to the tenets of Adat Pepateh, the matrilineal Minangkabau community’s law of inheritance.

House of Pendita Za'ba
Pendita Za’ba means “learned man”. This beautiful Malay house chronicles the times of Tan Sri Zainal Abidin Bin Ahmad, an icon of Malay literature. He was a man of great intellect who made many contributions to the economic, social and political areas of Malaysian development. The house is located in Kampung Bukit Kerdas.

Seri Menanti Grand Palace
The official residence of the ruler, this modern palace sits just 200 metres from the old Seri Menanti Palace. Built in 1933 the turret rises proudly amidst the rolling greenery of landscaped grounds. Located within the palace is the Balairong Seri or Throne Room where the ruler and his consort, the Tengku Ampuan, hold audience. It is also the venue for all major state functions like swearing-ins and the pledging of allegiance by state leaders and clan chieftains. The palace also houses regalia belonging to the royal family. The keris, spears, swords, umbrellas and other royal paraphernalia are permanently displayed here. Located nearby is the Royal Mausoleum where past rulers and members of the royal family are buried.

Negeri Sembilan State Mosque
The attractively designed state mosque projects nine pillars from every corner of its curved roof representing the nine districts of Negeri Sembilan. Painted pristine white part of its walls feature contemporary wooden and glass designs. Its location offers a great view of the Seremban Lake.

Sim Hong Temple
This temple located in Jalan Bahau, is a fine example of traditional Chinese Temple architecture built around 1900. Its porcelain dragons and wood carvings in the interior were mainly imported from China.

Terachi Cultural Village
This cultural village, located at the junction of Seri Menanti, features Minangkabau culture and traditions at their best. Here you can witness their dances, music and handicrafts as well as local traditional farmers using buffaloes to plough paddy fields.

Great City Destinations
State Legislative Assembly Building
Housed within the Wisma Negeri Complex, the building is designed in traditional Minangkabau style which is closely linked to the Pagar Ruyung Palace in Sumatra. The eight-pointed roof emulates the horns of the bull while the elegantly carved wood panels, interiors and furniture of the main chamber complement the traditional exterior.

Seremban Lake Gardens
Located in the centre of town, Seremban Lake Gardens is one of the most picturesque gardens in the state. Its lush greenery and well-maintained lawns is ideal for rest and recreation as well as family picnics. It has two lakes, a jogging track and a mini bird park. Cultural shows are also often organised on a floating stage here.

State Library
Not far from the Lake Gardens is the State Library. Once the State Secretariat Building, it was built in 1912 by an English architect, D.B. Hubback. The structure is a reminder of the country’s colonial period. Walls of back-to-back references comprising journals, photographs and other materials from the country’s post-Independence era occupy the library.

Coasts & Beaches
Port Dickson
Negeri Sembilan’s chief attraction is its popular beach, Port Dickson (more frequently referred to as PD by the locals), located about 33 kilometres west of Seremban. PD, which lies on the shores of the Straits of Malacca, boasts of 18 kms of sunny gently sloping beaches, lined by tall and shady casuarinas and banyan tress. With gentle waves and the soft sultry breeze from the Straits of Malacca lightening the tropical heat of the day the beaches are inviting for an enjoyable frolic in sand and sea.

Being centrally located and easily accessible, P.D. is a favourite 'playground' for nearby city dwellers and also Singaporeans. Water sports activities such as parasailing, canoeing, yachting and speedboat rides are popular pastimes here. An additional treat for visitors are the events held on the beach such as the annual Pesta Port Dickson or PD Fiesta and the International Port Dickson Ironman Triathlon.

The famous Blue Lagoon beach is one of the more popular spots along the PD beach stretch. Close to it a half km scenic drive through will lead you to a flight of 63 steps which will leads to the foot of the Tanjung Tuan Lighthouse. Formerly known as Cape Rachado this 16th century lighthouse was built by the Portuguese. From this vantage point you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline, and also enjoy the surrounding forests which is a sanctuary for migratory birds as well as wild monkeys.

PD boasts of many international class and budget accommodation, ranging from luxury establishments to simple guesthouses or private bungalows. Regardless or where you reside and what you do, the glorious sun rise and sunset against the Straits of Malacca is a sight all can enjoy along the beaches of PD.

Eco-Adventures
Negeri Sembilan has many recreational parks and forests. The 1,240-metre Gunung Hantu (Ghost Mountain) is a favourite among eco-tourists while the Ulu Bendol Recreational Forest is a paradise within the Angsi Reserved Forest. Other popular places to enjoy nature are the Lenggeng Recreational Forest at Lenggeng Village and the Serting Ulu Recreational Forest near Simpang Pertang.

Ulu Bendul Recreational Forest
The Ulu Bendul Recreational Forest located 16km from Seremban at the foot of the 825m Bukit Angsi, is a favourite spot for picnickers on weekends. Its cool shady surroundings and mountain streams that meander through the park are the prime attractions. If you decide to Bukit Angsi you may be fortunate enough to chance upon rare beautiful birds, lizards and maybe even snakes. From the peak you will be rewarded with a scenic view of Seremban and the beautiful surroundings.

Lata Kijang
The breathtaking Lata Kijang Waterfalls is one of the highest single drop waterfalls in Malaysia, located deep within the Kenaboi Forest Reserve in Jelebu. Getting to the Lata Kijang waterfalls is in itself an adventure as it requires a 2 hour 4WD trip through rugged terrain, traversing Orang Asli settlements and a plethora of wild plants.

Gunung Antu Besar
Also within the Kenaboi forest reserve is the 1,462 metres high Gunung Antu Besar, the highest peak in Negeri Sembilan. If you do take the opportunity to climb this mountain you should also explore the stunning Jeram Berungut canyon where you may catch a glimpse of diverse bird species as well as the rare Raja Brooke Birdwing butterfly.

Pedas Hot Springs
Pedas Hot Springs is located in the district of Rembau, 30km south of Seremban. It is claimed that the sulphurous content of its pools have curative properties for skin conditions and other ailments. Here you will find open-air pools which are popular with adults and children alike, as well as private bathtubs. Additional attractions include the underwater reflexology footpath, twin slides and wave pool

Jelita Ostrich Farm
Malaysia's first Ostrich Show Farm, The Jelita Ostrich Show Farm can be found nestling among lush vegetation and facing a mountainous range. Experienced multilingual guides will educate you on the ostrich industry and also take you on a tour around the farm. If you feel confident enough you ride one of these grumpy looking beasts you will be rewarded with a certificate qualifying you as an ostrich jockeys! For diehard shoppers, various products and souvenirs made from ostrich feathers, eggs etc. are available for purchase.

Negeri Sembilan Homestay
To get a real taste of local life and participate in local traditional activities such as traditional sugar making, handicraft weaving or even tapping a rubber tree you can participate in a homestay program. Kampung Pelegong, Kampung Lonek and Kampung Serting Hilir are some of the locations where you can head to.

Culinary Delights
Traditional Negeri Sembilan food is hot and spicy, as one of the main ingredients used is the deceptively small bird eye chili, which packs a mean punch. Popular dishes include masak lemak lada api, a fiery serving not for weak stomachs, sambal tempoyak daun kayu which contains no less than 44 types of spices and a combination of various leaves cooked in thick and rich gravy and the lemang, which is glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk stuffed in bamboo tubes and roasted over an open wood fire. The Lemang is eaten with ‘rendang’, a traditional meat dish cooked with coconut. Negeri Sembilan also boasts of its own variety of satay, roasted meat on skewers, a Malaysian signature dish. For dessert there is the kesirat, a mixture of sugar, coconut milk, glutinous rice and coarse rice flour or Penganan, a dessert of sugar, coconut milk and glutinous rice flour. Air Jando Pulang is a delicious local beverage unique to Negeri Sembilan, made with the rich pulp and refreshing juice of young coconut, mixed with the red coloring or brown sugar.

Golf
For the golfing enthusiasts who flock to the seaside town they have a choice between courses by the seaside or those nestled in serene lush greenery. Among the international-standard golf courses in the state are Nilai Spring Golf & Country Club, located in a tranquil country setting in Bandar Baru Nilai, Seremban. Staffield Country Resort, which ranks among the best greens in the country and the Tuanku Jafaar Golf & Country Club in Sungai Gadut which poses a unique challenge with its more than 90 sand traps. Other golf courses include seaside greens such as that in Guoman Golf Resort in the Guoman Hotel along Jalan Pantai Port Dickson, Port Dickson Golf & Country Club in Si Rusa, Port Dickson, a royal course at Sri Menanti and the Gemas Golf Resort in Jalan Tampin. 

Entertainment & Shopping
Apart from its modern shopping facilities, Seremban offers fine native rattan products that make excellent souvenirs. The Kraftangan Malaysia Complex in Kuala Pilah has showrooms and workshops where visitors buy or watch rattan products and other handicraft items being created. The State Museum and Cultural Handicraft Complex is another ideal location for souvenir hunters.

Nilai, situated between Kuala Lumpur and Seremban, is fast developing as a shopping haven.Nilai 1 is a haven of textiles and clothings offering a wide variety. Nilai Square, is also a destination for textiles while Nilai 3 Wholesale Centre offers shoppers everything from carpets, furniture, canned food, clothes, pottery, handicraft and even crystals.

For a little night time entertainment you can find pubs and karaoke lounges in the more established hotels. Strolling along the beach in PD is also a favoured evening past time among the locals.

Tourist Information Centre
Negeri Sembilan Tourist Information Centre
Seremban
06-7635388, 7622388/4488