NEGERI SEMBILAN

STORY ABOUT NEGERI SEMBILAN

Negeri Sembilan is just about 50km south of Kuala Lumpur. Negeri Sembilan which literally means nine states of district, has a mainly rural landscape with patches of urban development once mostly agricultural the states economy now reflects a commercial balance between agriculture and industry with the development of several industrial parks in recent years.

Negeri Sembilan is noted its strong Minangkabau influences which are evident in its kampung houses and official buildings. The Minangkabau people migrated across the Straits of Melaka from Sumatra centuries ago and their traditional houses consist of sweeping roof peaks shaped like buffalo horns. Some examples of these influences can be seen in the State Mosque and the State Secretariat Building. The Minangkabau people of Negeri Sembilan still practice the matrilineal social system known as the “adat perpateh” making the state the only one to adhere to such social norms.

The state has one of the most accessible beaches closest to the federal capital known as Port Dickson, which is popular with weekenders. But besides the famous beach, in the way of sightseeing, there is a little bit of everything for everyone, from the history buff to the nature lover.

PLACES OF INTEREST

1) Cultural Handicraft Complex

The complex which has been modelled like a traditional Minangkabau dwelling, is located on a four hectare site along Jalan Labu. Various examples of the state’s handicraft and historical artefacts are on display in this complex which preserves Negeri Sembilan’s rich cultural traditions.

2) State Museum

Located within the grounds of the Cultural Handicraft Complex, the museum is an old wooden palace which has been reconstructed. Built entirely of wood, the palace was used by royalty at is old site at Kampung Ampang Tinggi. On display are historical artefact like weapons, brass and silverware and a tableau portraying a grand royal wedding.

3) State Mosque

The state mosque was built with nine pillars to symbolize the nine districts that make up the state described as one of the more attractive modern mosques in the country, it offers a scenic view of the Seremban Lake and the gardens surrounding it.

4) Lake Gardens

A picturesque garden it  has lush greenery and well maintained lawns. There are jogging tracks in the Lake Gardens for the energetic and a children’s playground.

5) Sri Menanti

The Sri Menanti palace was built at the turn of this century to replace an aolder palace which was burnt down, this unique constructed palace became a tourist attraction after it was turned into a Royal Museum in 1992. The Sri Menanti Palace was the official residence of the royal family until 1931. Designed by two local craftsmen and carpenters, “Tukang Kahar” and “Tukang Taib”, the wooden palace or “Istana Lama” (old palace), which was completed in about six years in 1908, was built without nails or screws. The palace, which features 99 magnificent pillars to denote 99 warriors of various “luak” or clans, is a subject of study for architectural students.

6) Ulu Bendul Recreational Park

The Ulu Bendul Recreational Park located some 16km from Seremban on the Kuala Pilah Sri Menanti route, at the foot of Bukit Angsi provides a welcome and cool respite to travelers. The park is one of six recreational parks in Negeri Sembilan developed for ecotourism.  There is a stream running trails suitable for jungle trekking. Facilities include chalets and a camping ground for visitors planning an overnight stay.

7) Nilai

Nilai, in the northern part of the state, has become an important industrial area due to its proximity to the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport in nearby Sepang district in Selangor. Once a sleepy hollow, it now offers an interesting contrast of modern development set against a backdrop of traditional village houses and rows of old shophouses.

8) Port Dickson

Port Dickson of PD is a highly popular weekend retreat for folk from Melaka and Kuala Lumpur. Located about 32km from Seremban, PD, in the Pantai Laut district, offers one of the best beaches for frolicking on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Casuarina tress are scattered all along the 18km of beach front with several good areas for swimming and water sport activities like sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and water-skiing.

Port Dickson is particularly alive in August each year during the “Pesta Port Dickson” Water sports, attraction at this annual festival. Getting around is easy as there are several bus and taxi services from Port Dickson town that ply popular beach areas.

9) Tanjong Tuan

Near the Blue Lagoon is Tanjong Tuan, formerly known as Cape Rachado, noted for a lighthouse built many years ago on a headland overlooking the Straits of Melaka. On a clear day, one can see Port Dickson town and the outline of Sumatra across the Straits of Melaka from this vintage point. The headland at Tanjong Tuan is a sanctuary for migratory birds like sparrows, hawks, honey buzzards, eagles and swifts. In September till October and again from March to April, a large concentration of hawks and eagles can be seen.

10) Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon, which offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding greenery and the Straits of Melaka is located about 15km from the town of Port Dickson. The lagoon is favored for swimming, boating, wind surfing and water skiing. This is where the action is for fun in the sun. There are several international class hotels and seaside condominiums in the area.

11) Kota Lukut

This fort, about 30km from Seremban was built between 1826 and 1827 to provide a safe haven during turbulent times in the states history. The visitor has to go through many neat rubber and oil palm plantations to get there

12) Pengkalan Kempas

In Pengakalan Kempas, about 23km from Port Dickson, lies the grave of a leading historical personality, Ulama Sheikh Ahmad Makhtum. Beside his grave are famous stone inscriptions of “batu bersurat” which depict his history

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