Negeri Sembilan is situated in the west of Peninsular Malaysia. It is about 50km south of Kuala Lumpur and spreads over an area of 6,645 sq km. Its name literally means ‘nine states’ as the state once consisted of nine districts.
The state is known for its Minangkabau culture, which is preserved by the Adat Perpatih, an age-old matrilineal social system. It is also synonymous with the unique Minangkabau architecture, which features unique upswept roof designs. Its capital city is Seremban, a flourishing urban centre with cultural and historical landmarks.
Port Dickson comprises approximately 18km of fine sandy beaches. One of the most popular beach retreats in the west coast, Port Dickson’s close proximity to Kuala Lumpur – about 1½ hours’ drive – makes it a popular getaway for urbanites. The beaches of Port Dickson are also ideal for a wide range of water sports and beach activities. Teluk Kemang, Blue Lagoon and Cahaya Negeri are among the most popular beaches here.
The Army Museum was originally home to the first Malay Regiment batch in 1933. It traces the history, contributions and achievements of the army from the days of the Melaka Sultanate until the present. Apart from kiosks as well as information and graphic panels, the museum also utilises the Pepper Ghost technology for its audio visual presentation, the first- of-its-kind in Malaysia. There are displays of canons, tanks, locomotives and vehicles used during the war.
Sungai Menyala Amenity Forest is spread over an area of 1280 ha is one of the largest lowland dipterocarp forests in the region. Nature lovers can enjoy a walk along the trails or view unique marvels of nature such as the largest Jelutong tree and the hollow tree.
Enjoy optical illusions and visual effects at this gallery. View a collection of over 50 paintings and optical illusions with 3D art featuring five themes – adventure, aquarium, animation, exotic and dark art. You can touch and interact with the art pieces and blend in with the scenery through the clever visual effects.
Kenaboi State Park is an eco-adventure destination located in the district of Jelebu, about 100 km from Seremban. This forest reserve is home to Gunung Besar Hantu, the highest peak in Negeri Sembilan which stands at 1,462 meters. Lata Kijang, one of the highest waterfall in Peninsular Malaysia, is also situated here. Visitors can enjoy a trek to the indigenous villages, off-road expeditions and activities such as tubing, abseiling, mountain climbing and camping. Facilities at the park headquarters include restrooms, a multipurpose hall, campsites, gazebos and parking facilties. The remote location, dipterocarp jungle and lush greenery will be a true reward for nature lovers.
This recreational forest is nestled within the Gunung Angsi Forest Reserve. Located just 16 km from Seremban on the main road to Kuala Pilah, this forest is ideal for outdoor activities. You can enjoy a refreshing dip in the stream or camp out and spend a night under the stars. Avid climbers can scale the 825m high Gunung Angsi.
Completed in 1908, the Royal Museum of Seri Menanti is one of the country’s last remaining wooden palaces. The former official residence of the state’s royal family was made a Royal Museum on the 14th of July, 1992. It houses a host of royal insignia.
The 825 m Gunung Angsi is located within the Ulu Bendul Recreational Forest in Kuala Pilah, about 16 km from Seremban. Due to its well- developed trails and adequate signage, Gunung Angsi is a relatively easy mountain to hike up. The summit, which takes three to four hours to reach, offers a great view of Seremban. The mountain is accessible via Ulu Bendul and Bukit Putus, 3km away.
A place to embrace the traditions of the Malay community. Learn all about the local customs, view traditional sports and pastimes, or learn horseback archery.
Cultural artefacts, handcrafted antique, community heirlooms and headgear such as the distinctive buffalo horn shaped ladies’ headdress can be viewed at the Rembau Museum in Rembau. Apart from these interesting cultural artefacts, the museum also provides information on the Adat Perpatih matrilineal system.
The Negeri Sembilan State Museum showcases the ancient traditions and history of Negeri Sembilan. Made up of three main buildings – Teratak Perpatih (State Museum), Ampang Tinggi Palace and Negeri Sembilan House – this is a great place to view the unique features the traditional Minangkabau design and get a glimpse into the state’s rich history.
History enthusiasts should make a trip to the historical town of Lukut and visit its main attractions, the Lukut Museum and Fort. Here, you can read about Lukut’s golden era as the capital of the tin trade or pore over artefacts from the Nassau shipwreck, a Dutch East India battleship, which sank off the coast of Port Dickson in 1606. Further away are the ruins of the Lukut Fort. It was built in 1847 to protect the town’s booming tin trade. Other attractions here include the legendary ‘poisoned well’ that is believed to be used to punish criminals in the ancient days.
Seremban
Port Dickson
Jelebu
Kuala Pilah
Rembau
Jempol
There are ample opportunities to shop in Negeri Sembilan. To purchase a diverse variety of products and reasonably priced goods, make your way to the various shopping complexes, retail outlets, hypermarkets and night markets in the state. Popular shopping spots:
Negeri Sembilan is home to the traditional hot and spicy Minangkabau or Minang food, which is easily available in the capital city of Seremban and other towns. The signature item in Negeri Sembilan is known as Masak Lemak Cili Api. Fast food and international fare is available at hotels, shopping malls, food courts and restaurants.
Among the state’s traditional fare includes Masak Lemak Cili Api, where the main ingredient is usually beef, chicken or fish. It is simmered in coconut milk and cooked until tender. The fiery taste comes from the use of Cili Api or Cili Padi, which is a variety of chilly that is tiny but regarded as the hottest. This dish is a great accompaniment to white rice.
This traditional delicacy is famous in the town of Johol. Wheat flour, sugar, brown sugar and breadcrumb are mixed and wrapped in
a special leaf called Rambai leaf to preserve its aroma. It is then steamed and eaten with a sambal sauce or just as a tea-time snack.
Lemang is made of glutinous rice and coconut milk, filled into young bamboo tubes and roasted over a slow open fire. It is savoured with a thick dry meat curry called Rendang.
A variation of the famous Malaysian satay, this version is made of chicken meat and its soft cartilage, marinate using a special recipe of spices. The satay is then charcoal grilled until tender.
A tasty, refreshing and healthy option, Nasi Ulam is a rice dish that is cooked with an infusion of herbs and leafy vegetables, onions and roasted coconut.
A refreshing thirst quencher, Air Jando Pulang is made of coconut water and sweetened with palm syrup. Basil seeds and a fruit called Buah Kabung are added for texture and taste.
The seaside town of Port Dickson is known as a paradise for seafood lovers. The town is lined with food stalls, restaurants and open-air markets that offer a variety of seafood delights.
Seremban is only 40 km from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang. Upon arrival, you can select from a range of transportation options such as taxi, bus and car rental services that are available from the airport to designated destinations in Negeri Sembilan.
Kuala Lumpur is about 60 km from Seremban via the North-South Expressway. Port Dickson is located along the coastal road and is an hour’s drive from Seremban.
Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) offers regular train services to the state. It also provides the daily KTM Komuter & ETS service from the KL Sentral Station to Seremban and the smaller towns of Nilai, Batang Benar, Labu as well as Tiroi, at frequent intervals.
You can get a taxi at the Seremban Railway Terminal as well as the Terminal One Bus Station and Port Dickson Bus Terminal. Alternatively, visitors can rent a car and explore the state at their own leisure, traversing the scenic rural roads amidst undulating hills, waterfalls and lush greenery.
Bus services are available from the Terminal One Bus Station in Seremban to towns like Kuala Pilah, Kuala Kelawang, Port Dickson, Nilai and Tampin. The Seremban Municipal Council offers free shuttle services around town every 20 minutes from 6.30am to 8.00pm.
E-hailing services are also available.
For more information, contact: | |
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Tourism Malaysia Regional Office, Central Region (Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan) | +603 2161 0166 |
There is so much to do and so many places to see in Malaysia. To make sure that you don’t miss anything, use this handy map to navigate your way across the country and find great places to visit.
Perlis is the northern gateway to Malaysia. Despite its small size, Perlis has an abundance of attractions that make it a great destination.
Kedah is Malaysia’s largest paddy producing state. Delve into history in Lembah Bujang, the site of an ancient civilisation or relax in Langkawi, a world-famous resort island.
The site of a UNESCO World Heritage City, Penang is a holiday paradise with fabulous beach resorts and eclectic cultures. It is also the undisputable haven for foodies.
A tin-rich state in its heyday, Perak beckons with a range of sights and experiences. The state’s top attractions include Pangkor, an island getaway and Pangkor Laut, an internationally-acclaimed private island.
Hailed as the Cradle of Malay culture, Kelantan is a destination teeming with age-old arts, crafts and pastimes.
Beautiful islands, culture and nature give Terengganu its magical appeal. Dive, snorkel, sunbathe at the islands or journey to its hinterland to experience the best of nature.
The largest state in the peninsula beckons nature-enthusiasts with exciting eco-adventures. From Taman Negara, the oldest national park in the country, to the idyllic Tioman Island, Pahang is simply mesmerising.
Malaysia’s dynamic capital city is bustling with attractions and activities. Explore the city by day and night.
Selangor is home to the country’s main airport KLIA, and the main gateway by sea, Port Klang. It is also the country’s most developed state with a long list of shopping malls and themed attractions.
Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, is a well-planned township with impressive buildings, verdant parks, scenic lakes and beautiful bridges.
From the majestic height of Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest peak, to the stunning depths of the world-famous Sipadan Island, Sabah is a magnificent nature destination.
Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, has a vast wilderness that contains numerous national parks including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mulu National Park.
Located off the northwestern coast of Borneo, this island thrills visitors with its wreck diving sites, historical relics and duty-free shopping.
The birth place of the nation, Melaka is a treasure trove of history and heritage. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage City for vestiges of the past.
Known for its fascinating Minangkabau culture and a unique social system, Negeri Sembilan is the place to learn age-old customs and traditions.
Visit Malaysia’s southern gateway, for a family vacation at the theme parks or escape to its islands for an unforgettable holiday.
Enjoy birdwatching at 55 Important Bird Areas (IBA) throughout the country, tucked away at various habitats such as islands, coasts or lush lowland and montane rainforests.
Love the cool highlands? Find refreshing destinations to unwind in Malaysia. From French-themed settings, energetic amusement parks to forest-clad hills, there is something for everyone.
Find the fun and thrill that you are looking for in Malaysia. Meet your favourite characters, plunge down the world’s longest water slide or enjoy the rides and games!