South East Asian Trips

Negeri Sembilian literally means 'Nine States'. It is so called because it comprises a federation of nine states. Located on the southwest corner of Peninsular Malaysia, Negeri Sembilan encompasses an area of 6,645 Sq. Km and a 48 Km long coastline.

Negeri Sembilan comprises of picturesque valleys and plains amidst undulating hills and mountains. The rustic villages and lush forests coupled with splendid waterfalls, cool, crystal clear streams, and rivers make it an ideal site for eco-tourism. Negeri Sembilan is also known for its Minangkabau-styled architecture, reflecting the influence of the State's first inhabitants from Sumatra.

History

Negeri Sembilan was settled between the 15th and 16th century by the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra who migrated to the region during the Malay Sultanate in Malacca. At that time Negeri Sembilan was a rather loose confederation of nine fiefdoms in a secluded valley of the region. It was only in 1773, and with Raja Melewar as the Yam Tuan or ruler, that the nine separate fiefdoms of Sungai Ujong, Rembau, Johol, Jelebu, Naning, Segamat, Ulu Pahang, Jelai and Kelang were unified.

Negeri Sembilan's modern history then began with British intervention in the districts of Sungai Ujong, Rembau and Jelebu to protect British economic interests and placed the country under the control of a British Resident. The British established their influence by making treaties with the separate states (1874-89) and by reforming them into a closer federation (1895). Negeri Sembilan became one of the Federated Malay States in 1896.

Negri Sembilan endured Japanese occupation in World War II between 1941 and 1945, and joined the Federation of Malaya in 1948, and became a state of Malaysia in 1963.

Climate

Negeri Sembilan has warm, sunny days and cool nights all year round with occasional rain in the evenings. Temperature ranges from 23°C to 33°C. Humidity is high throughout the year. Annual rainfall is 2,670 mm. Although rain falls throughout the year, October to December are said to be the wettest months.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Negeri Sembilan all round the year. It would be better if you avoid going between October and December, as the rainfall is pretty heavy in these months.

Attractions

Seremban Lake Gardens

Every town in Malaysia has a green lung, and Seremban's is particularly lovely. Two lakes situated amidst a gentle expanse of landscaped greenery add a refreshing respite from the heat. Cultural shows are held on a floating stage on one of the lakes. Overlooking the Lake Gardens is the State Mosque, with its nine pillars symbolising the nine districts of the State.

Cultural Handicraft Complex (Kompleks Taman Seni Budaya)

The Cultural Handicraft Complex, located at Labu Spur, displays various handicrafts and historic artifacts of Negeri Sembilan.

Negeri Sembilan State Museum (Istana Ampang Tinggi)

The state museum, situated within the Cultural Handicraft Complex, houses many historical artifacts of the state. The museum building was formerly the old palace at Kampong Ampang Tinggi. Built entirely of wood, it has been reassembled within this complex. Situated next to the museum is the "Rumah Minang" burned down by the British during the Sungai Ujung war.

Port Dickson

Port Dickson, situated about 32 km west of Seremban, is one of the best known seaside resorts in Malaysia. Its proximity to Kuala Lumpur makes it the favored resort for Malaysians.

Port Dickson, the playground resort in Negeri Sembilan, is thirty-four kilometers from the state capital of Seremban and about an hour and a half from Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur. It has miles of fine sandy beaches fringed by Casuarinas, palms, and the intricate, above-ground root formations of the Banyan tree. The road to Port Dickson hugs the Malaysian coastline, making impromptu rest and swim stops almost impossible to resist. Vendors along the road offer thirst-quenching drinks of coconut water and sugar-cane juice.

A complete menu of leisure activities is available in Port Dickson, including water-skiing, canoeing, snorkeling, windsurfing, and sailing, all of which can easily be handled through the reception desk at your hotel.

Despite Port Dickson's reputation as an area firmly focused on beach resort activity, the sights and history of the surrounding area are well worth experiencing. At Kota Lukut, a mere seven km from Port Dickson, stands the fort of Raja Jumaat, a renowned nineteenth-century Bugis warrior. The fort was built in 1847 to control the lucrative tin trade in the area. Another rewarding site is the lighthouse at Cape Rachardo, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century in order to guide ships to the safety of Malacca's harbour. The lighthouse is still functioning today, and visitors can ascend its narrow spiral stair to the beacon, which offers a magnificent view of the coastline of Sumatra. The Cape is also a popular stopover point for migratory birds. From September to March, flocks of sparrows, honey buzzards, and swifts can be seen here, together with birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles.

Twenty-three kilometers south of the lighthouse, on the road to Malacca, sits the small and mysterious village of Pengkalan Kempas. The village houses the enigmatic 15th-century tomb of Sheikh Ahmad Majnun, whose epitaph explains that he fell while fighting to save a now unknown woman referred to simply as "the princess." It is home to a more prominent mystery as well, however. Beside the tomb stand three megaliths, elaborately carved, of unknown origin and use. As if to seal the reputation of this hamlet of the unknown, there is also in Pengalen Kempas an "ordeal stone." This ancient lie-detector, through which a person would put his arm when answering questions, allegedly reacts to an untruth by closing upon the liar's fist. Whether or not this story is true makes for an interesting dare.

Getting there
Take the Kuala Lumpur - Seremban bus, then the Seremban - Port Dickson bus.