NEGERI SEMBILAN which means “nine districts” is a small but interesting state steeped in Minangkabau culture and history. A land blessed with sun-kissed beaches, ancient palaces, old forts, paddy fields and natural attractions.
Another prominent feature of Minangkabau culture is the “Adat Perpatih”, a matrilineal system where the wife heads the household and inheritance passes down the maternal line and children take the name of their mother. It also involves communal administration of the village, something which is considered unique in Negeri Sembilan.
Visitors are invited to experience the lifestyle and culture of Minangkabau through the homestay programmes. Enjoy soccer match at the paddy field, merry-making at traditional Minangkabau wedding and traditional games.
Among the famous homestay programmes is the Gemas Homestay involving Ladang Village, Ulu Ladang Village, Bangka Hulu Village and Londah Village.
Sri Menanti Palace best illustrates the Minangkabau blue tiled roof was built in the 1930s without any nails. It is now functioning as a Royal Museum. The Cultural Complex or “Taman Seni Budaya” in Jalan Labu, Seremban is a work- of-art spectacle of Minangkabau architecture. It exhibits handicrafts and artefacts of Minangkabau culture.
In Rembau, Astana Raja features a replica of ancient Minangkabau city where the first monarch Raja Melewar established his kingdom while the Pengkalan Kempas village is renowned for its three megalithic stones in the Historical Complex. The stones are known as “The Rudder”, “The Sword” and “The Spoon”. Another stone is the “Ordeal Stone” which has a hole in it.
Eco-tourism is also being promoted aggressively by the State Government. This is the best time to visit –any of the eleven recreational forests - Ulu Bendul, Tengkek, De Bana, Serting Ulu, Lata Kijang, Jeram Toi, Lenggeng, Pasir Panjang, Gunung Datuk, Gunung Tampin and Batu Maloi recreational forest. These forests which are well facilitated with camp sites and canopy walkways are popular spots for a quiet picnic and enjoyable family outings.
If you prefer a leisurely stroll by the lake, Lake Gardens at Jalan Taman Bunga is the place to be. Here, topiary care, jogging tracks and beautiful landscapes of flora and fauna are the highlights. Pedas Wet World is the first hot springs water park in Negeri Sembilan. It is believed that the hot springs have been discovered by the locals when their cattle jumped in fright at the springing of hot water from the ground. Today, this water park promises a fun-filled time for all families.
Overall, Negeri Sembilan with its rich Minangkabau culture is truly a unique state. It’s called “nine states” but scored a perfect ten to visitors!
The Legacy of Minangkabau Culture
The Minangkabau people migrated across the Straits of Melaka from Sumatera centuries ago and brought along their wealth of culture and tradition. Today, the Minangkabau culture is very much alive in Negeri Sembilan, which includes the buffalo horn-shaped roofs of many State-owned buildings and buffalo horn- styled headgear of maidens. According to folklore, the buffalo representing Minangkabau defeated the tiger which represents the Javanese in a fight of supremacy.Another prominent feature of Minangkabau culture is the “Adat Perpatih”, a matrilineal system where the wife heads the household and inheritance passes down the maternal line and children take the name of their mother. It also involves communal administration of the village, something which is considered unique in Negeri Sembilan.
Visitors are invited to experience the lifestyle and culture of Minangkabau through the homestay programmes. Enjoy soccer match at the paddy field, merry-making at traditional Minangkabau wedding and traditional games.
Among the famous homestay programmes is the Gemas Homestay involving Ladang Village, Ulu Ladang Village, Bangka Hulu Village and Londah Village.
Sri Menanti Palace best illustrates the Minangkabau blue tiled roof was built in the 1930s without any nails. It is now functioning as a Royal Museum. The Cultural Complex or “Taman Seni Budaya” in Jalan Labu, Seremban is a work- of-art spectacle of Minangkabau architecture. It exhibits handicrafts and artefacts of Minangkabau culture.
In Rembau, Astana Raja features a replica of ancient Minangkabau city where the first monarch Raja Melewar established his kingdom while the Pengkalan Kempas village is renowned for its three megalithic stones in the Historical Complex. The stones are known as “The Rudder”, “The Sword” and “The Spoon”. Another stone is the “Ordeal Stone” which has a hole in it.
Where nature beckons your arrival
The most popular beach in Negeri Sembilan is Port Dickson. With its close proximity to Kuala Lumpur, many city folks will travel there during holiday seasons to enjoy the scenic views of the beach as well as Teluk Kemang and Blue Lagoon there. Teluk Kemang is one of the longest stretches of beach in Port Dickson while the Blue Lagoon offers serenity, tucked away from the main road. In fact Port Dickson has been the venue for two exciting events, the Port Dickson Fest and the International Port Dickson Ironman Triathlon.Eco-tourism is also being promoted aggressively by the State Government. This is the best time to visit –any of the eleven recreational forests - Ulu Bendul, Tengkek, De Bana, Serting Ulu, Lata Kijang, Jeram Toi, Lenggeng, Pasir Panjang, Gunung Datuk, Gunung Tampin and Batu Maloi recreational forest. These forests which are well facilitated with camp sites and canopy walkways are popular spots for a quiet picnic and enjoyable family outings.
If you prefer a leisurely stroll by the lake, Lake Gardens at Jalan Taman Bunga is the place to be. Here, topiary care, jogging tracks and beautiful landscapes of flora and fauna are the highlights. Pedas Wet World is the first hot springs water park in Negeri Sembilan. It is believed that the hot springs have been discovered by the locals when their cattle jumped in fright at the springing of hot water from the ground. Today, this water park promises a fun-filled time for all families.
Overall, Negeri Sembilan with its rich Minangkabau culture is truly a unique state. It’s called “nine states” but scored a perfect ten to visitors!
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