ಶನಿವಾರ, ಜೂನ್ 6, 2009

Negeri Sembilan State

History
Negeri Sembilan boasts of a history, which actually predates that of her more famous neighbour, Melaka. Evidence of this has been found in the form of ancient and as yet unidentified, stone megaliths in various parts of the state. Briefly, the history on the formation of the kingdom of Negeri Sembilan can be traced back to the 15th century when the Minangkabaus emigrated from their homeland, Pagar Ruyong, Sumatera Indonesia, to Negeri Sembilan searching for greener pastures. As opposed to the Achehnese from northern Sumatera, the Minangkabaus came to Negeri Sembilan not has conquerors but as farmers and traders. Later, they settled and formed their own kingdom. Owing to struggle and external aggression, the Minangkabaus sought protection from their motherland, Pagar Ruyong to appoint a ruler over them. The appointment of the first Yam Tuan Besar took place in 1773. Years later, the instability and constant civil wars between the Bugis and the Minangkabaus over the control of the tin areas led to the British intervention. Places like Sri Menanti, Tampin and Rembau came under the protection of the British. Finally, a treaty was signed between the Yang Di Pertuan Besar, the four major chiefs and the British in 1895 to end the conflict. Negeri Sembilan remained under the British administration until she became one of the states of the Federation of Malaya in 1957.


Physical Geography
Negeri Sembilan, which is just about 50 km south of the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, is one of the earliest tourism draws of the country.


Introduction
Negeri Sembilan is known in the country as the cradle of a distinct and unique culture, the Adat Perpatih of the custom within the matrilineal system. Negeri Sembilan offers more than just beaches. There is a little bit of everything for everyone, from the history buff right to the nature lover. A first time visitor to Negeri Sembilan would perhaps be drawn to the significant feature of a great majority of traditional houses, which have the distinctive style of the Minangkabau people who had migrated across the straits of Melaka from Sumatra centuries ago. Their traditional houses consist of sweeping buffalo home shaped roof peaks and such features have even been incorporated in newer buildings like the State Mosque and the State Secretariat Building.


Economy
Owing to the state Government's comprehensive economic plans, Negeri Sembilan enjoys growing development projects of the various sectors for the past few years. Besides earning a reputation as one of the major tin producers in the country, Negeri Sembilan is fast becoming an industrial state. This development is attributed to the good infrastructures and abundant multi-lingual labours in the State. The mushrooming of industrial estates at Senawang, Beranang and Nilai evidences the plethora of foreign investment flow into Negeri Sembilan.


How To Get There
Moving around Negeri Sembilan is relatively easy. The state is well served by road and rail links. The spanking new bus station in Seremban, described as the most colourful in the country in view of its bright bold colours, is usually a hive of activity with buses going to all parts of Negeri Sembilan as well as the major towns of Peninsular Malaysia. Taxis are also easy to come by. Prices are reasonable. Enquiries can be made at the ticket counters of the bus and taxi station at Jalan Tuanku Munawir and Jalan Sungai Ujong. Seremban also connected to other parts of Peninsular Malaysia as well as Bangkok and Singapore by rail. There are various departures and arrivals on different trains at all times of the day. Enquire at the Seremban railway station (Tel:06-762214) or the Kuala Lumpur Station (Tel:03-2747442).


Places to Eat / Special Food
Eating out in Negeri Sembilan is usually an enjoyable experience as there is a wide variety to choose from. Western fare is easily available in top-notch restaurant while local cuisine is found throughout the state. Chinese and Indian cuisine in Negeri Sembilan also ranks high among gourmets. For those who love hot and spicy Malay food, the dishes found in Negeri Sembilan are usually done according to the Minangkabau tradition, which often see a generous portion of "cili padi" being used. Among the hot favourite is "masak lemak cili api", a dish made from coconut milk blended with turmeric powder and ground "cili api" added to fish, meat or vegetables. Another specialty of Negeri Sembilan is the "lemang" glutinuous rice cooked in coconut milk and served with "rendang", a curried meat dish. These local delicacies can be found at many roadside stalls in the state. The usual yardstick for seeking out above average fare is to observe the number of patrons, the better the number, so is the food. There are several fine restaurants for dining in style at some of the hotels in Seremban. In addition, the town also offers other eating establishments which are within walking distance and serve a wide array of mouth watering dishes to suit every palate.

Culture Heritage
For the culturally inclined visitors, they can see the unique Minangkabau culture performances, which are held sporadically in major hotels at Port Dickson and Seremban. Among the popular ones are Tarian piring (saucer dance), top spinning, percussion drum or embraphone, Rentak kuda (the rhythm of horse) and Cha-Lempong (Small gongs).


Places Of Interest

Cultural Handicraft Complex
The Complex, which has been modelled along the traditional Minangkabau dwelling, is located on a four-hectare site along Jalan Labu. Various handicraft items and historical artefacts are on display in this complex which seeks to preserve Negeri Sembilan's rich cultural traditions.

State Museum
The State Museum is a "must" item for local history lovers. Located within the grounds of the Cultural Handicraft Complex, it is actually an old wooden palace, which has been reassembled for public viewing. Built entirely of wood, this palace that has seen greater days of royal splendour at its old site at Kampung Ampang Tinggi, houses various old and historical artefacts, which will interest those with a keen eye for local history, like weapons as well as brass and silverware. Also on display is a tableau portraying a grand royal wedding. Situated next to the state museum is the "Rumah Minang", depicting an actual Minangkabau house. Also found at the Complex grounds are the megaliths from fort Kempas.

State Mosque
The state mosque is adorned with nine pillars to symbolize the seven districts. Described as one of the most attractive modern mosques in the country, it offers a scenic view of the Seremban Lake amid the tranquillity of its surroundings.

State Library
Situated in the vicinity of the Seremban Lake Gardens is the state library, which used to be the State Secretariat Building. Built in 1912 by B.P Habback of Britain with the assistance of the state Public Works Department, this stately building reflects the colonial architecture of a bygone era.

Sri Menanti Palace / Royal Museum
Negeri Sembilan's rich traditions go back a long way. One of these has been manifested in the construction of the Sri Menanti Palace in Sri Menanti. Built at the turn of this century to replace an older palace, which was burnt down, this uniquely constructed palace has now become 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 when it was found to be inadequate for the growing functions of the state. 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 the aid of any nails or screws. The palace, which features 99 magnificent pillars to denote 99 warriors of various "luak" or clans, is often the subject of study and research among students of architecture.

Fort Lukut
This fort, situated about 30 km from Seremban, is steep in history. Painstakingly built between 1826 and 1827 to be exact, its existence came into being during the heyday of the state's tin industry. Located about a kilometre from the Seremban-Port Dickson trunk road, Fort Lukut was built by Raja Jumaat to provide a safe haven during more turbulent times in the state's history. The fort has now become another tourist attraction for Negeri Sembilan. Travelling to Fort Lukut will bring the visitor past many neatly planted rows of rubber trees and oil palms, which are among the mainstays of the state's economy.

Fort Kempas
In Fort Kempas, about 23 km from Port Dickson lays the grave of a leading historical personality, Keramat Ujong Pasir, Ulama Sheikh Ahmad Makhtum. Beside his grave are the famous stone inscriptions or "Batu Bersurat" which depict his struggle and history.

Tanjung Tuan (Cape Rachado)
Near the Blue Lagoon is Tanjong Tuan, formerly known as Cape Rachado, renowned for its lighthouse built many years ago on a hillock 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 vantage point.

Nilai
Nilai, in the northern part of the state, is turning out to be the centre of growth in Negeri Sembilan. Its proximity to the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport in nearby Sepang district in Selangor has spawned a host of industrial development. Once a sleepy hollow, it is an interesting town to view contrasts of new development against the backdrop of the traditional village houses and the neat rows of old shop houses in town.

Natural Attraction

Ulu Bendul Receational Park
The Ulu Bendul Recreational Park located some 16 km from Seremban on the Kuala Pilah Sri Menanti route, at the foot of Bukit Angsi provides a welcome respite to the weary traveler. The park is one of the six recreational park parks in Negeri Sembilan developed for ecotourism purposes. Picnic lovers should find this place inviting because of its shady and leafy surroundings. The refreshing and cool water from the stream that meanders through the park offers a fun place for visitors bent on having a dip. For the more adventurous, they can go jungle trekking. To savour the best out of this park, visitors may prefer to stay at the specially designated camping grounds or rent one of the chalets in the park.

Seremban Lake Gardens
The Seremban Lake Gardens is one of the most picturesque gardens in the country. Its lush greenery and well-maintained lawns are a delight to the tired eye and often have a calming effect on many a weary soul. There are jogging tracks in The Lake Gardens for the more energetic visitor while children can frolic in the playground. For those who are content to watch the world go by, this is just the place with benches erected in various spots overlooking the lake and greenery.

Galah Forest Reserve
This tropical forest, located near Mantin, provides another adventurous outing for those who love jungle trekking. Facilities include cute wooden sheds erected as rest areas and camping sites. There is a regular bus service from Seremban. Taxis are also available.

Pedas Hot Spring
It is located on the 16 km road to Tampin. Pedas Hot Spring is a popular tourist spot in Negeri Sembilan. Rooms are provided for those who like to feel the natural warm baths at reasonable in the area. To get there, one can take the Southern Omnibus Company from the Seremban Bus Station and alight at Pedas. Taxi service is also available in Seremban.

Pasir Panjang Park
It is located near the sea and it is an ideal place for bird watchers. A row of a mud flat along the coast at the tip of this park attracts many species of birds. There are huts for bird watching.


Beaches

Blue Lagoon Beach
About 15 km from Port Dickson town lays the Blue Lagoon, which offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding greenery and the blue open sea. The lagoon is an ideal spot for swimming, boating, wind surfing and water skiing. This is where the action is when it comes to having fun in the sun. accommodation is easily obtainable as a number of hotels and motels are located here.

Port Dickson Beach
Port Dickson or more popularly known as PD has long been a weekend retreat for many inland dwellers, especially those from the city seeking to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of a hectic life. Located about 32 km Seremban, PD that is in the Pantai Laut district, offers one of the best beaches on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. All along the 18 km of beachfront are shady casuarinas trees that "sing" along with the gentle breeze. Port Dickson usually comes alive in August each year during the "Pesta Port Dickson". Besides this, there are also cultural presentations at the annual festival. The most famous picnic spot in PD is the Blue Lagoon near Cape Rachado. One can easily reach the Blue Lagoon either by bus or taxi that ply along this popular coastal route from the main terminus in town. PD boasts of many international class and budget accommodation, ranging from luxury establishments to simple guesthouses. Currently, rates are from as low as RM 80. Food stalls can be easily found along the beach as well as the town centre. PD specialty is seafood, be it Malay, Chinese or Western cuisine.


Shopping
Over the years, shopping has become a fun thing to do in Negeri Sembilan, especially in Seremban it has a string of modern shopping complexes and department stores that can satisfy even the most demanding of shoppers. These include establishments like the Store, Parkson, Seremban Parade, Seremban City Square and Centre Point. Duty -free items like exquisite watches and sophisticated photographic equipment are widely available at competitive prices.


Golf Club
Negeri Sembilan boasts of several places for recreational sports. There are several golf clubs like the Seremban International Golf Club, Royal Sri Menanti Golf Club and Bahau Golf club. Many more golf courses are being developed to cater for the increasing popularity of the game.

Accommodation
Choosing a place to stay in Port Dickson should pose no problem for the visitor. This resort town has several types of accommodation to offer, ranging from comfortable beach hotels to spacious chalets. Those who are used to the comforts of good hotel accommodation can choose to stay at the beach hotels or apartments. Or they can choose to stay at the beach hotels or apartments. Or they can choose from budget dwellings, which are found in the town centre or along the coastal road. For further information please contact the District Council, Tel: 06-6471335 / 6471122 or Tourism Malaysia.

Costa Rica Hotel
Tel: 06-6479999

Delta Paradise Lagoon Hotel
Tel: 06-6477600

Regency Hotel & Resort Port Dickson
Tel: 06-6474090

Carlton Star Hotel
Tel: 06-7625336

Kong Ming Hotel
Tel: 06-6625683

Mee Lee Hotel
Tel: 06-7630162

Oriental Hotel
Tel: 06-7630119

ACBE Hotel
Tel: 06-4544128

Golden Hill Hotel
Tel: 06-7613760

Hai Chiew Hotel
Tel: 06-6471274

Hotel Selat
Tel: 06-6625109

International New Hotel
Tel: 06-7634957

Lido Hotel
Tel: 06-7630118

Nam Yong Hotel
Tel: 06-7620115

Tong Fong Hotel
Tel: 06-7636045

Wado Hotel
Tel: 06-7630148

Photograph 7.15


State Tourism Offices

State Economic Planning Unit
State Secretary's Office
5th Floor, Wisma Negeri
70503, Seremban,
Negeri Sembilan.

Port Dickson District Council
Km 1, Jalan Pantai
71009 Port Dickson.
Tel: 06-6741335
Fax: 06-6474007

Travel Bureaus

First Travel & Tours.
Tel: 06-7622263

Hai-O Tours & Travel NS
Tel: 06-7637348

Lancasrich Travel & Tours
Tel: 06-7620687

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