Monday, January 4, 2010

NEGERI SEMBILAN

Negeri Sembilan (NS) lies in the central region of Peninsular Malaysia, just south of the state of Selangor. Seremban, the state capital, is a mere 40km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Hence, it is well connected to major towns and cities in the western coast of the Peninsula. There is also an excellent network of roads linking it to the east coast. Besides this, the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) commuter trains also services this area making it highly accessible to Kuala Lumpur. While Seremban is the state capital and administrative center, the royal capital is that of Seri Menanti.

During the height of the Malacca Sultanate in the 15th Century, the Minangkabau of West Sumatra migrated and settled in the verdant valleys of Negeri Sembilan. These settlements gradually developed into a group of 9 fiefdoms - Sungai Ujong, Rembau, Johol, Jelebu, Naning, Segamat, Ulu Pahang, Jelai, and Kelang. Hence its name Negeri Sembilan or 'Nine States'. Today, however, there are only 7 districts.

Measuring a mere 6,645 sq. km, NS comprises of picturesque valleys and plains amidst undulating hills and mountains. As the Titiwangsa range of the Peninsula tapers down towards the lowlands of Johor, the mountainous and forested terrain of the eastern part of the state gradually gives way to the gentler, undulating rubber and oil palm plantations of the western region.

Mainly an agricultural state with an emphasis on rubber and oil plantations, NS's manufacturing sector has, of late, contributed greatly towards the state's economy. The main industrial areas are Senawang, Tuanku Jaafar Industrial Park, Nilai, and Tanah Merah.

NS is the only state, which practices the tradition of "Adat Perpatih". A Sumatran tradition, Adat Perpatih is a unique custom that emphasizes on the matrilineal system where the woman is regarded as the head of the home. This code of ethic still filters through the social-culture of the people here, including the system of government.

NS is rich in culture and traditions. Colorful music, dance, and games like the Cak Limpong, Tumbuk Kalang, Dikir Rebana, Tarian Randai, and Bongai have been passed down through generations. Today, they form an integral part of NS's social lifestyle especially in the rural areas.

One should experience the unique Minangkabau style of cooking, which sees generous portions of 'chili padi' (small & extremely hot chilies) being used. Try the "Masak Lemak Chili Padi - fish, meat, or vegetables cooked in coconut milk blended with turmeric and ground chili padi. Another NS specialty is "Lemang", glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk in a bamboo stem over an open fire. This is normally served with Rendang, a deliciously thick, dry meat curry.

NS is a scenic state, which maintains a strong Minangkabau identity in its characteristic architecture that features buffalo horn shaped roofs! Besides, NS houses are perhaps the only authentic villages with wooden houses that feature double story construction. In the past, unmarried girls were normally housed on the 2nd floor while parents took up the 1st floor as a security measure. A perfect example of such architecture is the Istana Lama Seri Menanti with its elaborate hallways, multistoried structure, and spectacular carvings.

Elsewhere, the rustic villages and lush forests coupled with splendid waterfalls, cool, crystal clear streams, and rivers make NS ideal for agricultural and eco-tourism. To experience true NS hospitality, home-stay vacations can be arranged at any of the villages.

Seri Menanti - The Royal Town

Seri Menanti, the royal town of Negeri Sembilan, lies snugly between two hills named Bukit Tempurung. Fed by the Seri Menanti River, which flows through the two hills, Seri Menanti derived its name from an incident that happened during an expedition for a new settlement led by a chieftain named Datuk Putih. While following a legendary dragon trail, which was reputed to lead to good fortune, he came across three unusual looking bunches of padi (rice), which seemed to be 'waiting'. As such, he named the place Padi Menanti (literally 'Waiting Padi'). Datuk Putih's successor later changed the settlement's name by adding his wife's name 'Seri'. Thus the name, Seri Menanti. History has it that in 1773, Raja Melawar, a Minangkabau Prince from Pagar Ruyung in Sumatra, was proclaimed as the first ruler of NS. Fascinated by the undulating land and hills, he declared Seri Menanti as the Royal Town. Today, some sixty traditional villages of various sizes are scattered around the area supporting a population of approximately 5,474.

Sri Menanti Palace / Royal Museum

The Old Palace of Seri Menanti was built in 1902 to replace the original palace, which was razed in 1875 by British soldiers during the Sungai Ujong war. This was the official residence of the royal family until 1931 when it was found to be inadequate for the growing functions of the state. It now houses the Royal Museum. Designed and built by two local craftsmen and carpenters, "Tukang Kahar" and "Tukang Taib", the wooden palace or "Istana Lama" (old palace) was built without the use of a single nail or screw, and was completed in 1908. The palace, which features 99 magnificent pillars to denote the 99 warriors of various clans, is often the subject of study and research among students of the architectural field.

Ulu Bendol Recreational Park

What strikes a traveler in the hinterland of NS is the lush greenery and verdant forests set amidst spectacular valleys and mountains. For the hardened eco-tourist, the fascinating forestlands of NS offer spectacular scenarios and bubbly waterfalls with pristine, crystal clear waters. There are altogether six recreational parks in the state promoting eco-tourism; the most prominent of which is the Ulu Bendol Recreational Park. Located about 16km from Seremban on the Kuala Pilah-Seri Menanti route, Ulu Bendol is also the site for Mount Angsi, the highest peak in the state. The refreshing stream that meanders through the park is ideal for a dip. Picnic lovers should find this place inviting because of its shady and leafy surroundings. For the more adventurous, there are jungle trekking trails. This is also designated as the site for the Orienteering and Mount Angsi Expedition, which will take place in August 1999.

Off Road Driving

There are numerous off-road 4WD trails, especially in the forested Jelebu district. An outstanding off-road trail is located at Talang Dam in Kuala Pilah. The Talang Negeri Sembilan 4WD Adventure will be held in May 1999. More on Off Road Driving

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