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 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.
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