Negeri Sembilan Culture and Heritage

Negeri Sembilan's distinct Minangkabau heritage and Adat Perpatih customs form the main ingredients of its captivating history and splendid traditions.

Sri Menanti Royal Museum

Tucked amidst green hills 50 km from Seremban, the charming royal town of Sri Menanti is the official residence of the State Ruler as well as the site of the Sri Menanti Royal Museum. This former palace, converted into the Royal Museum in 1992, is a classic showcase of Minangkabau architecture and design.

Built at the turn of the last century by two local craftsmen, the wooden structure is an architectural wonder as no screws or nails were used in its construction. It incorporates 99 pillars, each soaring 65 feet, representing the 99 warriors who served the palace.

Today, it is a repository of the regalia of the Negeri Sembilan Royal family, with exhibits such as costumes, ceremonial weaponry, bed chambers and documents on the Royal lineage. Elsewhere, the pretty village setting reflects the dominant Minangkabau influence.

Adat Museum

The Minangkabau adat, or customs, are evident in many aspects of community life in Negeri Sembilan.

The Adat Museum in Rembau contains a fascinating array of cultural artifacts from handcrafted antiques to community heirlooms and headgears, including the distinctive buffalo horn shaped ladies' headdress.

Charts and explanations on the Adat Perpatih matrilineal system and history are also on display. Take a visit around the historic town of Rembau for a glimpse of the local lifestyle.

Lukut Museum

Lukut, a historical town situated north of Port Dickson, is the site of the Lukut Museum and fort. The museum gives an insight into Lukut's golden era as the capital of the tin trade. Visitors can discover artefacts from the Nassau shipwreck, a Dutch East India battleship that sank off the coast of Port Dickson in 1606. Further away, the ruins of the Lukut Fort, built in 1847 to protect the town's booming tin trade, are an interesting spot for history buffs. Other attractions here include the legendary 'poisoned well', purportedly used to punish criminals in the ancient days.

House of Pendita Za'ba

Also known as Teratak Za'ba, this historic house chronicles the life and times of Za'ba or Tan Sri Zainal Abidin Bin Ahmad, an icon of Malay literature and thinking, who made many contributions in the economic, political and social fields. He was recognised as Pendita Za'ba or learned man.

Located in Kg. Bukit Kerdas, about 2 km from Batu Kikir en route to Bahau, this house is a well-preserved example of traditional Negeri Sembilan architecture, with its raised stilts and long up-ended roofs.

Traditional Music

Enjoy the sounds of the state's traditional musical performances. The Caklempong or Taklempong is an ensemble of gong-like instruments or bonang.

Its music usually accompanies traditional dances, wedding ceremonies and cultural events.

Traditional Attire

The traditional costume of Negeri Sembilan is a prominent feature of local culture.

The resplendent attire of the women consists of an exquisitely embroidered headdress shaped like a set of buffalo horns and an elaborate velvet shoulder cover displaying intricate needlework.

Men wear a jacket adorned with gold thread embroidery, a woven samping or waist cloth and fashioned tanjak or headgear.

Sepak Raga

Sepak takraw, also known as sepak raga , is a traditional ball game in which a ball made by weaving strips of buluh bamboo or rattan together is passed about using any part of the body except the lower arms and hands.

There are two main types of sepak takraw : bulatan and jaring . Sepak raga bulatan is the original form in which players form a circle and try to keep the ball in the air as long as possible. Sepak takraw jaring is the modern version in which the ball is passed across a court over a high net.

Silat

This fascinating Malay martial art is also an international sport and traditional dance form. Existing in the Malay Archipelago for centuries, it has mesmerising fluid movements that are used to confuse opponents.

It is believed that practising silat will increase one's spiritual strength in accordance with Islamic tenets. Accompanied by drums and gongs, this ancient art is popularly performed at Malay weddings and cultural festivals.

Pengkalan Kempas Historical Complex

Situated 35 km from Port Dickson, this complex houses the tomb, which is covered with a hollow stone with Arabic inscriptions, of a renowned missionary from Sumatra , Sheikh Ahmad Majnun. Most intriguing are the mysterious stone megaliths, referred to as batu hidup or living rocks, believed by the villagers to grow or move on their own.

Homestays

Participate in a homestay programme to experience the local lifestyle. Watch interesting cottage industries such as traditional sugar-making, handicraft weaving or learn the art of rubber-tapping. Try your hand at indoor games like congkak or participate in a colorful local dance.

Homestays in Negeri Sembilan can be enjoyed at Kg. Pelegong, Kg. Sungai Lonek, Kg. Serting, Kg. Sri Menanti and Kg. Kuala Kelawang.

Contact: Negeri Sembilan Tourism Action Council
Phone: 606-765 9870