Negeri Sembilan in Malaysia

The Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan literally means "nine states". This is because it really did consist of nine, not states, but separate districts. These districts were under the rule of nine separate Malay chieftains. Negeri Sembilan's capital city is Seremban, a thriving capital city well connected to Kuala Lumpur, a mere 50 kilometres away, by both road and rail.

It is the Minangkabaus who hold the key to the history of Negeri Sembilan. The Minangkabaus were immigrants from West Sumatra who settled in Negeri Sembilan between the 15th and 16th century, at the height of the Malaccan Sultanate.

They continued the practice of their rich cultural heritage, which continues on today in the form of the fascinating Adat Perpatih, a matrilineal system of rule and inheritance, unique only to Negeri Sembilan. The Minangkabaus and their adats, or traditions, and are indeed to be credited with Negeri Sembilan's many interesting aspects. This is clearly seen and felt even today, especially in the customs of marriage, ownership of property and dance forms.

The Negeri Sembilan that the early Minangkabaus knew was a rather loose confederation of nine fiefdoms in a secluded valley of the region. It was only in 1773, and with Raja Melewar as the Yam Tuan or ruler, that the 9 separate fiefdoms of Sungai Ujong, Rembau, Johol, Jelebu, Naning, Segamat, Ulu Pahang, Jelai and Kelang were unified.

Negeri Sembilan's modern history then began with British intervention in the districts of Sungai Ujong, Rembau and Jelebu. In Sungai Ujong, the British took the opportunity to intervene in the region's politics by taking part in and then ending, the conflict between Dato' Kelana and Dato' Bandar, which was affecting the trade of tin along the Linggi River. The British's support of Dato' Kelana was rewarded by the appointment of W.A. Pickering as British resident in 1874.

Come 1889, a treaty was signed between the Yam Tuan Seri Menanti and the four Datuk Undangs, installing the Yam Tuan as ruler of Negeri Sembilan, who was to be "aided" by Martin Lister as the first British Resident of Negeri Sembilan.

Where To Stay In Negeri Sembilan

All the main hotels are clustered in the popular beach of Port Dickson . From sprawling apartments to penthouses and beach-side motels to pleasant resorts, Pork Dickson has a whole line of places to stay in while you frolic on the beach. The hotels are also located closely to other attractions in Negeri Sembilan so you won’t have to venture too far away from the beach in order to explore historical sights and cultural landmarks. (Read more...)

Negeri Sembilan Attractions

The charming town of Sri Menanti houses the Sri Menanti Royal Museum which was built at the turn of the century with only wood – no nails or screws. Incorporating 99 pillars soaring at 65 feet each, the museum is an architectural marvel. (Read More...)

Seremban

Seremban is now a busy commercial district rapidly growing in size and infrastructure. Shopping malls, offices and housing areas are sprouting up like mushrooms, increasing Seremban’s size and structure. The people have become a wide mix of races including Chinese, Indians and Malays. (Read More...)

Port Dickson

The popular beach of Port Dickson is also a town in itself. Years of development has blunt its glitter but the quaint place still has some magic left to uncover. (Read More...)

Town & Districts

Negeri Sembilan is divided into five districts; Seremban, Tampin, Port Dickson, Jelebu and Kuala Pilah. The capital town is Seremban while the royal town is Sri Menanti. Major towns include Gemas, Kuala Klawang, Lukut and Rantau.

Geography & Climate

Negeri Sembilan covers a 6,645 sq. km area with some lovely flat plains and valleys in between. Towards the west, the plains taper off to gradually become rubber and oil palm plantations.

The state offers bright sunny days and cool nights the whole year through with occasional showers. Temperatures vary from 23 to 33 degrees Celsius, and humidity is normally above 82.3 percent. As in most equatorial countries, expect rain throughout the year, but do take note that the months of September through November tend to be the wettest.

Economy

Negeri Sembilan is an agricultural state, whose products include oil palm and rubber, livestock, fruit orchards and vegetable farming. About 309,850 hectares of the state's land are oil palm and rubber plantations.

With the establishment of several industrial estates, the manufacturing industry has become a major economic contributor to Negeri Sembilan. Manufacturing activities concentrate on electrical items, machinery, metalworks, textiles, chemicals and rubber industries.The main industrial areas are Senawang, Tuanku Jaafar Industrial Park, Nilai, Sungai Gadut and Tanah Merah in Port Dickson. Negeri Sembilan's industrial areas cover a total of 2015 hectares.