INTRODUCTION

Negeri Sembilan is just about 50km south of Kuala Lumpur. Negeri Sembilan which literally means nine states or districts, has a mainly rural landscape with patches of urban development.

Once mostly agricultural the state’s economy now reflects a commercial balance between agriculture and industry with the development of several industrial parks in recent years Negeri Sembilan is noted for its strong Minangkabau influences which are evident in its kampung houses and official buildings.

The Minangkabau people migrated across the Straits of Malacca from Sumatra centuries ago and their traditional houses consist of sweeping roof peaks shaped like buffalo horns. Some examples of these influences can be seen in the St a t e Mosque and the State Secretariat Building. The Minangkabau people of Negeri Sembilan still practice the matrilineal social system known as the "adat perpateh" making the state the only one to adhere to such social norms. The state has one of the most accessible beaches closest to the federal capital known as Port Dickson, which is popular with weekenders. But besides this famous beach, in the way of sightseeing, there is a little bit of everything for everyone, from the history buff to the nature lover.

HISTORY

History The Minangkabau emigrated from their homeland, Sumatera during the 1600s and 1700s into Malaya. They settled in areas such as Rembau, Naning and Sungai Ujong. These areas were under the influence of the Johor-Riau Empire. The dismantling of this Empire sparked insurrections in these areas in 1770. The Minangkabau requested for protection from their homeland's royal house, Pagar Ruyong. Raja Melewar reached Malaya soil in 1773 and was conferred the first Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

The Minangkabau system of administration was unique whereby each state in Negeri Sembilan has its own leader. A system was then created to rotate each of the 9 head of state as the overall head of Negeri Sembilan. This rotation system has been adopted by present-day Malaysia for the appointment of the country's Agong, or King.

The British intervened in the administration of the state due to tin trade concerns. Martin Lister became the first British Resident in Negeri Sembilan. In 1893, Sir Frank Swettenham proposed for the formation of a federation to Sir Cecil Clement Smith. The plan was to unite the states of Selangor, Perak, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan under a central administration. The reason for this was that the Resident system was found to be ineffective.

The British government agreed with the proposal and Sir Frank Swettenham was commissioned to get the agreements from all the rulers of the state concerned. It was finally signed in 1896 and the states became the Federated Malay States under the rule of a Resident-General. The first Resident General was Sir Frank Swettenham.

The Federated Malay States was dismantled when the Japanese invaded Malaya in 1941. With the withdrawal of the Japanese in 1945, Negeri Sembilan was put under the British Military Administration from September 1945.

In October 1945, the British laid out the Malayan Union scheme before the British Parliament. Under the scheme, Pulau Pinang, Melaka and nine other Malay states were to be united under the Malayan Union. Sir Harold MacMicheal was then entrusted in obtaining the agreements from the Malay Rulers.

Malays opposition to the British plans to form the Malayan Union catalyst the movement for Independence. Sparked by national sentiments, Dato Onn Jaafar formed United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) on 11 May 1946. The Malay Federation was founded on 1 February 1948 and on 31 August 1957, Malaya achieved Independence.

GENERAL ATTRACTIONS

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. Visitors can still enjoy the usual swimming and water sports but those after untouched spots should head to Tanjung Tuan, a beach accessible only by a 30 minute trek through coastal forest or the Blue Lagoon, a scenic and peaceful beach.


Sri Menanti Royal Museum
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. Inside, the regalia of the Negeri Sembilan Royal family are stored along with costumes, weapons, bed chambers and documents on the Royal lineage.


Lukut Museum
The museum commemorates Lukut’s golden era as a bustling tin mining area. Artifacts from a sunken Dutch-East Indian battleship from 1606 are also stored here. Other attractions include the nearby Lukut fort built in 1847 to protect the town’s former tin trade.




Pengkalan Kempas Historical Complex
Just 35 km from Port Dickson lies this house which contains the tomb of an Islamic priest from Sumatra – Sheikh Ahmad Majnun. Also check out the stone megaliths around the house which are believe to possess a life of their own, moving about as they please or so the locals claim.




Lata Kijang Waterfalls
Nestled within the Kenaboi Forest Reserve in Jelebu, Lata Kijang is one the highest waterfalls in Malaysia. It is accessible only by 4WD vehicles from the Jelebu main road. The journey in to the waterfalls will enable you to see ‘Orang Asli’ or Aborigines, their villages and fascinating flora and fauna.



Ulu Bendul Recreational Forest
This recreational forest is a pretty place for camping and trekking. There are also clear streams to bathe in and for those who like climbing; the Angsi Mountain is located here at 825 meters high. Chalets, camping sites, parking bays and playgrounds are available.




Jelita Ostrich Farm
Feed ostriches and other animals such as turkeys, rabbits and horses in this delightful farm in Seremban. Visitors will also be briefed on ostrich farming, get to visit the breeding pens and maybe even ride the biggest bird in the world!




source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/