This Is Your Sign To Venture Out Of Kuala Lumpur And Experience The Must Do’s & Places To Visit In Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia’s Historical Sleepy State
Few speak of Negeri Sembilan when it comes to exploration and travels around Malaysia. It’s not too surprising because this particular state tends to be overlooked by most travellers and even locals thanks to the more renowned state of Malacca being just under 2 hours away from Kuala Lumpur.
Which is why Negeri Sembilan is perhaps one of the more underrated places in Malaysia's west coast with a treasure trove of experiences just waiting to be discovered.
Just think about it - the name itself, Negeri Sembilan, literally means “Land of the Nine States” for the fact that it was once home to nine districts during the bygone days. Today, Negeri Sembilan is home to seven districts that offer one a glimpse or an immersive experience to the state’s rich Minangkabau heritage, a delightful blend of nature, culture, and history, along with delicious local eats.
So whether you’re a history buff, a wildlife enthusiast, or an insatiable foodie on the hunt for mouthwatering local flavours, this is one state on Peninsular Malaysia you won’t want to skip. Travellers flying in through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) can also delight in the fact that Negeri Sembilan is only under an hour's drive away from the airport.
Read on to discover the top things to do and places to visit in the southwestern coastal state of Negeri Sembilan and get ready to start filling your itinerary with the ones that captivate you the most.
Top 23 Activities & Places To Check Out In Negeri Sembilan For A Fulfilling Trip
1. Enjoy a Beach Picnic at Port Dickson
You don’t have to go all the way to Penang just to experience a beach picnic when you can do so at Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan! This coastal town is located just before the city of Seremban if you’re coming in from Kuala Lumpur, and it is known for its easily accessible family-friendly beaches and atmosphere.
There are several beaches for you to pick from, with the more popular ones being Teluk Kemang, Blue Lagoon, Monkey Bay, and Pantai Cahaya Negeri. But out of the listed ones, I recommend doing a 20 minute bit of jungle trekking to get to Monkey Bay as it’s one of the better ones with its warm waters, scenic environment, and clean sand.
Depending on the beach you go to, you can also enjoy swimming, jet-skiing, banana boat rides, and a bit of barbecuing if you have your own BBQ gear if you’re looking to spend a longer time at the beach over a simple picnic.
2. Indulge in a Giant Curry Bun at Lucky King Bun
Sandy beaches aside, Port Dickson is also home to Lucky King Bun. It’s a restaurant and bakery that’s famous for its giant curry buns, which is a giant golden brown bun that contains flavourful chicken curry or pork rib curry within its fluffy body.
The buns are not only delicious, but its sheer size and construct makes it a fun and novel experience that you simply should not miss out on. I wouldn’t recommend having a whole bun to yourself as it’s incredibly filling and typically regarded as a group-sized portion.
All in all, it’s a great place to stop by for a hearty meal just before you head over to one of Port Dickson’s beaches!
Bonus Tip: If you plan on skipping Port Dickson, don’t worry about missing out on the Giant Curry Bun as they also have a branch in the neighbouring city of Seremban! And if you're looking for something spicier, keep an eye out for restaurants offering "masak lemak cili api" and try it out!
Lucky King Bun (Port Dickson) Opening Hours: 11am - 5pm, Wednesday to Monday
Lucky King Bun (Port Dickson) Address: 4366, Jalan Besar, Lukut, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Lucky King Bun (Seremban) Opening Hours: 11am - 5pm, Wednesday to Monday
Lucky King Bun (Seremban) Address: No.29, Jalan MPK6 Medan Perdagangan Kepayang, Taman Bukit Kepayang, 70200 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
3. Visit the Centipede Temple in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Seremban’s Centipede Temple is officially known as Sze Koon Temple, but it was given its nickname Centipede Temple after the statue of a giant centipede that adorns the century-old Taoist temple’s grounds.
The temple is renowned for its 264 steps that visitors have to climb to reach the temple, its unique architecture, giant centipede statue, and friendly frog statue, and for offering one of the best scenic views of the Negeri Sembilan city of Seremban.
Even though most visitors and locals know of the temple’s giant centipede statue, legend has it that its name actually came from the countless number of centipedes that were believed to have inhabited the hill as the temple’s divine protector. Many believe that spotting a now-rare centipede on the temple grounds today indicates that great fortune will soon arrive, so if you want to try your hand at spotting a centipede - do pay a visit to this iconic site!
But remember, it’s still ultimately a place of worship so please do be respectful to the resident monks and be mindful of your surroundings when capturing photographs of the temple.
Opening Hours: 8am - 6:30pm, daily
Address: Sze Koon Temple, Jalan Temiang, 70200 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
4. Capture an IG-Worthy Photo at the Sky Ladder Pineapple Farm
The picturesque Sky Ladder Pineapple Farm was aptly named for its famous “Sky Ladder”, a set of brightly painted staircase that leads one to a truly stunning backdrop. This unique agricultural attraction focuses on the cultivation of pineapples, offering visitors educational tours through the farming process and their sustainable farming practices.
Which is why you can expect a blend of fun and education at the Sky Ladder Pineapple Farm. Start by taking the guided tour to learn more about pineapple cultivation while tasting fresh pineapples and sipping on fresh pineapple juice. Then make your way to the Sky Ladder to capture a beautiful and memorable photograph with rows of lush greenery and pineapple plants serving as your backdrop.
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm, daily
Address: Lot 2273 Jalan Kampung Sri Parit 3, Bandar Baru Lukut, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
5. Check Out Masjid Sri Sendayan, Dubbed the Taj Mahal of Malaysia
Negeri Sembilan’s Masjid Sri Sendayan is a true architectural marvel that is often contrasted with India’s Taj Mahal due to its grandeur and stunning design. It’s a relatively new addition as it was completed in 2019, and it serves as a significant place of worship for the local Muslim community of Negeri Sembilan.
Its breathtaking architecture combines elements of Islamic, Moorish, and Ottoman design with intricate carvings, grand domes, and towering minarets, creating a majestic yet serene atmosphere that one must simply experience to believe it. The mosque is open to visitors outside of prayer times, which is when visitors can explore its impressive interiors.
One thing to note is that mosque visitors must be dressed modestly or they will be denied entry. This means wearing long sleeved tops and bottoms, while ladies must wear a scarf that fully covers their hair.
Opening Hours: 5:30am - 10pm, daily
Address: Persiaran Idaman Villa, Bandar Sri Sendayan, 71950 Siliau, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
6. Discover Minangkabau Culture and Heritage at the Lembaga Muzium Negeri Sembilan
The Lembaga Muzium Negeri Sembilan, also known as the Seremban Cultural Complex, is a state museum and cultural centre found at the heart of the city of Seremban in Negeri Sembilan. This is one place in this state that will be a real treat for history and culture buffs.
Not only is the entire building made through traditional Minangkabau architecture, but it also houses a mock-up of a traditional Negeri Sembilan house that used to be built on stilts, and the historical Ampang Tinggi Palace, which is a magnificent reminiscence of traditional Malay architecture.
Visitors can begin their journey through time by viewing the museum’s collection of historical Minangkabau artifacts, traditional costumes, and if lucky, may also enjoy cultural performances and events that showcase Minangkabau traditions.
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm on Tuesdays to Sundays, 9am - 12:15pm and 2:45pm - 5pm on Fridays. Closed on Mondays.
Address: Lembaga Muzium Negeri Sembilan, Jalan Sungai Ujong, Bandar Seremban, 70300 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
7. Go Outdoor Adventuring at the Kenaboi State Park
The Kenaboi State Park is one of Negeri Sembilan’s protected forest reserves that offer visitors a variety of outdoor activities amidst stunning natural scenery. The nature park is a true haven for nature lovers and those with a thirst for outdoor adventures, thanks to the forest’s opportunities for hiking, mountain climbing, camping, bird-watching, waterfall hunting, and not forgetting cool dips in clear waterfall pools.
It’s a relatively untouched forest, which is why various flora and fauna species safely thrive here, including rare birds and plantlife. Visitors to the Kenaboi State Park can expect a thrilling and immersive outdoor experience that could span up to a few days, depending on whether camping is in the itinerary or not. That said, you do need to register for a permit with the State Forestry Department in Kuala Klawang before you’re able to enter the state park, lest you face a fine when caught without one.
Opening Hours: 7am - 7pm, daily
Address: Jalan Kampong Ulu Kenaboi, Negeri Sembilan
8. Get a Glimpse of Royal Life at the Seri Menanti Royal Museum
Nestled in the district of Kuala Pilah lies the beautiful Seri Menanti Royal Museum that houses three palaces which previously served as the residence for Negeri Sembilan’s royalty. These palaces are the Istana Besar (big palace), the Istana Lama (old palace), and the Istana Tasik (lakeside palace).
The Istana Besar boasts magnitude in its name, but you’ll be surprised to know that it is actually the Istana Lama that holds remarkable significance as the largest royal palace in Malaysia that was built using only timber, namely chengal wood and iron wood.
While the palaces are closed off for restorative works until further notice, visitors are still able to explore the information centre to learn about the history and customs of the Negeri Sembilan royalty, while marvelling at royal regalia and historical artifacts, and capture images of the stunning palaces from outside.
Address: Sri Menanti, 71550 Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
9. Go Firefly Spotting while River Cruising in Rembau
Firefly spotting is a truly enchanting experience, especially with sightings of these little beetles becoming increasingly rare over the years thanks to the variety of threats they face. But because Rembau is located well away from the city where light is abundant, fireflies are able to thrive and safely make their appearance in this district, particularly by the mangrove trees along the riverbanks.
The river cruise tour typically starts at dusk at Sungai Timun in the district of Rembau, which is just in time to get far enough from the coast to see fireflies buzzing about merrily. Experienced boat guides will share interesting facts about fireflies and the local mangrove ecosystem while visitors enjoy a gentle boat ride in a legit magical experience.
10. Summit One of Negeri Sembilan’s Highest Peak, Gunung Angsi
Gunung Angsi serves as one of Negeri Sembilan’s tallest peaks standing at 825m above sea level. You’ll regularly find resident hikers and hikers from all around Malaysia attempting to summit this peak as part of their training before they take on the challenge to summit Mount Kinabalu.
Gunung Angsi offers a moderately challenging hike that will be a worthy challenge for novice hikers, and a fantastic training ground for experienced hikers. The trails are well-marked with countless stairs as you venture through a lush tropical forest with the chance to spot local wildlife while taking in clean, fresh air. And trust me, it gets even better at the peak thanks to the stunning panoramic view you’ll be rewarded with.
If you’re attempting to summit this mountain, set aside approximately 5 hours to reach the peak and descend. This particular time frame factors in the rest stops and wildlife spotting moments you’ll definitely want to do. That said, do remember to register for a permit with the local authorities at the Bukit Putus trailhead as hikers caught without one will face a hefty fine!
Opening Hours: 6am onwards, no hikes to be commenced past 11am.
11. Hike One of Malaysia’s Most Popular Hills, Broga Hill
Broga Hill’s promise of scenic views after a relatively simple hike makes it one of the most attractive hiking spots for hikers of all ages and fitness levels. Locals will certainly remember this hill as heaps of local college students tend to organise group hikes here once they’ve obtained their driving licence.
This particular hill is renowned for its stunning sunrise views and tall grass-covered hills, giving one unobstructed panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside and small town that lies between Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Travellers can expect a pleasant and rewarding hiking experience through a well-trodden, straightforward trail with up to three peaks to be explored.
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
12. Visit the Iconic “Sun Wukong Statue” at Sak Dato Temple in Semenyih
Sek Dato Temple, located a stone’s throw away from Broga Hill in Negeri Sembilan is a well-known over 140-year old Taoist temple that features Malaysia's tallest Sun Wukong statue, a statue of the Monkey King.
The Sak Dato Temple is set against a backdrop of lush green hills, creating a sense of awe with its picturesque environment and magnificent deity statue. Explore the temple grounds, admire the detailed artistry of the Sun Wukong statue, and if you’re lucky, stay and watch a ceremonial event during the festive period. It’s definitely one special place you ought to check out thanks to its combination of religious significance, architectural beauty, and stunning natural beauty.
Opening Hours: 7:30am - 9pm
Address: No. 4, Jalan Besar, 71750 Negeri Sembil,, Broga, 71750 Semenyih, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
13. Marvel at Vibrant Murals Depicting Local Culture at Lorong Seni Seremban
If the idea of admiring street art gets you excited, then you won’t want to miss out on the murals of Lorong Seni in Negeri Sembilan’s city of Seremban. This particular lane features a collection of colourful and vibrant murals created by local artists, with each section depicting various aspects of local Malaysian culture, history, and lifestyle.
The most incredible thing about these murals is how they aren’t just beautiful works of art. They are a celebration of local culture and rich heritage, with each mural telling a story of the community’s traditions. Which is why it’s a cultural landmark and testament of local creativity that you simply should not miss out on, that rivals that of Ipoh’s very own Mural Art’s Lane.
14. Munch on Seremban’s Traditional Pastry, the Seremban Siew Pao
You’ll know the pastry means serious business if it’s named after a city. The Seremban Siew Pao is a famous flaky and buttery pastry that is filled with a sweet and savoury filling of barbecued pork or chicken.
Locals and travellers love this pastry because of its unique texture and taste, making the once local specialty a now ubiquitous one that can be found even in the state capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
However, after trying various Seremban Siew Paos, I can confidently say the best is still from the pastry’s very own hometown. You can treat your tastebuds to a fresh batch of these succulent pastries at various popular spots in Seremban such as the iconic Empayar Seremban Siew Pao or the more traditional (and more delicious) Asia Catering & Confectionary Siew Pow Master.
15. Embark on a Retail Therapy Spree in the Air-Conditioned Palm Mall
Malaysia’s heat and humidity is no joke. So after a long day of exploring out-and-about Negeri Sembilan, I highly recommend winding down in the cool confines of Seremban city’s largest and most popular shopping mall - the Palm Mall.
Interestingly enough, the Palm Mall used to be an abandoned building built in the early 90’s called Kemayan Square that was left for 10 years once most of it was constructed as the original owners ran out of funds to continue its development during the then economic crisis. Some of the locals even claimed to have witnessed interesting sightings and reflections from the mirrors, which led to its impression as a haunted building, and also the reason why mirrors were not installed in the mall’s washrooms until years after.
But ghastly story aside, Palm Mall is now home to a cinema, various eateries, and numerous international and local brands that make it one of the best shopping malls in Negeri Sembilan that is worth a visit!
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm, daily
Address: Palm Mall, Jalan Sungai Ujong, Kemayan Square, 70200 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
16. Get Up Close with Farm Animals at the Jelita Ostrich Farm
Negeri Sembilan’s Jelita Ostrich Farm is a family-friendly farm and petting zoo where visitors can interact with ostriches, test the strength of an ostrich egg, and feed animals with in-house feed at a small fee.
Those seeking exotic animals won’t find any here as the farm is home to various mammals from small ones such as rabbits and porcupines to larger ones like goats, cows, deers, and of course, ostriches.
You can opt to experience the guided tour which takes you through different sections of the farm where you can observe and interact with the resident animals, or head on straight to the gift shop to purchase ostrich-related products such as ostrich eggshell crafts, leather goods, and ostrich oils as a memorable souvenir after you’re done with their on-site activities.
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm, daily
Address: Lot 1504, Batu 6 Mukim Pantai, Jln Jelebu, 71770 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
17. Slurp Down a Bowl of Seremban Beef Noodles at the Pasar Besar Seremban
One of Negeri Sembilan’s local specialty is definitely the Seremban beef noodles, a bowl of thick rice noodles topped with savoury gooey gravy and complete with various beefy parts (tripe, beef meatballs, beef tendon, and the likes). It’s a must-try, especially at Negeri Sembilan’s largest wet market, the Pasar Besar Seremban, which is also known as the Seremban Grand Market.
Seremban beef noodles are renowned for the rich, flavourful gravy and beefy broth, making it a not only a hearty dish that locals enjoy regularly, but also a delicious one that draws in foodies nationwide.
Having a bowl of Seremban beef noodles at the Pasar Besar is an exciting experience as you can enjoy your meal amidst the market’s lively atmosphere. But rest assured that the wet market is actually downstairs, while the food court where the noodles are is located upstairs, away from the actual hustle and bustle of the wet market.
Opening Hours: 5am - 2pm on Wednesdays to Mondays, close on Tuesdays.
Address: Jalan Tuanku Munawir, Bandar Seremban, 70000 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
18. Walk Down a Royal’s Memory Lane at the Tuanku Ja’afar Royal Gallery
The Tuanku Ja’afar Royal Gallery in the Seremban district of Negeri Sembilan is a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Tuanku Ja’afar, Negeri Sembilan’s 10th Yang di-Pertuan Besar (Grand Ruler).
History and cultural buffs will go crazy traversing the corridors and halls filled with a vast collection of Tuanku Ja’afar’s personal artifacts, royal regalia, vintage photographs, memorabilia, and exhibits related to his reign and contributions. It offers one a direct glimpse into the personal life of one of Malaysia’s prominent royal figures, all within a beautifully restored colonial building.
Opening Hours: 10am - 4:30pm, daily
Address: Jalan Taman Bunga, Taman Tasek Seremban, 70100 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
19. Explore the Ruins of a Fortress at the Lukut Fort and Museum
Port Dickson’s Lukut Fort and Museum are found just a few steps away from one another, where one is an indoor gallery museum containing historical artifacts from the 19th century Lukut Fort along with detailed narratives of its history, while the ruins of the Lukut Fort feature the remains of the once glorious hilltop fort.
Fort Lukut was built in 1847 by a warrior named Raja Jumaat as a stronghold to control tin trading, of which he had a monopoly in the town of Lukut. But today, the once majestic fortress has since been reduced to ruins, save for a few laterite mud walls and surrounding moats that were preserved.
It’s definitely one of the top attractions to visit in Negeri Sembilan for history buffs who’d like to discover the rich history of Negeri Sembilan’s Lukut district, which also includes parts of the colonial era’s history.
Bonus Tip: The ruins of the fortress is a bald field without shade from trees, so do remember to wear comfortable and breathable clothing when you're exploring Fort Lukut. Check out Thousand Miles for lightweight and breathable travel apparel to enjoy your adventures freely and comfortably.
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm, daily
Address: Lot 730, Jalan Besar, Taman Pd Jaya, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
20. Unwind Over a Picnic at the Seremban Lake Garden
Once you’ve had your fill of history and culture, one thing you can do to unwind after a long day of exploration is to head on over to one of Negeri Sembilan’s most underrated attractions; the Seremban Lake Garden.
This beautifully landscaped public park features a serene lake amidst lush greenery and well-maintained facilities for families to enjoy recreational activities, especially over the weekend. Locals typically come over to jog, enjoy a family picnic outing, or bring their little ones out to the on-site playground.
Bonus Tip: If you love the relaxing vibe of the Seremban Lake Garden, do make it a point to check out the Perdana Botanical Gardens and Taiping Lake Gardens in the neighbouring states of Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh respectively.
Opening Hours: 8am - 10pm, daily
Address: Jalan Taman Bunga, Taman Tasek Seremban, 70100 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
21. Discover Malaysia’s Military History at the Army Museum in Port Dickson
Travellers who enjoy discovering military history from various parts of the world wouldn’t want to miss out on visiting the Army Museum in Negeri Sembilan’s Port Dickson district. The Army Museum is a comprehensive military museum that showcases the history and achievements of the Malaysian Army over the years.
Expect to browse through an extensive collection of military artifacts, vehicles, and exhibits that cover multiple aspects of Malaysia’s military history. Whether it’s ancient weaponry or modern military equipment, they have it all. Think exhibits of military uniforms in various designs across the ages, military medals, historical wartime documents, a memorial fountain, and military vehicles such as tanks and even a retired aircraft!
You have both the indoor and outdoor area of the Army Museum to explore, so it’s worth noting that you’ll want to allocate at least 2 hours to really immerse yourself in the historical experience this museum offers.
Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm on Wednesdays to Sundays, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Address: Muzium Tentera Darat, Kem, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
22. Visit One of Malaysia’s Oldest Churches, the Church of the Visitation
The Church of the Visitation stands as one of Malaysia’s oldest Roman Catholic churches that was established in 1848 by a French missionary named Fr. Pierre Favre. While most of its regulars are the locals of Seremban, it also frequently sees travellers walk through its doors to marvel at the majestic Gothic-style architecture, stained glass windows, and its overall serene atmosphere.
Outside of mass service and private events, visitors can explore the church’s beautiful interior and capture photographs of its historical architecture, and perhaps even spend a moment in quiet contemplation or prayer. Do remember that this is a place of worship so visitors are advised to dress appropriately, demonstrate respectable behaviour and be considerate of the church’s peaceful environment.
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm on Tuesdays to Fridays, 9am - 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Closed on Mondays.
Address: 85A, Jalan Yam Tuan, Bandar Seremban, 70000 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
23. Trek Through the Jeram Toi Recreation Forest in Jelebu
If visiting one concrete spot after another sounds tiresome after exploring the city, towns, and historical places in Negeri Sembilan, then break away from all of that and enjoy a day of outdoor exploration in the Jeram Toi Recreation Forest in the Jelebu district of Negeri Sembilan!
This popular outdoor destination is a tropical forest reserve known for its lush greenery, picnic spot by refreshing waterfalls, and hiking trails, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. And did we mention how it’s also the site of a crashed World War 2 bomber?
