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Seri
Menanti - The Royal Town
 Seri
Menanti, the royal town of Negeri Sembilan, lies snugly between two hills
named Bukit Tempurung. Fed by the Seri Menanti River, which flows through
the two hills, Seri Menanti derived its name from an incident that happened
during an expedition for a new settlement led by a chieftain named Datuk
Putih. While following a legendary dragon trail, which was reputed to
lead to good fortune, he came across three unusual looking bunches of
padi (rice), which seemed to be 'waiting'. As such, he named the place
Padi Menanti (literally 'Waiting Padi'). Datuk Putih's successor later
changed the settlement's name by adding his wife's name 'Seri'. Thus the
name, Seri Menanti. History has it that in 1773, Raja Melawar, a Minangkabau
Prince from Pagar Ruyung in Sumatra, was proclaimed as the first ruler
of NS. Fascinated by the undulating land and hills, he declared Seri Menanti
as the Royal Town. Today, some sixty traditional villages of various sizes
are scattered around the area supporting a population of approximately
5,474.
Sri
Menanti Palace / Royal Museum
The Old Palace of Seri Menanti was built
in 1902 to replace the original palace, which was razed in 1875 by British
soldiers during the Sungai Ujong war. This was the official residence
of the royal family until 1931 when it was found to be inadequate for
the growing functions of the state. It now houses the Royal Museum. Designed
and built by two local craftsmen and carpenters, "Tukang Kahar" and "Tukang
Taib", the wooden palace or "Istana Lama" (old palace) was built without
the use of a single nail or screw, and was completed in 1908. The palace,
which features 99 magnificent pillars to denote the 99 warriors of various
clans, is often the subject of study and research among students of the
architectural field.
Ulu
Bendol Recreational Park
 What
strikes a traveler in the hinterland of NS is the lush greenery and verdant
forests set amidst spectacular valleys and mountains. For the hardened
eco-tourist, the fascinating forestlands of NS offer spectacular scenarios
and bubbly waterfalls with pristine, crystal clear waters. There are altogether
six recreational parks in the state promoting eco-tourism; the most prominent
of which is the Ulu Bendol Recreational Park. Located about 16km from
Seremban on the Kuala Pilah-Seri Menanti route, Ulu Bendol is also the
site for Mount Angsi, the highest peak in the state. The refreshing stream
that meanders through the park is ideal for a dip. Picnic lovers should
find this place inviting because of its shady and leafy surroundings.
For the more adventurous, there are jungle trekking trails. This is also
designated as the site for the Orienteering and Mount Angsi Expedition,
which will take place in August 1999.
Off
Road Driving
There are numerous off-road 4WD trails,
especially in the forested Jelebu district. An outstanding off-road trail
is located at Talang Dam in Kuala Pilah. The Talang Negeri Sembilan 4WD
Adventure will be held in May 1999. More
on Off Road Driving
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