Best activities & attractions in Negeri Sembilan
Sometimes, it’s best to take a break from Kuala Lumpur’s urban scene and explore the other states of Malaysia. While people flock to known beach spots along the east coast or islands of the west coast, there are underrated destinations like Negeri Sembilan that are worth venturing to.
If you’re not sure what this state has to offer other than just its beaches at Port Dickson, we’ve created a list of 12 underrated destinations to visit in Negeri Sembilan.
Table of Contents
1. Dataran Nilai
A nighttime family hangout spot
Image credit: USIM Story via website
Nightlife in Malaysia is usually when families and friends come to parks and night markets to just chill and enjoy the vibes. In Nilai, there’s a famous landmark that is exactly that: Dataran Nilai.
Image adapted from: Tapak Niaga karnival via Facebook; Maskulin via website
Like many night markets located just next to parks, there are stalls selling light-up toys and offering bicycle rentals with flashy lights, so you can bring the whole family and no one will be bored.
Address: Persiaran Negeri Bbn, Putra Point, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan
2. Lembaga Muzium Negeri Sembilan
Get to know Minangkabau tradition
Image credit: Chan Mun Choon via Facebook
If you head further into Seremban, there’s the must-visit Lembaga Muzium Negeri Sembilan, which showcases Minangkabau culture in Negeri Sembilan. For the uninitiated, Minangkabau culture comes from Indonesia and is a matrilineal culture. While not many practice the traditional cultural practices today, it still follows the adat perpatih rules when it comes to the distribution of assets.
The museum has all the information you need to know about the Minangkabau culture practiced by Malays in the state. Inside, you can even play traditional games such as congkak and batu seremban, which are available in the museum.
The museum is located next to the Seremban Gateway mall. So, after you visit the museum, you can rest and have a meal at the mall.
Admission fee (Malaysians): RM6/pax for adults | RM1/pax for students | Free for children under 6, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities
Admission fee (Standard): RM10/pax
Address: Jalan Sungai Ujong, Bandar Seremban, 70300 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9am-5pm | Fri 9am-12.15pm, 2.45pm-5pm (Closed on Mondays)
3. Taman Tasik Seremban
Picnic in lush greenery by a cool lake
Image adapted from: MainProp Seremban via Facebook
Parks are a good balance of the urban and wilderness. If you’re visiting Seremban, head over to Taman Tasik Seremban for a relaxing jog or a stroll while resting your eyes on nature’s greenery. This public park is where families go for picnics since the nature aesthetics provide a photo-worthy scene and calm vibes.
Image credit: @tcsiew via Instagram
There’s also a man-made lake and an area where communities gather for recreational activities. The 16hc park is purposely situated in the city centre. So, you can find all sorts of places to visit around the park. Some notable ones are the Seremban State Mosque and the Royal Gallery Tuanku Ja’afar.
Address: Jalan Taman Bunga, Taman Tasik Seremban, 70100 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
4. Gunung Angsi
A beginner-friendly trail
Image credit: KY G via TripAdvisor
Negeri Sembilan is rich with flora and fauna that fill its many dense forests, hills, and mountains. Gunung Angsi is one of the popular mountains where locals go for a hike. At the foot of the mountain sits Bukit Putus, which requires a beginner-friendly trek that’s suitable for those who want to opt for a short hiking trip.
Image adapted from: oliverd, KY G, Jacinta J, Harrison F. Carter via TripAdvisor
Reaching the summit takes about 4 hours. Along the way, there are small wooden benches to rest on, river crossings, and rope climbs. Once at the peak, hikers would set up picnics, cook barbecues, or even set up camp at the peak.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead. There are also parking spaces available for those driving to the spot.
Permit fee (Malaysians): RM5/pax
Permit fee (Standard): RM20/pax
Address: Bukit Putus (Gunung Angsi Trailhead), Jalan Kuala Pilah, 72009, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, 70400
5. ATV Kg Jkin Extreme Park
ATV rides & flying fox ziplines
Image adapted from: Kg Jkin Extreme Park via website
There are two camps of people – the ones who take part in leisurely activities in nature, and the ones who go all out with thrilling excursions. If you fall into the camp of the latter, Kampung Jkin Extreme Park has you covered as they have off-road ATV rides, flying fox ziplines, and rock climbing activities.
Located just as you leave east of Seremban, this extreme park offers ATV rides with additional extreme activities when you pay for their packages. On their website, there are three packages offering different ranges of activities, priced between RM60 and RM120. You can also pay an additional RM50-RM100 to upgrade to a more challenging ATV track.
Image adapted from: Kg Jkin Extreme Park via website
You can also opt to try an activity on its own. The options are Titian Magika (RM30), an activity where you cross a high rope bridge, flying fox (RM10), and Ayunan Rimba (RM10), an extreme swing ride. Similarly, if you plan to come with family, friends, or coworkers, the park offers Family Day packages and team-building camps set with accommodation, meals, and prizes.
Image adapted from: Kg Jkin Resort via Facebook
The extreme park’s accommodations are available under the name Kg Jkin Resort, where visitors can book to stay in small wooden cabins. There are a variety of colourful cabins to choose from, depending on how big your group is. The price ranges from RM160 to RM250. You can book the cabins under a package called Pakej Santai, where breakfast, dinner, and activities are included.
Image adapted from: Kg Jkin Extreme Park via website
Visitors can also choose to rent camping spots and tents from RM30 to RM60. But if you’d like a more glamorous vibe, you can opt for Jeram Berbisik, their glamping spot.
Address: ATV Kg Jkin Extreme Park, 70400 JALAN BUKIT PUTUS LAMA SEREMBAN-KUALA PILAH, 70400 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8.30am-6pm (Closed on Mondays)
6. Pasar Warisan Seremban
Discover antique gems and thrifts
Every city and district in all 14 states of Malaysia would have at least one or two markets, be it a wet market or a night market. It has become part of the nation’s identity and part of the people’s lifestyle. In Negeri Sembilan, there’s a flea market located in the Seremban district called Pasar Warisan Seremban, which sells antique items on Sundays.
Image adapted from: Majlis Bandaraya Seremban via website
Expect to uncover unique items from local sellers, like jewellery, brass pots, decorative items, and old records and CDs. It’s an antique lover’s paradise.
Image adapted from: @kay_e_lee via Instagram
Address: Pasar Warisan Seremban, Jalan Utam Singh, Bandar Seremban, 70000 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: Sun 8am-1pm
7. Pasar malams in Seremban
Image adapted from: Pasar Malam Near Me via website
When it comes to night markets, Seremban has it all. You can easily get plenty of fresh produce, street foods, and thrifted items in this singular district. Here are three must-visit markets in Seremban:
Pasar Besar Seremban
Image adapted from: MainProp Seremban via Facebook; @bjbeep via Flickr
Pasar Besar Seremban is a wet market where locals get fresh produce at affordable prices. If you venture up a floor, you’ll find yourself at a food court with many hawker stalls selling must-try food that’s beloved by locals, like beef noodles and Hakka noodles. Make sure to bring your own fan, as it can get hot with the heat and crowds.
Address: Pasar Besar Seremban, Jalan Tuanku Munawir, Bandar Seremban, 70000 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 5am-2pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Pasar Malam Ampangan
Image credit: Seremban via Facebook
If you’re in search of tasty kuih and delicious fried street foods, Pasar Malam Ampangan is the place to go. It’s a night market in the Bandar Baru Ampangan area, popular among locals looking for a quick bite. The market stretches across a road leading up to an intersection overlooking the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) Ampangan building.
Address: Pasar Malam Ampangan, Bandar Baru Ampangan, 70400 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: Tue & Fri 4pm-10pm
Pasar Malam Senawang Jaya
If you find yourself in Senawang on a Sunday, head to Pasar Malam Senawang Jaya. It is another known night market that sells locally favourite kuih and dishes. There are also other food options available, such as oden, fried enoki mushrooms, and even dried fruits.
Address: Pasar Malam Senawang Jaya, Lorong Delima 1, Taman Senawang Jaya, 70450 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: Sun 4pm-10pm
8. Seri Menanti Royal Museum
Learn about Negeri Sembilan’s royal capital
Image credit: Majlis Keselamatan Negara via website
Kuala Pilah is known as the state’s royal capital, with the Seri Menanti Royal Museum being a must-visit here. The royal museum is housed in the former Seri Menanti palace, exhibiting collections from Negeri Sembilan’s royalty. The roof is shaped to represent the horns of a buffalo, which symbolise peace.
Here, you can also learn more about the state’s royal family history. If you’ve ever wondered who the figure is in all the Malaysian bills, he is Malaysia’s first Majesty, The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Muhammad. He was also Negeri Sembilan’s state monarch from 1933 to 1960.
Image adapted from: @kopibuyau via Instagram
If you head down a flight of stairs at the back of the museum, you’ll find Kopi Buyau, a coffee shop selling coffee, frappes, fruit smoothies, juice, and sodas. The price ranges from RM5 to RM20. If you’re feeling peckish, they also sell roti canai and snacks like lempeng, banana fritters, and toast. This little shop operates at the same time as the museum.
Currently, the museum is undergoing renovations to upgrade its facilities and exhibitions.
Admission fee: Free
Address: Muzium DiRaja Istana Lama Seri Menanti, Sri Menanti, 71550 Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: Undisclosed due to ongoing renovation
9. Teratak Za’ba
Visit the home of Malaysia’s prominent literary figure
Image credit: Histourism – History & Tourism via Facebook
Tan Sri Zainal Abidin bin Ahmad, or better known as Za’ba, was a prominent Malaysian writer and linguist. He is known for modernising the Malay language and opening doors for the language to be used in academic settings rather than only used in daily conversation. In Batu Kikir, you can visit Teratak Za’ba to learn more about the literary figure.
The well-maintained museum is located inside his Minangkabau kampung house. Inside, you’ll find replicas of Za’ba’s possessions and an exhibition detailing his life. Some of his works worth noting are Pelita Bahasa (1936), a grammar book series; Daftar Ejaan Jawi (1938); and Umbi Kemajuan (1932).
Image credit: Pustaka Empayar Melayu via Facebook
According to Pejabat Daerah Dan Tanah Jempol, the idea of this museum was brought forward by Tan Sri Samad Idris. He was inspired by visiting Shakespeare’s home in Stratford-upon-Avon. Hence, this museum serves to memorialise Za’ba’s contributions to Malay linguistics and literature.
Admission fee: Free
Address: Teratak Za’ba, Kampung Bukit Kerdas, 72100 Batu Kikir, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: 10am-5pm, Daily
10. Lomak Salai
Feast on your way to Tampin
Image adapted from: @amira.atiya via Instagram
If you find yourself on the way to Tampin from Seremban, stop by Lomak Salai, a food court selling a wide variety of Negeri Sembilan dishes. Here, you can find many types of masak lemak, a spicy coconut milk curry typically cooked with cili padi.
Other than masak lemak, there are other types of Malay dishes cooked in a local kampung style. The unique part of this food court is that you are given a small trolley to put your choices of dishes and pay at a separate counter at the centre, reminiscent of Malaysian school canteens.
Image adapted from: @amira.atiya via Instagram
“Podeh, paneh, pueh” is their motto, written in the state’s dialect. It reflects the state’s tendency for hot and spicy dishes and how filling they are. With the various food choices from ikan bakar to kuih-muih, you’re sure to find your stomach full of delicious local food, cooked to perfection.
The location has restrooms and separate Muslim praying areas for males and females. This makes the food court a good rest and stop area for travellers driving along the Seremban-Tampin Road.
Address: Lomak Salai, Jalan Seremban – Tampin, 73000 Tampin, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: Thur-Tue 11am-5.30pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
11. Taman Negeri Kenaboi
Explore Negeri Sembilan’s largest forest reserve
Image adapted from: Taman Negeri Kenaboi via Facebook
Negeri Sembilan is rich with flora. Due to this, forest reserves and parks are scattered about the state, including the prominent Taman Negeri Kenaboi. Its mountain, Gunung Besar Hantu, marks the tail end of Malaysia’s Titiwangsa Range.
Image adapted from: Taman Negeri Kenaboi via Facebook
To reach this forest park, you can navigate to Ulu Kenaboi Riverside Camp. Here, facilities such as restrooms and plugpoints are available for public use. The camp is split into three parts: Zone A, B, and C. Zone C is known for its higher vantage point overlooking the river.
Note that the road to this campsite is strictly suitable for SUVs and 4x4s.
Address: Ulu Kenaboi Riverside Camp, Jln Kampong Ulu Kenaboi, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: 7am-7pm, Daily
Contact (camping): 013-381 4456
12. Pantai Teluk Kemang
End your Negeri Sembilan exploration with a beach trip
We can’t miss Negeri Sembilan’s iconic beach. It’s a staple if you want to plan your trip there. But don’t just go to any Port Dickson beach. Try going to Teluk Kemang Beach instead. This beach is a local gem, where there are fewer crowds. It is an hour and a half drive from KL, and only 9 minutes away from Monkey Bay at Tanjung Tuan.
Image credit: Petit Go via website
This particular beach not only has many resorts with reasonable prices, but it also has a nearby food court in addition to having food stalls along the beach, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food. You can find some stalls selling coconut shakes and ABCs to cool down from the heat.
Image credit: Ticket2u via website
If you’re a thrill seeker, you can find a beginner-friendly parasailing service by Mega Water Sports. Well established in Langkawi, they offer a 10-minute parasailing experience for RM300 per person, and a 20-minute jet ski ride for RM250 per person. You can locate them just near Surau Teluk Kemang.
Image adapted from: PD London Bus via website
If you plan to stay near the beach, the most common choice is Tunas Resort Port Dickson. But if you wish for a more unique stay, head further down the beach and find PD London Bus Retro Village. Here, you can either stay in kampung-style houses with nipah thatch roofing or inside a red double-decker bus repurposed into accommodations for overnight guests.
Address: Pantai Teluk Kemang, Jalan 3/10, Taman Intan Perdana, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Malaysia’s underrated nature getaway state, Negeri Sembilan
While Port Dickson is a popular destination when it comes to Negeri Sembilan, these underrated gems reveal how the state is rich in traditional culture and natural environment.
So the next time you visit Negeri Sembilan, consider going to one or more of these places and take a pause from the cityscapes of KL.
Check out more underrated places in Malaysia:
Cover image adapted from: Kg Jkin Extreme Park via website; @kopibuyau, @kay_e_lee, @amira.atiya via Instagram; and Taman Negeri Kenaboi via Facebook