On the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia lies a Malaysia’s state, Negeri Sembilan, also historically spelled as Negri Sembilan. The name “Negeri Sembilan” is derived from the ‘nine (sembilan) villages’ or nagari in the Minangkabau language. People in Negeri Sembilan are originally from West Sumatra (Indonesia); this is why Minangkabau features are still visible today in traditional architecture and the dialect of Malay.
The capital of Negeri Sembilan is Seremban; and the state’s important towns are Port Dickson, Bahau, and Nilai. Seremban and Port Dickson are the state’s major economic and cultural hubs. Noted for its strong Minangkabau influences, the kampong houses and official buildings in Negeri Sembilan present the traditional Minangkabau architectures consisting of sweeping roof peaks shaped like buffalo horns. The Minangkabau identity also influences the diversity of the local cuisine, typically hot and spicy; masak lemak lada api, rendang, and various smoked foods are the state’s signature.
The ethnic inclusiveness of Negeri Sembilan is also presented in the variety of cultural landmarks the state holds, such as State Museum Seremban, Galeri Diraja Tuanku Ja’afar, Seri Menanti Royal Museum, etc. However, the most famous weekend retreat for city dwellers is Port Dickson, where the tourists won’t only find the state’s cultural legacy, but also charming natural landscapes and pristine beaches. Planning to visit Negeri Sembilan next holiday? Keep reading–we’ll tell you anything about what else to do and where to stay in Negeri Sembilan:
There would be plenty of interesting tourist spots throughout Negeri Sembilan. However, below are several stops you should make time for while in the state:
Operational hours: 10 am to 7 pm (Wednesday to Monday)
Alive 3D Art Gallery is one of the popular tourist attractions in Port Dickson. Featuring more than 50 interactive paintings and optical illusions, the gallery provides 5 different zones: Adventure, Aquarium, Animation, Exotic, and Dark Art. Explore the alive arts and strike poses with them together with your family and friends.
Negeri Sembilan, especially Port Dickson, is a paradise for sunbathers around the world. If you’re one of them, opt for Blue Lagoon Beach; it’s a small but popular beachside destination in town. Nestled among lush vegetation and forests, it’s attracted many visitors with its delightful tranquility and water activities. You may also find appealing diving spots during the low tide.
As you set your foot on Negeri Sembilan, you don’t need to worry about how to navigate the state. Check out several public transports below to help you get better exploration of Negeri Sembilan:
There are 2 types of buses serving Negeri Sembilan: Cityliner and Seremban City Bus. The Cityliner, a primary bus operator in the state, connects you to major towns, like Seremban, Port Dickson, Nilai, and others. Meanwhile, Seremban City Bus is the bus service running within the city, providing access to various other parts of the city. If you plan for long-distance travels, some intercity buses are available to help you reach other states, like Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and Johor. The main bus terminal in Seremban is Terminal One.
The most popular and efficient mode of transport in Negeri Sembilan is the train services. KTM Komuter connects Seremban with Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley, with some stops in Nilai and Senawang.
For flexible mobility, taxis in Negeri Sembilan are also within reach. They can easily be found in Seremban and Port Dickson; and hailed on the street or booked by phone. There are also various ride-hailing services in the state’s urban areas: Seremban, Nilai, and Port Dickson, offering a convenient way to travel short distances.
The best areas to stay in Negeri Sembilan depend on whether you’re interested in cultural experiences or natural attractions. However, there are, at least, 2 areas you can consider. The first is the capital city, Seremban. As a cultural and administrative hub, you would find many key attractions of Negeri Sembilan, shopping centers, restaurants, entertainment options, and transport services that would cater your explorations to other parts of the state and beyond. The second area ideal to stay in is Port Dickson. For those fancy water activities, Port Dickson is popular with pristine beaches and well-developed tourism infrastructure: resorts, hotels, and apartments of all budgets.
Some people may find traveling as an expensive activity. Relax–it can’t be 100% true if you can opt for budget accommodations to lodge. Here are some of them in Negeri Sembilan:
Check-in and check-out times: from 2 pm, before 12 pm
The first budget hotel you can find in Port Dickson is My Family Hotel. This hotel might be economical, but the facilities it gets are comfortable for the guests. Within this 2-star hotel, you would have basic amenities, like TV, AC, and shower in your room. You’d also be pleased by the fact that this property is only a stone’s throw away from various recreational places: Alive 3D Art Gallery, Wild West Cowboy Indoor Theme Park, and Tanjung Gemok Beach.
Check-in and check-out times: from 2 pm, before 12 pm
If you decide to stay in Seremban, Smart Hotel can be your accommodation choice. It features AC, family room, heater, and internet connection for the guests’ convenience. A range of the room types which can cater couples to family of 4 are soothing spaces to relax and regain energy for your next adventure. Need an idea of where to go? Seremban Lake Garden is only 500 meters away!
Going on a trip with the whole family is one of the most unforgettable memories in the entire life. If now you’re thinking about a family vacation to Negeri Sembilan, take a look at some hotels below as a place for your family to unwind:
Check-in and check-out times: from 3 pm, before 12 pm
Avillion Port Dickson is an award-winning family hotel in Malaysia, offering more than 200 chalets exquisitely designed after traditional Malay fishing villages. It provides 5 dining options, large outdoor pools, garden and ocean views, and plenty of outdoor activities. The family can go birdwatching and fishing, while the children can play in the kids’ club or explore a pet and spice farm. The hotel’s spa facilities are also ready to welcome your tiresome body.
Check-in and check-out times: from 3 pm, before 11 pm
Another lavishly-appointed hotel in Port Dickson is Thistle Port Dickson. Located in the tropical paradise, the hotel boasts a pristine sandy beach shoreline with tranquil surrounding atmosphere. It doesn’t only offer stylish rooms overlooking gardens and golf courses, but also various activities for the guests; one of them is a certified SWAT camp for team-building purposes. Children's play area, pools, karaoke, fitness center, and various sports are all within easy reach.
In order to vary your stay experience in Negeri Sembilan, you can find other accommodation alternatives instead of hotels. Below are some recommendations for you:
Check-in and check-out times: from 3 pm, before 11 pm
The first option is Grand Lexis Port Dickson, a 5-star resort with Balinese-inspired water villas with private pools surrounded by tropical bliss. Here, you’ll wake up to spectacular views of the sea and warm golden sunshine greeting from your room’s window. While your gaze is captivated by the scenery, your appetite would be satiated by the multitude of tempting local and international cuisines served in the resort’s state-of-the-art dining restaurant.
Check-in and check-out times: check-in from 3 to 5 pm, check-out before 12 pm
The next alternative is a villa located in Seremban called The Dusun. Nestled among the vibrant greenery of Malaysian rainforest, the villa has multiple private houses suitable for nature lovers enjoying privacy and space. Each house comes up with an equipped kitchen, yet for the guests preferring not to cook, catered meals are also available. It’s very advisable for you to combine your stay with the appreciation of the surrounding nature by hiking the forest, exploring the fruit trees, or soaking up in the pools.
Check-in and check-out times: from 3 pm, before 12 pm
In addition to resorts and villas, you can also book an apartment in Port Dickson, such as AnCasa Resort. It offers well-appointed rooms with spacious interiors and modern Asian-inspired furnishings. You can enjoy a separate dining and living area, as well as a private balcony and a kitchenette in each room. Spa treatments and pools are perfect to relax during your evenings.
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Total Accommodation | 297 Properties |
Popular City | Port Dickson, Seremban |
Popular Hotel | Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson, Thistle Port Dickson |
Popular Landmark | Lukut Fort & Museum, Army Museum Port Dickson |