Negeri Sembilan - Land of Quiet

Grace
Negeri Sembilan, translated literally as "nine states",
is so called because it once consisted of nine
separate districts, each ruled by a Malay chieftain.
Seremban,its capital is wellconnected by road and
rail to Kuala Lumpur, 50 km away. It houses a
cultural handicraft complex, the State Museum, the
State Mosque and the Lake Gardens.

The state is often identified with the pervasive influence of Minangkabau migrants
from Sumatra as seen in the unique hornshaped roofs of many of its buildings. The
Minangkabaus who brought with them their "adat" or traditions, are also credited
with many aspects of life in Negeri Sembilan, in particular the matrilineal kinship
system. This system is evident until today especially in the marriage customs,
ownership of property and dance forms.

The Sri Menanti Palace, converted to the Royal Museum in 1992, is a classic
showcase of Minangkabau structure and design. Built at the turn of the century by
two local craftsmen, the wooden palace took six years to complete and is an
architectural wonder as no screws or nails were used in its construction. Elsewhere,
the pretty village settings are reminiscent of the Minangkabau influence.

Negeri Sembilan has a popular beach at Port Dickson, on the shores of the Straits of
Malacca. This resort town with its miles of golden beaches and a wide range of
accommodation is a favourite 'playground' for the city dwellers of KL and Singapore
as well as the neighbouring towns.
"This cave, formed beneath the masses of large rocks is one kilometre in length."

Thirty five kilometres from Kuala Pilah, this challenging arena is just waiting to be
discovered by adventure seekers. Trekking through the Mount Tampin Forest Reserve track,
observe the beauty of nature; wild shrubs growing in abundance, fallen logs and branches
green with moss, the warmth of the sun filtering through the tall branches overhead, dried
leaves and flowers scattered on the forest floor -- the combination form a captivating picture
usually found only in books and magazines. This lush rainforest with all its treasures is house
to Batu Maloi Cave.

This cave, formed beneath the masses of large rocks is one kilometre in length. A clear
shallow stream lazily makes its way around the stones and boulders that make up the cave
floor. The challenge of exploring this amazing granite cave, will surely charm and enrich your
experiences. The narrow and winding passage into the cave can prove to be quite perilious,
especially in the dark.

Thus, it is advisable for you to explore the cave in groups of at least three with an experienced
guide. Be prepared for any danger as a sudden heavy rainfall could result in the water level
rising very fast in the cave -- quite a scary scenario for the unexperienced. On the way to the
cave, you will pass a stream of which the water level is controlled by a watergate. The smooth
flowing stream with its shallow sandy floor, beckons you to enjoy a splash in its clear cool
waters.
"This handicraft centre is a branch of the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation
mainly producing bamboo, rattan and glass based handicrafts."

This handicraft centre is a branch of the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation.

From the eight branches nationwide, the one in Negeri Sembilan is the production centre for
bamboo, rattan and glass-based handicrafts.

At this Craft Product Centre, the handicrafts are produced commercially. Sales and
promotional activities range from direct selling from the showroom, to accepting custom-
made orders to certain handicraft products and furniture, as well as participating in slaes
exhibitions and trade expos.

Every care is taken to ensure a balance between the original heritage of the craft and the
quality of the products to meet international standards. A Skill Training Programme was
introduced by the corporation to produce more skilled workers, artisans, craftsmen as well as
qualified personnels for the futher growth and development of the local handicraft industry.
An Apprentice Scheme is also currently in operation with the participation of producers in ten
states.

The intricate and refined hand-made products seen at this handicraft centre is an artistic
reflection of the philosophy and values of the local community. Go behind the scenes and
watch with fascination the transformation of rattan being weaved and twisted by skilled hands
into beautiful gifts, souvenirs and furniture - chairs, tables, sofas, baskets, lampshades,
walking sticks, trays and egg baskets all before your very eyes. The art of glass making will
leave you in awe.

Witness long poles of glass being shaped creatively into shiny fragile-looking souvenir items
like the kris, bullock cart, golf bag complete with clubs, bird swing and "wishing well".
Home › Travel Ideas

Istana Ampang Tinggi

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"This is one of the main

attraction at Arts & Cultural
Park (Taman Seni Budaya).
The state museum was formerly
the old palace located at
Kampung Ampang Tinggi."

The state museum was formerly the old palace located at Kampung Ampang Tinggi. It
was disassembled piece by piece and reassembled to its original structure within the
compound of the Kompleks Taman Seni Budaya (Cultural Handicraft Complex). Built
entirely of wood, it is home to old historical artefacts of the state. Last viewed - January
24, 2008
"It is believed that the name originated from the existence of the many elephants in the area -
gading meaning tusk."

A beautiful landscape of tropical rainforests, rivers and waterfalls against the backdrop of the
hills and mountains in the east plus the stretch of sandy beaches on the west coast describes
the land of Negeri Sembilan. The topography of this state, situated at the end of the Main
Range running from the North of Peninsular Malaysia, is very much characterised by this vast
stretch of highlands. Many recreational areas have been identified along this range, the
National Park, being the biggest.

In Negeri Sembilan, Jeram Gading is one such area. It is believed that the name originated
from the existence of the many elephants in the area - gading meaning tusk. The main
attraction of Jeram Gading is the waterfall, cascading sheets of water flowing through trees
and boulders sending sprays of droplets to the left and right as it hits obstacles in its path,
curling into balls of white foam before disappearing into clamer waters.

Although the area is not suitable for kayaking, it is an ideal spot for a family picnic. Enjoy
frolicking around with children in the clear waters and take pleasure in listening to their
sreams and watching their antics when you release a paper boat, or as a reminiscense of old
times, a pelepah pisang boat, into the flow of water. Watch it glide along the stream before
being swept up in the current and disappearing at the turn of the river. Situated 23km from
Kuala Klawang, Jeram Gading is in the Kenaboi district. Driving to this tourist attraction, you
will pass roads lined with tress and shrubs, most of them fruit trees and orchads belonging to
the villagers. For your convenience, among the facilities available at this favourite weekend
retreat are a parking area, wooden log cabins and public toilets
"Falling down from the mountainside, this rapid flow of water bypasses over and across boulders
and trees bordering its path."

The beautiful cascade of water seen at the Jeram Toi Recreational Park is indeed a sight to
behold. Falling down from the mountainside, this stream passes through boulders and trees
bordering its path. In the light of the morning haze, witness this spectacular scene and be
captivated by the serene beauty of the Jeram Toi Recreational Park. Do not miss the
opportunity to jump into the cool natural pool and frolic around in the fresh invigorating
waters. This recreational park, deep among the treasures of nature, offers a relaxing retreat
away from the of the city.

Test your stamina by climbing up the many steps at the foot of the mountain and for the
adventure lovers, throw caution aside and take a trek up to the peak of Mount Telapak Buruk.
The recreational park, a 40 minute drive from Seremban, is part of the Berembun Reserve
Forest. The area is easily accessible as it is located just off the main road to Kuala Klawang.
Facilities like a parking area, toilets and strategically placed huts offer ease and comfort to the
visitor.

Names carry their own tale. Jeram Toi is no different. It was originally taken from the name
of To' Batin Toi, an Orang Asli chief who used to reside in these mountains. To' Batin Toi,
through sheer genius managed to defeat a group of invaders from Rawa, North Sumatera.
Drunk and faint from eating an uncooked meal of buah perah prepared by To' Batin Toi,
these enemies were said to be no match for the locals. Thus, do yourselves a favour - do not
ruin your day by tasting any buah perah that you might find during your unique encounter
with nature.
Mount Datuk
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"Situated at the end of Titiwangsa Mountain Range, it holds many treasures of the natural
tropical rainforests."

Ten minutes drive along the Rembau-Tampin stretch, you will reach Simpang Bongek. Take a
left turn and drive for another 4km down the road. The scenery you will face along this road
varies; from being sandwiched by rubber trees on your left and right, you will pass a few
kampung houses, before encountering an amazing view of thick forests against the backdrop
of mountainous range. A further three minute drive along a small winding road will lead you
to the foot of the majestic Mount Datuk, also known as Mount Rembau. It was here in the
18th century that the Penghulu Rembau signed an agreeing to join forces against the Dutch
who at that time were controlling Melaka.

This mountain, 2,900 feet above sea level, is a favourite for nature lovers and adventure
seekers. Situated at the end of Titiwangsa Mountain Range, it holds many treasures of the
natural tropical rainforests. At the foot of the mountain, a small clear stream flows lazily
between the many stones and slippery boulders, filling the air with the tranquil sound of
running water. The surface of this shallow stream is filled with pebbles and sand. The sides
are bordered by big tall trees, some with giant roots curling and twisting creating a very
artistic impression.

This panoramic picture can only be rivalled with the view from the peak of the mountain. This
picturesque scene is definitely a sight to behold. Be certain that many artists and poets will be
inspired by this display of vast greenery, an undescribable portrait of nature in all its wonders
and splendours. It is a popular camp site with basic facilities like toilets and huts. You can
start this challenging journey with a four mile walk from Simpang Bongek across rows of
rubber trees and kampung houses before reaching the foot of the mountain.

Of course the main prize is at the peak. To get the prize though, you must be physically and
mentally prepared for the three hour challenging climb up. You are advised to report to the
Kota Police Station.
Old Palace at Sri Menanti/Royal Museum
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"Take a step back in time when you visit the Sri Menanti palace complex. Set amidst peaceful
surroundings, the former royal residence was built without nails or screws."

The five-storey Sri Menanti palace was entirely built of hardwood timber extracted from the
forest in Negeri Sembilan. It is all black with a long balcony and wooden pillars carved with
intricate gold flower motifs. Best of all, this royal residence was built with neither nail nor
screw.

It was designed by two local craftsmen and carpenters, Tukang Kahar and Tukang Taib. Work
began in November 1902 and completed three years later. The main pillars reaching the top
centre tower about 21m high.

Between 1908 and 1931, this was the royal residence of the Yang DiPertuan Besar Tuanku
Muhammad. He occupied the third floor, while the fourth floor was the royal treasury and
repository of royal records. This can only be reached by a steep flight of wooden stairs from
the royal chamber.

In 1926, the palace was the scene of the triennial mengadap (homage ceremony) attended by
the British High Commisioner, Lawrence Guillemard.

Among other attractions here is a horse carriage. Horse rides are available at the prototype Sri
Menanti Minang house with the sweeping roof peaks shaped like buffalo horns.
 The Writing Process
Writing is a process that involves at least four distinct steps: prewriting, drafting, revising, and
editing. It is known as a recursive process. While you are revising, you might have to return to
the prewriting step to develop and expand your ideas.

Prewriting

1. Prewriting is anything you do before you write a draft of your document. It includes
thinking, taking notes, talking to others, brainstorming, outlining, and gathering
information (e.g., interviewing people, researching in the library, assessing data).

2. Although prewriting is the first activity you engage in, generating ideas is an activity
that occurs throughout the writing process.

Drafting

1. Drafting occurs when you put your ideas into sentences and paragraphs. Here you
concentrate upon explaining and supporting your ideas fully. Here you also begin to
connect your ideas. Regardless of how much thinking and planning you do, the
process of putting your ideas in words changes them; often the very words you select
evoke additional ideas or implications.

2. Don't pay attention to such things as spelling at this stage.

3. This draft tends to be writer-centered: it is you telling yourself what you know and
think about the topic.
Revising

1. Revision is the key to effective documents. Here you think more deeply about your
readers' needs and expectations. The document becomes reader-centered. How much
support will each idea need to convince your readers? Which terms should be defined
for these particular readers? Is your organization effective? Do readers need to know
X before they can understand Y?

2. At this stage you also refine your prose, making each sentence as concise and accurate
as possible. Make connections between ideas explicit and clear.

Editing

1. Check for such things as grammar, mechanics, and spelling. The last thing you should
do before printing your document is to spell check it.

2. Don't edit your writing until the other steps in the writing process are complete.
Six Steps in the Writing Process

THINK
Sometimes called "Pre-Writing," this step involved any activities that
generate ideas: clustering, freewriting, putting down ideas as they occur,
in whatever order, in whatever grammatical form. Don't worry about
sentence structure.

ORGANIZE
Group related ideas and order them in a logical sequence. Outlining is a
good way to organize as long as you don't get too involved in sub-
headings. Putting key words or color coding on index cards also works.
You will probably decide on a controlling idea/concept now.

DRAFT
Write a rough draft using the organization established in the last step.
Write on every other line and one side of the sheet only so that it will be
easy to revise and to "cut and paste." Don't worry about grammar or
sentence structure yet. Instructor evaluation and suggestion is very useful
now.

RE-THINK
Read what you've written and critically evaluate it. Is the main point
clear? Is the support adequate? Is the development logically arranged? Is
there any irrelevant material to be taken out? Revise the content until it is
coherent and clear. Don't worry about mechanics yet.

EDIT
Now is the time to correct grammar, sentence structure, and mechanical
errors. Go over every sentence one by one, making sure each is complete,
not a run-on or comma splice, that pronoun use is correct, words spelled
correctly. A good guideline for punctuation is to use only those marks for
which you know the rule. The writing lab can help here.

TYPE
A neat final copy to hand in. PROOFREAD before turning in, correcting any
typos neatly.

updated 5/9/02