Top Seremban Attractions

Welcome to my list of Top Seremban Attractions.

Seremban is the capital of Negeri Sembilan state. The metropolitan area has a population of over 420,000 but its centre retains the feel of a small provincial town. It is not famed for its tourist attractions and most of the big tour companies do not even cover the city. However that does not mean there is nothing to see or no things to do here. Every time I revisit Seremban I discover some new attraction to add to my list. I have marked all the sites on this map:

Map of Top Seremban Attractions

Many of these top Seremban attractions can be covered on foot. The historic heart of the town comprises a few blocks of shophouses arranged in a grid pattern together with some grand colonial and modern architecture arranged around a scenic lake garden. To see the more outlying attractions you would need a car or taxi.

Here is a short video from the Malaysia in a Minute series which covers many of the places listed here:

List of Top Seremban Attractions - What to See

Seremban Railway Station

The quaint old railway station was built in 1924 and has a terracotta tiled roof and an open air booking area. It is topped with a clock tower with an Islamic style cupola. You might see a couple of old fashioned baggage trolleys outside the porters' area, the sort of trolley that has long disappeared from British railway stations.

Sri Bala Thandayuthapani Hindu Temple

Nearby on Jalan Yam Tuan you will find the beautiful and immaculately tended Sri Bala Thandayuthapani Hindu Temple. This temple was built by a businessman of Sri Lankan origin in 1895. Inside is a splendid, intricately decorated golden chariot made from copper plated teak, topped with 2.5 kg of gold. Ask permission and remove shoes before entering.

Lake Gardens

Facing the temple are the Lake Gardens, Seremban’s well-groomed park with mature trees, jogging paths, gazebos, manicured lawns and a couple of lakes, one of which has a floating stage for cultural performances. An orchid garden is a recent addition to the Lake Gardens.

State Mosque

The modern State Mosque, which was completed in 1967, overlooks the Lake Gardens. The mosque has nine pillars representing the 9 districts making up the State of Negeri Sembilan (which literally translates as 'nine states').

Kompleks Kraf Negeri Sembilan (Handicraft Centre)

This crafts complex is housed in a stately building, built in 1912, which was once the home of Captain Murray, the British Resident to Negeri Sembilan. A very nice home it must have been too! It has been well preserved and converted into a showcase of Malaysian handicrafts, particularly bamboo products, rattan and pandan leaf weaving, ceramics, glassware and batik clothing. A great place to pick up a souvenir or gift. Open daily 9am - 6pm.

State Library

A couple of minutes up the road sits the even grander looking State Library building. Originally serving as the office of the State Secretary, this colonial masterpiece was also built in 1912 and designed by A.B.Hubback, the architect responsible for many of Kuala Lumpur's famous landmarks. The plaque outside said that the library contains more than a million books and was once known as the Sir Henry Gurney Library. During my visit however the building was completely empty of books so perhaps it is being earmarked for another purpose.

Wisma Negeri

Across the street is the current State Secretariat (Wisma Negeri) building finished in 1987. Its distinctive design includes a roofline suggesting the shape of buffalo horns, a style originating from Sumatra, Indonesia, from where many of Negeri Sembilan's influences, customs and people are descended.

Church of the Visitation

This Catholic church founded by French missionaries. In the mid 1800s, French priests based in Kuala Lumpur would visit their flock in Malacca once every two months to receive confession. The priests used to break the journey, which was by bullock cart, in Seremban where they would perform services in an attap hut. These regular visitations may account for the Church's name. Later a proper church was built and the current building dates from 1899 with newer additions in 1935.

Wesley Methodist Church

Another notable Christian place of worship is the Wesley Methodist Church. This was founded in 1915 to cater to the waves of Chinese migrants (some of whom were Christians) who flooded into the area following the discovery of tin ore in 1870. The Anglo-Chinese School (SMK Methodist) was founded about the same time and shares the same compound with the church.

Shophouses

The historic core of Seremban has a few narrow lanes full of shophouses to explore. You might want to take a break in one of the many restaurants, perhaps browse in an antique shop, sniff the powerful aroma of a traditional Chinese medicine shop, or take a peek inside one of the many Chinese temples in this area. Seremban is famous for its food. Specialities include Pak Cham Kai (steamed chicken), chicken porridge, Seremban beef noodles and Siew Pau (baked dumplings).

Masjid Jamek

This pretty red mosque has a pagoda shaped minaret and a central tower in the Malaccan style instead of a dome. The inscription above the entrance to the tower dates the construction to 1924.

State Museum & Cultural Complex

The museum has a modest collection of old artefacts, photos, ceramics and a display of Negeri Sembilan postage stamps. In the grounds outside are two fine Minangkabau traditional wooden houses. Dating from the late 19th century, one of the houses was built without using a single nail and includes detailed carvings including verses from the Holy Quran. Minangkabau culture originates from near Padang, Sumatra and apart from their distinctive architecture they are famous for being a matrilineal society with inheritance being passed down through the female line.

Centipede Temple

This is a new addition to my list of Top Seremban Attractions. This interesting Chinese temple, known more formally as Then Sze Khoon, is located on a hill top on the northern edge of town. You can find out about the legend of the centipede and more details about the temple here.

Virgin’s Temple

On a hilltop overlooking Seremban is a small Hindu temple called the Arulmighu Maha Sapthakanniga Devi Temple, also known as the Virgin's Temple. Various mystical tales are linked to this place. This is one of the top Seremban attractions. You can read more on my blog.

Galeri Diraja Tuanku Ja’afar

This brand new museum contains exhibits relating to Tuanku Ja’afar’s 42 year reign as Yang-di-Pertaun Besar Negeri Sembilan. It is located in the Lake Gardens area. Full details here.

Chettiar Temple

On Jalan Temiang is a Chettiar Temple called Sri Selva Vinayagar Temple which began construction in 1922.

Hakka Association Building

Also on Jalan Temiang, I noticed this handsome building dated 1928 with a sign outside saying Gabungan Persatuan Hakka Negeri Sembilan.

Jalan Keliling Public Park

This park is located close to the main Lake Gardens in Seremban. It includes a Bicycle Park (Laman Basikal) for children to practice cycling skills under simulated road conditions (appears to be closed for renovation), a lake, picnic spots and a children’s playground.

Kompleks Al-Saadah

Despite its Chinese temple appearance, this complex, located on Jalan Mufti Ahmad, is an Islamic centre, providing religious teaching and facilities for Negeri Sembilan's Chinese Muslim community, including recent converts. I have included it on this Top Seremban Attractions list because of its striking architecture but it is not open to the general public without permission.

Seremban Gurkha Cemetery

The last of my Top Seremban Attractions is this small cemetery on Jalan Tungku Kurshiah, containing the remains of Gurkha soldiers killed during the Malayan Emergency and the graves of family members. Across the street is Seremban Christian Cemetery where some British military graves from the Emergency period can be found.

Hope you enjoy discovering these Top Seremban Attractions as much as I have.