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| Sembilan
and Malacca |
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Negeri
Sembilan
On the southwest corner of Peninsular Malaysia, Negeri Sembilan is known throughout the
region for its Minangkabau-style architecture, which was
influenced by its 1st inhabitants from Sumatra.
Seremban
Negeri Sembilan’s
capital is 64 kilometres (39 miles) south of Kuala Lumpur or about a 30
minute drive.
Seremban Lake Gardens is 1 of the
most attractive places. It has 2 lakes, one with a floating stage
where cultural shows are performed.
The State Mosque has nine pillars
that symbolize
the 9
districts of the state.
The Cultural Handicraft Complex at Labu Spur is home
to the Negeri Sembilan State Museum. Historical artifacts
of the state and its inhabitants are on display in this museum which
is made
completely
from wood.
Port
Dickson
Port Dickson is on the coast and
about a 90 minute drive from Kuala Lumpur and 32 kilometres (19 miles) from
Seremban. Malaysians gather here from the city on weekends
and with 18 kilometres (11 miles) of beach there are usually a wide range of rooms.
The bays are good for all types of water sports, like fishing, water-skiing, motor cruising and deep-sea fishing. The water
quality is not normally great and the sea around the beaches is sometimes
too shallow for decent swimming.
The only true tourist site is the Tanjong Tuan Lighthouse. On
a clear day one can see the coastline of Indonesia across the Straits
of Malacca.
Elsewhere
7 kilometres (4 miles) from Port Dickson in Kota Lukut, Fort of Raja Jumaat is home to a royal palace and a royal burial
ground. The fort was constructed in 1847 to control the
tin trade in the region.
Pedas Hot Springs is
30 kilometres (18 miles) south of Seremban. Tourists wishing to take
the curative waters will find bathing enclosures, dining and recreational
facilities.
Malacca
Only 2 hours by road south of Kuala Lumpur, the city of Malacca
is centuries away in ambience. Fishermen in boats still cruise up
through the centre of this modern city with the catch of the day.
River cruises exploring the city’s history are popular. Established
in the 15th century, Malacca remains primarily a Chinese community, even though there are many reminders of periods under British, Dutch
and Portuguese rule. More of this can be found in the Malacca Museum.
Historical remains are the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple in
the heart of the city, St Paul’s Church with the grave
of St Xavier, the gateway of A Formosa Portuguese fortress,
the Dutch Christ Church, the Stadthuys, and the Tranquerah
Mosque which is 1 of the oldest in Malaysia. Malacca boasts international
hotels and a resort complex 12 kilometres (7 miles) outside the
city.
Johor
The southern state Johor Bahru is Malaysia’s
southernmost gateway. It also the road and rail gateway from Singapore
via a 1.5 kilometre (1 mile) causeway that links the city/state to Peninsular
Malaysia.
Tourist attractions in
Johor Bahru are Johor Lama which is the seat of the Johor
Sultanate after eviction from Malacca, Kota Tinggi Waterfalls and Ayer Hitam ceramic works. The Muar is famous for its
ghazal music and trance-inducing Kuda Kepang dances and the
palm oil and rubber plantations and Desaru which is 1 of Johor’s
newer resorts.
Desaru has serene beaches and jungles. All varieties of sports
are available here, ranging from swimming, snorkeling, canoeing to pony
riding and jungle trekking. There are accommodation in Malaysian-style
chalets and hotels. Campers are also welcome. |
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