Travel Magazine 2022

t a b l e 0 f c 0 n t e n t s t a b l e 0 f c 0 n t e n t s

author's note

LIEW

ZI YU

Sitting here editing the magazine on a hot, September afternoon, I can't help but think of how this trip to Negeri Sembilan was a compilation of so many intense feelingsfrustration, disappointments, anger, relief, content, confused and so much more

I am still very grateful that all my friends were present with me on this journey, else I would not be able to detach myself from all the negative feelings due to the adversities faced This trip taught me how to be more aware of my surroundings, appreciate the people around me and also understand that every trip is an experience nonetheless, it will be unique to you and you only

LLUKUT UKUT MUSEUM MUSEUM

rainy morning at the museum

It was a rainy morning to our first destination, the Lukut Museum Built in 1999, the museum was created in partnership with the government of Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus by the Department of Museums and Antiquities (now the Department of Museums Malaysia) with the goal of disseminating knowledge and historical proof about Lukut

We were greeted by one of the museum staff as he briefed us before starting the guided tour, showing us what's inside

Kompleks Sejarah Lukut, Lukut, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, 71010

whats inside? whats inside?

antiques and artifacts

There are 2 galleries situated on each floor Gallery A at ground floor features more of the historical background of Kota Lukut, filled with riches during the 19th century, dubbed as "The Golden Age" under several rulers,

Meanwhile, Gallery B on the fist floor, also known as the Negeri Sembilan Gallery, showcases the advancement of manufacturing technologies society for everyday use Woven arts, medicine, meals, traditional tools, carpentry and the diversity of Malaysian cultures are also featured here.

Caklempong, a traditional bronze musical instrument originated among the Malay people of Minangkabau heritage in Negeri Sembilan, Indonesia, who migrated from Minangkabau or West Sumatra. Originally, this musical instrument was considered holy and was exclusively played in the royal palace. Since many Minangkabau people dwell in Negeri Sembilan as a result of trade, the Caklempong music activity is considered the state's traditional music, and has since been spread to other states through educational institutions.

Tepak Sirih, a metal based object used within the Malay community is no strange item that shares a profound meaning in thier marriage customs. Tepak sirih includes a tiny semi-circular container called as cumbul, which is filled with slices of ripe areca nut, lime, gambir, and cloves. Bekas sirih, Cembul, Bujam Epok, Kacip, Gobek, Celepa, and Ketur are the components of Tepak Sirih. Tepak sirih is viewed as a symbol of acceptance during the betrothal customs and merisik customs, laying the groundwork for a successful marriage and a happy life together.

THE MORE THE MORE

.... ..

uring n in also are pean Qing name

Regarding the traditional clothing displayed in the gallery, one of the notable outfits are by the Minangkabau groom, who wears a suit with a tuxedo-like cut It's paired with a keris across the front of the waist and a Minangkabau headpiece

Aside from embroidery, outfits and ceramics, the nobles also had custom made kitchen utensils such as porcelain serving bowls, zinc food containers with floral motifs and woven containers to store tea sets

Embroidery, also known as Sulaman Timbul or Suji Timbul, is a well-known skill in Kota Lukut The embroidery pattern done on the food covering cloth is unique, with a pleasant colour scheme

no 38, 40, Jalan DS 2/1, Bandar Dataran Segar, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan

ch?

CITARASA KAMUNG PD

Our lecturer suggested to eat at Citarasa Kampung PD as it featured a variety of Malay styed dishes that tasted amazing, especially the ladyfingers with curry Me and my friends enjoyed the watermelon juice as well, because it was very refreshing and cooled us down from the hot afternoon

army museum army museum port dickson port dickson

sun's out for another exploration

After lunch, we set off to the Army Museum in Port Dickson Also known as Muzium Tentera Darat or Army Museum PD by locals, the museum is a popular destination for both residents and tourists because it is Malaysia's sole military museum The museum is built in two historic army barracks and features nine galleries as well as a variety of outdoor exhibitions

Once we got out from the bus, we saw all sorts of military vehicles parked nearby, along with a few monuments recording the names of soldiers who have served during war A longer walk into the galleries feature a look at the army through the years, beginning with the 16th century Melaka Sultanate through the Portuguese and Dutch eras, and ending with the British era, from which the contemporary Malaysian army can trace its roots

Muzium Tentera Darat, Kem, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan

We're going undercover!

One of the most intriguing experience for me is the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) Tunnel, which is a scale model of an underground network of tunnels used by communist terrorists during the Emergency I was quite excited to venture in the tunnel with my friends, as I have never been in a post war underground facility before

The bandits slept, ate, plotted their attacks, healed wounds and illnesses, and practised target shooting inside these tunnels The tunnel is dim in spots but adequately ventilated Another section concentrates on the Japanese invasion and occupation and showcases intriguing artefacts from that time period

"If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree."

– Michael Crichton

life sized artillery and automobiles

Large scaled helicopter, trains and tanks filled the outdoor grounds as part of the military displays. In addition,there is a steam locomotive named Alor Gajah on the museum grounds , armoured vehicles, and field guns and artillery pieces. Other facilities like cafe, surau and a small green trail at the back of the gallery are present as well.

on a budget but it still works

CHECKING IN TO PD MARINA HOTEL

We reached PD Marina Hotel and checked in around 5 30pm After getting our keys, the 4 of us - me , Chloe, Shuk Chie and Hazel went to our unit to place our luggage Apparently, we were the only guests staying at the 4th floor that night, so it seemed slightly unnerving given that the building and unit itself looked pretty old The shower broke down in one of the bathrooms as well, hence we all had to share one bathroom for the night. Overall, the facilities were not too satisfactory , as the water boiler did not work, the water from the sink looked slightly yellow and there was no hair dryer. I would give a 5/10 rating

experience.

QUICK STOP TO PANTAI TELUK KEMANG

Nonetheless, we left for Pantai Teluk Kemang after setting down and changing into clean clothes. The sun was already starting to set by then, and the beach was facing directly at it. The area was full of children and families spending thier time at the beach.

for the staying

7th miles, Jalan Pantai, Teluk Kemang, Negeri Sembilan, 71050 Port Dickson

23, Jalan 3/10, Taman Intan Perdana, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan

"The water was glassy and calm, still candy-colored in the afterglow of sunset."

king

Kafe Kampung Kaw

The next morning, we dropped by Kafe Kampung Kaw for a wholesome breakfast Prior to this visit, I did look up this establishment only to find out many customers highly recommend Puri with Kari Kambing, and nasi lemak kambing bakar. We arrived around 8 30 am, where the crowds were still looking moderately fine considering this day was a weekday We didn't have to wait long for the waiters to serve us as well.

PT3038, Jalan Haji Sirat, Kampung Baru, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan

I ordered a toasted cheese and chicken sandwich, while my four other friends each ordered one serving of nasi lemak telur goyang, garlic bread, kaya butter toast, and roti bakar telur goyang respectively The bread was toasted nicely and everything was well combined while our hot teh tariks complimented our meals. We finished our food in record time because it was too good, and we were really looking forward to this hearty breakfast at this popular spot 10/10 for the food, ambience and service combined!

BREAKFAST IS

Delicious

With the prices ranging from RM3 to RM 20 at most, along with its generous portions, alfresco fining and clean location, it is no wonder that many people come by to give this restaurant a try

The overall atmosphere was also quite vibrant, with yellow shipping containers as its main design feature, mixed in with neon signage, tile and pebble flooring Not to mention, the addition of greeneries within the vicinity makes the area much more welcoming and comfortable. The roofing is also covered with a netting to prevent any dust or insects, which acts as a layer of shade to block out the sun as well

kkompleks ompleks muzium negeri muzium negeri

Founded in 1953 by the 8th Yam TuanTuanku Abdul Rahman - the museum has been relocated once to Jalan Sungai Ujong and currently consists of three visitable featuresTeratak Pepatih, Istana Ampang Tinggi, and Rumah Contoh Negeri Sembilan . We reached the museum at around 10am whereby we had to listen to a briefing by one of the museum staff prior to our actual visitation As much as the briefing was very informative, I wished we could have integrated it with the guided tour so that we were able to have enough time to view everything the museum offered.

Jalan Sungai Ujong, Lebuhraya Seremban, Bukit Nenas, 70200 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan

whats inside? whats inside?

within teratak perpatih

The administrative hierarchy in Negeri Sembilan is particularly distinct, and this museum covers a wide range of topics related to it The ground floor consists of autobiographies of personalities known well within the country, such as heroic warriors, polticians and such Not only that, this floor also covers the history of how Minangkabau culture arrived through its people

From ceramics to Tepak Sirih and replicas of traditional houses fused with Minangkabau architecture characteristics, the museum also shows a village house model that is under Adat Perpatih too

Just like Lukut Museum, Teratak Perpatih is also a 2 storey museum full of artefacts and antiques displayed around the building.

Continuing to the first floor, where most of the technologies, antiques and everyday items used by the people within this state are shown.

The range of traditional Malay weapons can be seen displayed on the same floor as well, which consists of Keris Jawa, Keris Bugis and Replika Padang

The embroidery art here is vastly different, although the usage of floral motifs are present, but the colour combinations are more vivid, and the materials used consist of rattan/bamboo as well These mats are woven to be placed on seating areas in houses, with the food covers having complimentary colours to match with it

On the other side of the same floor, items used in the agricultural sector under Adat Benar - a unique custom authentic to the Orang Asli tribes are displayed, such as Bubu Perangakapan, Bakul Ikan, Penyumpit and the like Regarding Adat Benar, its distinctiveness comes from incuding many aspects of life, including kinship, leadership, inheritance, art and culture, norms, propriety, and perspectives on nature Adat Benar may be found in art and culture, laws and conventions, and the interaction between Orang Asli and other communities who practice Adat Perpatih

the more the more you know... you know...

The Beauty of Traditional Culture

what's for lunch?

Around 12pm, we were ushered to Istana Ampang Tinggi to gather and have lunch in groups of 5. We climbed up the staircase into the doorway that was slightly too small , so I had to crouch while entering We were pretty worn out and hungry by then, the afternoon sun made us sweat profusely as well Luckily, the interiors of the house were long and well ventilated, and the atmosphere was very lively as everyone waited for lunch to be served

M A K A N A N M A K A N A N B E R A D A T B E R A D A T

While we were not required to demonstarte table manners related to makanan beradat, the meal itself is widely practiced in banquets, ceremonies and customs such as the appointment of a traditional pesaka holder in Adat Perpatih Within this tray consists of four signature dishes - curry chicken with potaties, fried chicken, assorted ulam with chili sauce and curry vegetables. A teapot was also provided for us to wash out hands with clean water, and air sirap for drinking Fatini, my malay friend showed us how to eat with our hands as well, hence it was a very interesting meal experience!

istana seri istana seri menanti menanti

a palace made of wood and pillars

We arrived at Istana Seri Menanti after our lunch around 2pm Upon arriving, I was greeted by Istana Seri Menanti, a four storey tall structure This became the official house of Negeri Sembilan's Yang di Pertuan Besar around the 1900s Because it is a historical landmark, the palace's "function" has shifted to that of a museum

Minangkabau, 3, N24, Kampung Tanjung Beringin, 71550 Seri Menanti, Negeri Sembilan

built without nails

This palace is noteworthy in that it does not utilise iron nails, instead using pegs made of wood, using a commony practiced construction method called tebuk pasak The original design was created by two Malay artisans named Kahar and Taib This structure was designed in the Minangkabau architectural style, with 121 pillars total, with the four major pillars being constructed from four single chengal tree trunks

whats inside? whats inside?

vertically challenging

From the second floor onwards, the flight of stairs has become narrower upwards to the rest of the floors above, The second floor is currently the royal family's private section, with three bedrooms including Yam Tuan's bedroom However the stairs also became very steep overtime, hence everyone has to be patient and wait for others to descend before continuing

The third story has only one room, which was designated as Yam Tuan's private chamber The uppermost fourth storey is known as the Tingkat Gunung, or Mountain Level, and was previously the ruler's study and treasury, with only he having access to it

the more the more you know... you know...

rumah tukang

Behind the palace was a timber house of a smaller size which was made to honour the palace's original builder - Kahar bin Siak Bakh, or known as Tukang Kahar

Tuanku Muhammad bestowed the title of Dato' Panglima Sultan on Tukang Kahar in recognition of his outstanding service. Tukang Kahar's house, known as Rumah Tiang 20, is a style of house created for persons with better standing in the community.

The home idea is made up of the Rumah Tangga, Serambi, and Rumah Ibu. Furthermore, Tukang Kahar has developed several house carving methods such as tembus tebuk, tebuk separuh, and tebuk timbul. It has motifs such as paku pucuk, lumut, and many more. HOwever, the structure is not very wel ventilated as I got extremely stuffy upon entering the space within

If you want to understand today you have to search yesterday.

- Pearl S. Buck

History is not the past but a map of the past, drawn from a particular point of view, to be useful to the modern traveller.

- Henry Glassi

KODAI MAKAN AIN

short stop for snacks

Our next stop before heading towards Ulu Bendul Waterfall was to stop by Kodai Makan Ain to see if there were any foods or snacks that can be taken away easily so that we can aenjoy ready made food around the nature landscapes

BLOK A,PERKAMPUNGAN BUDAYA, Terachi, 71500 Tanjung Ipoh, Negeri Sembilan

Tanjung Ipoh, Negeri Sembilan

chillax time!

We reached Ulu Bendul recreation park after around a 30 minute travel. There are also stalls selling food and drinks in front, hence there might not actually be a need to stop by Kodai Makan Ain prior to this.

There are also signages painted in vibrant colours to signify this is a recreation center providing all sorts of facilities. The waters were cool and clear, and so was the sky at this hour.

In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they're still beautiful.

-Alice Walker

accomodation, but is it accomodating enough?

CHECKING IN TO SEREMBAN INN

39, Jalan Tuanku Munawir, Bandar Seremban, 70000 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan

Once we checked into Seremban Inn after leaving Ulu Bendul, we did a quick checkup around the room to ensure that it is safe for me and my friend Chloe to sleep in. The lodging conditions this time was slightly worse, but still bearable for one night. Then, we spotted a chinese aunty selling soymilk products nearby the hotel entrance as we were heading out to search for dinner.

seremban town exploration start!

colourful city streets of benteng walk

We walked past Benteng walk to reach another part of the city that had a series of food stalls displayed throughout the street at night According to one of my friend, the stalls here all sell local food, but due to the Hungry Ghost Festival, many stalls remained unopened as the sun set Nevertheless, the walls of the streets were filled with murals, and the buildings were all painted in various colours of pink, blue , green and yellow

Jalan Dato Abdul Rahman Seremban, Bandar Seremban,

wah tung sdn bhd + hotel milo

Surprisingly, there was an old hotel named after the infamous drink MILO, but it looked like it was not operating anymore as the gates were shut and no one was guarding it We hurriedly went in Wah Tung Biscuit and Cakes to look for any tidbits to buy and try later at night The amount of biscuits, cakes and pastry available hit us with a wave of nostalgia as these were all the snacks we ate when we were younger, some of them being roti kok, buttercream cakes, biskut telinga and so on

20, Jalan Dato Abdul Rahman Seremban, Bandar Seremban, 70000 , Negeri Sembilan

seremban at sunset

As we head to Sungai Ujong Walk, the streets were relatively quiet compared to those in Kuala Lumpur There were probably more things to do and see if we came a few hours earlier, but it was getting dark so we ended up stopping in front of a large oriental gate at Jalan Dr Murugesu to decide our dinner spot Since there were barely any stalls nearby, we opted to venture further via Grab car to find a place that could fit at least 10 people (We tagged along with our classmates , and some students from the Quantitative Surveying course )

Jln Dr Murugesu Bandar Seremban 70000 Seremban Negeri Sembilan

We took a Grab ride to one of the food courts nearby, which was recommended by Elvin, my classmate when we reached there, we were greeted by a huge variety of food options such as claypot rice, Korean food, Thai food and even Vietnam Pho I ordered a bowl of dumpling noodle soup with barley and it only costed me less than RM 10 The noodles tasted alright but the dumpling was the best element as it was well stuffed with pork and vegetables