Go Tour Negeri Sembilan - Special Edition 2

The first ruler of Negeri Sembilan.

Istana Lama Seri Menanti, a 4 tiered Istana which is entirely made of wood.

In the  17th Century the system of administration and ruling the state of Negeri Sembilan began to change. The rulers of the four districts that was under the protection of Johore Sultanate are facing a lot of troubles after the assassination of Sultan Mahmud in 1699. Thus these entails to weakening of power of the Johor Sultanate. The Minangkabaus and the four district rulers - the Undangs  was left without strong and effective overlord. Finally they asked the Sultan of Johore for permission to appoint their own ruler. They seek the help from the Yang Pertuan, their original ruler from the Minangkabau in Sumatra resided in Pagar Ruyung. Finally the ruler in Pagar Ruyung, send his son Raja Melawar to Negeri Sembilan as the new king of the four districts. 

In 1773 Raja Melawar was made the first Yang Di Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan by the chiefs of the four districts , Sungei Ujong, Rembau, Jelebu and Johol. However Raja Melawar was in Negeri Sembilan on much early date.

The Royal Family dining hall

The Royal Capital selected for the state was Seri  Menanti, about 30 kilometers south east of Seremban Town. Raja Melawar was accorded the similar privileges of a Malay rulers. Raja Melewar built is palace of traditional Minangkabau architecture in the Royal Town of Seri Menanti. 

However, the royal palace was destroyed by the British in 1873. Another palace was build toward the end 0f 19th century and used until 1931. This palace or Istana can still be seen until today. A unique Minangkabau architecture - a palace build entirely of wood and not a single nail was used.  The Palace nestle in the serene and peaceful valley of Seri Menanti surrounded by lush green meadows and forested hills. 

Now is known as Istana Lama of which being the most unique and charming royal residences. The palace was design by two Malay carpenters, Tukang Kahar and Tukang Taib. The palace may have been built with a bit of the design inspired from the Sultanate of Melaka. 

The beautiful meadow and garden in front of Royal Museum.

The Istana Lama which was entirely made wood and intricately carved with traditional flowery motifs. The palace have four storeys, built on ninety-nine  pillars all made from the hardwood known as "penak"  and chengal. The ninety-nine pillars represent famous warriors of the various clans or suku.In the center of the building is a tower known also as "tingkat gunung". 

The roof of Istana Lama is topped with a distinctive open scissor motif which was later adopted for the roof of Museum Negara Kuala lumpur. The Istana Lama basic function of all the four level, its room may be summarized as follows:

1. The Yang DiPertuan received his subjects and guest on the 1st Floor.
2. The Royal family occupied the 2nd Floor.
3. The Royal Domain occupy the whole of 3rd Floor
4.  The Royal Treasure were housed in the 4th Floor.(Tingkat Gunung), which also served as a look out post.

The Istana Lama is now a Royal Museum  and opened to the public in 1992. Visitors and tourist alike will have the opportunity to appreciate the royal residence with plenty of artifacts, royal regalia, the throne and many more exhibits depicting the custom and tradition of the Raja of Negeri Sembilan.