16 Attractions to Visit in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan

Port Dickson has been and probably always will be one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia. However, just 40 minutes away from the popular beach getaway spot is Seremban, the quaint state capital of Negeri Sembilan. Seremban often isn’t considered much of a tourist destination, even for locals. However, unbeknownst to most, there’s actually plenty to see, experience, and eat there!

Seremban is most popular for its food, especially fresh seafood caught off the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Apart from being an underrated foodie paradise, there are also plenty of hip shopping malls and heritage sites in Seremban. If you want to admire unique Minangkabau architecture with your own eyes, Seremban is the place to be. So, to satisfy all your piqued curiosities, here’s a list of the top Seremban attractions you simply must visit!

Also read: 12 Best Day Trips From Kuala Lumpur & How to Get There

Seremban attractions that Malaysians often miss out on

1. Gunung Angsi

Gunung Angsi is the highest mountain peak in all of Negeri Sembilan. Nestled within Hulu Bendol Forest and standing over 800 metres tall, Gunung Angsi is easily the most popular hiking spot among locals in Negeri Sembilan and even the neighbouring states of Selangor and Melaka. Being only a 20-minute drive away from the city centre of Seremban, it is also easily accessible and the perfect way to start your Seremban adventure!

While it pales in comparison to Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, hiking up Gunung Angsi can still be quite a challenge, especially for those not familiar with forest trails. We recommend securing the services of a guide to lead the way. As you inch towards the peak, you’ll also pass by other mountains such as Gunung Tampin and Gunung Berembun. 

If you’d like an even more immersive experience, you can camp overnight or go jungle trekking during the day. However, the main highlight remains the alluring scenery that awaits you at the very top.

Also read: Hiking in Malaysia: 14 Trails With the Most Picturesque Views

2. Lorong Seni Seremban

Speaking of Seremban attractions worth a visit, Lorong Seni Seremban undoubtedly deserves a spot on the list. This 250-metre-long street is painted with over 40 vibrant murals, adding splashes of colours to the city. What’s more, these artworks also showcase the beautiful and rich culture of the state, Negeri Sembilan, and Malaysia. 

For instance, you’ll encounter murals of the iconic ice cream man, the Malayan tapir, as well as a painting of the four main ethnic groups in the state: Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Minangkabau. It certainly makes a fantastic picture-taking spot for your IG feed, too!

3. Empayar Seremban Siew Pao

If you ask any Malaysian about what reminds them of Seremban, the siew pows (flaky baked buns with barbequed pork fillings) are likely the most popular response. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir to bring home for Seremban or craving some fragrant locally-made pastries, head to Empayar Seremban Siew Pow! A long-standing establishment in the city, it not only serves fresh siew pows with a flaky crust and delectable fillings but also boasts a tempting array of other baked goods. We recommend trying their crispy chicken biscuit, chicken floss lotus, sweetheart cake, and curry chicken bun!

4. Palm Mall

While Seremban isn’t as big a city as Kuala Lumpur, it certainly has its fair share of glitzy shopping malls. Palm Mall is the largest lifestyle and shopping mall in the city and is the go-to spot for retail therapy. With over 180 retail outlets and eateries, it’s not only a famous place in Seremban among locals, but also the perfect location for shopaholics and foodies. What’s more, the artistic pedestrian boulevard outside the mall also doubles as an ambient photo spot.

5. The Sandalwood

Sticking to the topic of shopping, one unique shop that we highly recommend is The Sandalwood. As the name suggests, this unique local craft store, founded in the 1950s, deals in novelty sandalwood products and souvenirs, including decorative beads, statues, wood pieces, and even fragrant essential oils. It’s a must-visit for all those who enjoy collecting beautiful artisan crafts and definitely something you’ll find hard to come across anywhere else in Malaysia.

6. Seremban Cultural Complex (Lembaga Muzium Negeri Sembilan)

If you’re looking to experience the culture of Negeri Sembilan, there’s no better point of interest than the Seremban Cultural Complex. The complex is made up of three separate buildings: the Negeri Sembilan House, the State Museum (Lembaga Muzium Negeri Sembilan), and Ampang Tinggi Palace. Not only will you be able to delve into the rich heritage and culture of the state, but you’ll also be able to admire the unique designs of Mingangkabau architecture.

Pay particular attention to the oddly shaped roof. The story behind the design is a unique one that you should definitely discover during your trip there. This is the point of interest that every tourist needs to go and visit. Inside, you’ll be able to find vintage photographs, artworks, silverware, traditional costumes and even artefacts dating back centuries!

7. Centipede Temple

If you’ve still got feeling in your legs after your hike up Gunung Angsi, then why not visit the famous Centipede Temple? Officially known as Sze Koon Temple, this Buddhist complex is located way up the hill and reaching it requires a fair amount of walking 260 steps of stairs, to be exact. But don’t worry, it’s not a boring climb by any means. As you make your way up, you’ll come across plenty of vibrant statues along the way. 

The locals gave it the nickname Centipede Temple because of the various types of centipedes found outside the temple. In fact, the entrance of the complex is marked with the statue of a giant centipede. (Fret not, this one doesn’t bite!)

From the top of the hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Seremban. So, if you’re into photography, this would be a good spot for some snaps during the day.

8. Jelita Ostrich Farm

For a unique, enjoyable experience for both young and old, visit the well-known Jelita Ostrich Farm in Seremban! Here, you can get up close and personal with these massive birds and even catch a glimpse of their huge eggs. However, do be careful because the last thing you want is to be attacked by a bird that’s almost the same height as an average person! 

The admission cost is RM8 (~S$2.29), and along with the entrance ticket, you’ll receive a free pack of dry corn for feeding the ostriches. Apart from ostriches, you can also interact with other farm animals such as goats, turkeys, and geese.

9. Galeri Diraja Tuanku Ja’afar

Klang is not the only town that has a royal gallery. There is one in Seremban too! The Galeri Diraja Tuanku Ja’afar is where you should go to learn more about the state’s royal history. You may choose to either go on a guided tour or visit the museum on your own. For the best value for your visit, we recommend going with the guided tour, so make sure to book in advance!  

Inside the gallery, you can take a closer look at the various royal artefacts on display. Immerse yourself in the history of Negeri Sembilan and Tuanku Ja’afar, the former Yang di-Pertuan Besar of the state.

10. Seremban Lake Garden

Another favourite spot among Seremban locals is Seremban Lake Garden. If you are looking for some fresh air and a spot to enjoy the cool breeze, this is the place to be. It is one of the oldest natural lake gardens in the country that remains one of the most alluring places in Malaysia for a relaxing evening. 

As the young and young at heart frolic in the playground, you can take a relaxing stroll around the lake or simply unwind to a picnic as you laze the day away. This place is also home to a lake recreation centre, offering families the opportunity to enjoy swan or chicken paddle boat rides for a fee.

11. Pasar Besar Seremban

Another destination to visit is Pasar Besar Seremban, a two-storey market situated in the heart of the city. More than a Seremban attraction, this place is actually an everyday go-to for locals to purchase fresh food and have breakfast. The lower floor houses a wet market, where many local stalls offer an array of fresh vegetables and fruits, fresh seafood, and chicken meat. 

The upper floor, on the other hand, is home to a plethora of small hawker stalls that sell a wide variety of authentic Seremban and Malaysian dishes. Some of our recommendations include the savoury Hakka mee, well-known beef noodles, and the unique squid noodles. 

12. Seremban Gateway

Regardless of where you are in Malaysia, you will generally seldom find a shopping mall that offers free parking. Surprisingly, Seremban Gateway is indeed such a mall! Though, it may be hard to find parking spots here during busy hours. Enjoy mouthwatering vegetarian food, yummy nasi kandar, and delectable sweet treats, or shop for sports apparel and electronics. Either way, Seremban Gateway has got you covered. 

While it isn’t the biggest shopping mall in the state, it certainly is a famous place in Seremban and has its own appeal. In fact, some locals say that shopping here feels like shopping in a spacious airport!

13. Pantai-Temiang Highway

Pantai-Temiang Highway is one of the newer Seremban attractions. This serene highway, encircled by lush greenery, is often hailed as “the prettiest highway in Malaysia.” Many netizens also say that coming here will make you feel as if you’re visiting New Zealand. Pantai-Temiang Highway was built to shorten the amount of time for drivers travelling from Seremban to Kuala Klawang and Simpang Pertang and spans around 7.44km. 

While there is no problem stopping to take pictures of or with the highway, local authorities warn against disrupting the traffic or parking in the emergency lane.

More Seremban attractions: Famous eateries highly recommended by locals

14. Quinn Seremban Beef Noodles

If you have friends from Seremban and you ask them what are the must-try local delicacies, their top recommendation would undoubtedly be beef noodles. But not just any beef noodles – they’ll probably recommend the ones from Quinn Seremban Beef Noodles. 

This famous dish from Seremban is not like the common beef noodles you can find in Malaysia. It features lai fun, a type of thick and silky noodles with delicious braised beef. Among the favoured options are the dry beef noodles, accompanied by a gooey, thick gravy and peanuts, alongside delectable beef balls. I personally found the dry beef noodles to have a subtle hint of sweet taste, making it quite a unique dish!

15. Macao Emper Tart

When planning my half-day trip to Seremban earlier this year, my local friend highly recommended trying the egg tarts at Macao Emper Tart. Every day, this bakery offers a diverse array of delectable pastries, including Portuguese tarts, fruit tarts, egg tarts with various flavours, Swiss rolls, cakes, and other Cantonese baked goods. If you crave some yummy egg tarts with a flaky crust and flavourful custard, this place is where to go!

Note: Although it’s a small shop with no available seating, you can still pack these delightful pastries and enjoy them in the comfort of your own car or home.

16. Restoran Seremban Seafood Village

Operated for around 40 years, this time-honoured seafood restaurant is very well-known among Malaysians for its scrumptious crabs. The Chinese name for the crabs in Restoran Seremban Seafood Village is “burn crabs,” but instead of burning the crabs, they are actually baked to bring out a slightly burnt taste. Coated with its signature caramelised soy sauce or the famous salted egg yolk sauce, savouring the crabs will make you feel like you’re in heaven on earth!

What’s better? The price of the seafood here is a little lower than that in KL. 

Also read: Top Things To Eat In Seremban Including Caramelised Crabs!

You never know what you could stumble upon when you explore destinations off the beaten track. This quaint city truly proves that there are exciting Seremban attractions and hidden gems worth the detour. The next time you take a trip to Malaysia, don’t hesitate to put Seremban on your list of bucket list destinations. You will certainly not regret it!