Seri Menanti Palace / Royal Museum

Negeri Sembilan's rich traditions go back a long way. One of these has been manifested in the construction of the Sri Menanti Palace in Sri Menanti. Built at the turn of this century to replace an older palace which was burnt down, this uniquely constructed palace has now become a tourist attraction after it was turned into a Royal Museum in 1992.

The Sri Menanti Palace was the official residence of the royal family until 1931 when it was found to be inadequate for the growing functions of the state. Designed by two local craftsmen and carpenters, "Tukang Kahar" and "Tukang Taib", the wooden palace or "Istana Lama" (old palace), which was completed in about six years in 1908, was built without the aid of any nails or screws. The palace, which features 99 magnificent pillars to denote 99 warriors of various "luak" or clans, is often the subject of study and research among students of architecture.