Muzium Diraja Istana Lama Seri Menanti

Signboard at Muzium Diraja Istana Lama Seri Menanti (9 July, 2016)


Muzium Diraja Istana Lama Seri Menanti (GPS: 2.69752, 102.15792) is a museum preserving the old Sri Menanti Palace, regarded as a masterpiece of Minangkabau architecture. It is located in Seri Menanti, the royal capital of Negeri Sembilan, about 30km from the administrative capital, Seremban. This is the seat of the Minangkabau rulers, who migrated to Negri Sembilan during the early years of the Sultanate of Malacca. The original palace was destroyed in a rail during the Sungai Ujong tin wars. The present structure dates to 1905 by two Malay master craftsmen, and was built without the use of nails. The palace was completed in 1908.

Sri Menanti Palace was used as the royal residence until 1932. The central tower which was used as a treasury and royal archives, can only be reached by latter from the Sultan's private rooms, and is not open to the public. At the apex of the structure is a projection type known as "open scissors" -- this design style is now rarely seen in Malaysia, and one of the few rare examples is the Muzium Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

The Sri Menanti Palace is raised 2 meters off the ground, standing on 99 pillars. 26 of these pillars are carved with bas-relief of foliated designs. Above the front porch is the carving of a pair of mystical creature with lions' heads, horses' legs and long feathery tails - the style suggests that they could have been carved by Chinese craftsmen.

Sri Menanti Palace today houses the Muzium Di Raja, the royal museum, a sadly lacklustre showcase of local royal paraphernalia. Among these are the usual old costumes, medals, keris, golfing memorabilia and photos of the past Negri rulers and British administrators.

Signboard at Muzium Diraja Istana Lama Seri Menanti (9 July, 2016)


Looking across the compound of the Old Seri Menanti Palace. (9 July, 2016)


Sri Menanti Palace (9 July, 2016)

Visiting the Sri Menanti Palace

From Seremban, you can take a bus to Kuala Pilah. The journey takes 45 minutes. From there, you take a taxi to Sri Menanti. The Istana Lama is a short distance from the Istana Besar, the current residence of the Negri Sembilan ruler.

Istana Lama Sri Menanti (4 May, 2003)


Istana Lama Sri Menanti (4 May, 2003)


Istana Lama Sri Menanti (4 May, 2003)


Istana Lama Sri Menanti (4 May, 2003)


Details of the floral carvings at Istana Lama Sri Menanti (4 May, 2003)


A young percussionist performing for us during our visit to Istana Lama Sri Menanti (4 May, 2003)


Here I am with the young percussionist at Istana Lama Sri Menanti (4 May, 2003)

Istana Lama Sri Menanti is on the map of Places of Interest in Negeri Sembilan

Negeri Sembilan Travel Tips; List of Palaces in Negeri Sembilan and Palaces in Malaysia

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