14 Seremban : Galeri Diraja Tuanku Ja'afar

This is one of my favourite places in Seremban; Galeri Diraja Tuanku Ja'afar, an interactive royal museum taking us into the history of Negeri Sembilan through the life of the tenth Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.

Galeri Diraja Tuanku Ja'afar, Negeri Sembilan

Hubs and I were warmly welcomed by upbeat staff ; the museum, although quiet with an air of regalness, is a cheerful place. We had a ton of fun trying out various puzzles on large computer screens which were placed along the gallery.

Galeri Diraja Tuanku Ja'afar - The Entrance

Exploring Negeri Sembilan via a pair of headphones and a tablet, plunged me into an exciting world of old Malaysia. It almost felt like I was a part of it; like I was there. It was nice to walk through the gallery listening to the pleasant voice of Sarimah Ibrahim narrating the history on each piece of display item.

Headphones and a Tablet - An Audio Guide

Galeri Diraja Tuanku Ja'afar

The gallery is spread across 3-floors. We took the stairs although a lift is provided.

Galeri Diraja Tuanku Ja'afar

At the end of our adventure, a friendly staff stepped forward to help snap a photo of hubs and me at the entrance. Being horrible at wefies, we were happy and grateful for the assistance.

As we headed to the carpark, we noticed this building with the famed pointed roofs of Negeri Sembilan. It is an olden day architectural design that, to me, is still attractive. The building is currently unused according to the security guard. I wonder if it will be a place for traditional dance performances in future.

Galeri Diraja Tuanku Ja'afar - The Pointed Roofs of Negeri Sembilan

Tickets were priced at RM15 per adult when we were there. A little steep, I know but worth the once-in-a-lifetime visit.

Galeri DiRaja Tuanku Ja'afar
Address : Jalan Taman Bunga, 70100 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Telephone : 06-761 9012
Visiting Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 5pm
Closed on Mondays.
Website: www.gdtjns.com

22 Seremban : The Eats And Experiences

Pasar Besar Seremban, a wet market famous for its food stalls on the first floor. It's authentic local eats in an environment that goes a generation back. One can balk at the unhygienic state or embrace the experience with fingers crossed 'here goes'. For me, it's an adventure of a different kind, one that will disappear once modernity catches up with air-conditioned supermarkets and aisles of food stuff that carry no soul.

Pasar Besar Seremban (Seremban Wet Market)

Old School Marketing at Pasar Besar Seremban

As I took in the sights, smell and sounds of the market, I was enamoured to see many senior citizens enjoying a cuppa over breakfast with their buddies. I soon forgot the earlier incident of queuing behind several people wearing black Phua Chu Kang boots at a run-down toilet with no working flush.

The Food Stalls at Pasar Besar Seremban

Stall no. 748 is famous for its Dry Beef Noodles which is served with preserved vegetables, peanuts and sesame seeds. The beef gravy is starchy smooth and pleasant on the taste buds. The different textures and flavours thrown together made it stand out from the beef noodles we usually have in Kuala Lumpur. Hubs and I enjoyed this thoroughly. It was a fantastic combination.

Stall 748, Pasar Besar Seremban - Beef Noodles

We also ordered a bowl of beef soup to try. Delightful, slurp after slurp.

Stall 748, Pasar Besar Seremban - Beef Soup

Stall no. 753 serves up a simple but delicious soupy plate of Mee Hoon Sotong (Rice noodles with squid (sotong kembang)). This is more of a dish that reminds us of home and the simplicity of mom's cooking that never fails to comfort.

Stall 753, Pasar Besar Seremban - Mee Hoon Sotong

Stall 748 & 753, Pasar Besar Seremban

Just a little away from the food stalls were these, which I believe, are old electrical meters or switches. It was interesting to see.

Pasar Besar Seremban

Pasar Besar Seremban
Address: Jalan Pasar, Bandar Seremban, 70000 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

We had dinner at Medan Selera Sejahtera later on, a food court in town. Hubs ordered clay pot chicken rice. I went with a steamed chicken with preserved vegetables rice dish. It was an ok meal that has become a fond memory because the rice was splashed with soy sauce which resembled a heart. A coincidence that made us feel warm and fuzzy inside. 

Steamed Chicken Rice with Preserved Vegetables

Next, we walked towards the other stalls looking for something light to eat which we could bring back to the hotel. We had planned a session of late night munching and chatting. We noticed a frail looking elderly man selling fried popiahs (spring rolls) and other snacks. It tugged at our hearts and so the decision was made! We ordered some fried snacks and even tried leaving a big tip.

He stopped us, gently and with warms words.
"I can't accept this. We all make a living. This is your change. I am still able."

I was awed and it made me teary-eyed thinking about the people out there who are eking out a life for themselves without being dependent, no matter how hard. They could have chosen to put their palm out for a handout, they could have taken the extra change. No, here was a man of integrity, a man who made do without complaints or self-pity. A humble man.

Turned out, his was the most delicious fried popiah I have ever had. Why? It was filled with Lap Cheong (Chinese sausage) - my favourite food!

Medan Selera Sejahtera ~ Claypot Chicken Rice and Lap Cheong Popiah

Medan Selera Sejahtera
Address: Jalan Hj Abd Hamid, Taman Unian, 70200 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.


Other delicious foods I tried in Seremban : The reasonably priced finger-licking banana leaf rice with eight side dishes at Curry Leaf Restaurant  and the yummy giant curry bun at Lucky King Bun. I blogged about these places here.

16 Seremban : A Warm Stay At Sun Lun Yik Hotel

Travel with your heart; it makes a world of difference and a difference to your world.

As I climbed a flight of stairs to the check-in counter of Sun Yun Lik Hotel, I was awed by the quaint and cozy feel of the interior. Red brick and grey cement walls, it perfected the olden day feel. The hotel has been around since the 1950s. It was recently refurbished into a boutique heritage style hotel.

Sun Lun Yik Hotel, Seremban

A short, elderly Chinese man, dressed in worn clothes, attended to me. I was instantly drawn to his warmth as he showed me old documents and pictures tied to the hotel. His eyes lit in pride as he took me around. There were several antique items too. We conversed in Malay since I spoke no Mandarin.

Sun Lun Yik Hotel - The Lobby

Sun Lun Yik Hotel - The Corridor, The Rooms

I knew I was too early for check-in but took my chance anyway. At 11.30AM, the room wasn't ready so I went back out to where Hubs was - across the small road, at the carwash. The car had been splashed with an oily substance the evening before during a heavy downpour. Aah..but that's a story not for here.

After a bit of sightseeing, Hubs and I headed back to the hotel. This time, a lady wearing the hotel uniform greeted us. We were given a key to Room Lapan (eight in Malay). This air-conditioned room comes with a double bed and an attached a bathroom. The windows face the carpark below.

There were towels, toilet paper, shower gel, cloth hangers, two bottles of mineral water and a small TV. More than enough for a comfortable night.

Sun Lun Yik Hotel - Room Lapan (8)

Sun Lun Yik Hotel - Room Lapan's Queen Bed

The best thing about the hotel is its location - smack across the road from Pasar Besar Seremban, a wet market with food stalls on the first floor. I cannot imagine anything better than that. It's authentic local food. There are many other eateries nearby too. In short, you can never go hungry.

Several sightseeing spots are within walking distance but with the afternoon heat, we decided that driving was more convenient. We visited Galeri Diraja Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban Lake Garden and two abandoned historical buildings, one which was previously a library and another, a handicraft centre. We also visited Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple.

The hotel itself houses a mini art gallery along the corridor. For RM10 a night, you can also rent a video game to play. Me? I brought a book along. The best thing to do when all is still outside - read and fall into a world of imagination.

Parking is limited and requires reservation.

Sun Lun Yik Hotel
Address: 19, Jalan Tun Dr. Ismail, 70200 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.
Telephone: 06-763 5735
Website: www.sunlunyik.com

Sun Lun Yik Hotel - The Reception Area at the top of the staircase, an old typewriter and other old items.

Will I be back? Of course. Have you seen the room rates? It is very reasonable!

22 It's A Seremban Food Trip!

How I love weekends. It's either a trip out of town, the movies, visiting new neighbourhoods or a day with my closest friend. I could go on -- goo-gooing over fresh produce at the local grocer, wandering through bustling pasar malams (night markets), taking in the flowers at Lot 61 ...

This one weekend, Hubs and I decided on a food trip to Seremban. We started with brunch at a banana leaf restaurant and ended the day with a Lucky King Bun takeaway.

Curry Leaf Restaurant
Eating with your hands? It's the stuff of heaven. Leave the spoon and fork aside. I'm exaggerating but truth be told, there's nothing quite like a meal of rice and curry on banana leaf enjoyed without the taste of stainless steel and the awkward twists and turns of a fork to cut out a piece of meat from fried fish. Use your fingers - it's the most authentic and easiest way to eat. When in Rome, do as the Romans do ...or we could go with -- 'It's a free world.' Whatever makes you happy. 

Banana Leaf Rice

We paid just a little over RM30 for two banana leaf rice sets, mutton, fried fish, and drinks. The set comes with a basket of papadum and would you believe 8 side dishes? That's not counting the gravy. I was bowled over by the variety and the generous portion!

Banana Leaf Rice with 8 Side Dishes

After we finished our meal, they served us a bowl of payasam. It was a delicious dessert that I would have asked for seconds had I not been full.

Payasam

We reached the place at 11.30am. It was good timing and we avoided the crowd. The restaurant was full from 12PM-ish.

Curry Leaf Restaurant - The Ambiance

Curry Leaf Restaurant, Seremban

Restoran Curry Leaf
Address: 1273-1275 Jalan Rasah, Seremban, 70300 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

Lucky King Bun
Again? Yes, again! We had a goal to try all three varieties of the bun. It took several separate trips to achieve this but I'm happy to report that it's now 'mission accomplished'. Chicken Curry, Pork Curry, Dongpo Pork - been there, ate that!

My first experience: Food Discovery : Lucky King Bun, Port Dickson
The second: A Love Affair With Giant Curry Buns

And now this:

Giant Buns Fresh Out Of The Oven!

Yin Yong Pork Curry / Dongpo Pork Bun

The RM40 price tag on this bun is no surprise considering that there are two meat dishes wrapped inside.

Curry (left), Dongpo Pork (right)

Address: 28 & 29, Jalan MPK6, Medan Perdagangan Kepayang, Lebuhraya Seremban - Bukit Nenas, 70200 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
Phone:+60 11-3129 9393
Hours: 11:30AM–10PM

What's next on my bucket list? A trip to Kampar, my dad's hometown, to try out more huge Curry Buns. Who's with me?

27 A Love Affair With Giant Curry Buns

It's pillowy and everything nice. I am 'Bread-Hugger' , in case anyone asks what my superhero name is. That's right, I have an immense craving for hugging large breads. I only stop myself because nobody will eat it if I did. 

"Sharon, why is my bread so ... out-of-shape? "  Don't ask.

My infatuation with giant buns began in 2013. It was love at first sight, then at first bite at Restoran Tin Hoe Hweeh (KL).  I blogged about it here. Whilst I have a desire to hug large buns in general, my eating preference lean towards those with a curry filling or anything savory.

Fast forward several buns later, Hubs and I drove all the way to Port Dickson to try the famous Lucky King Bun. I wrote about the experience on my cooking blog . When I heard that they had opened a branch in Seremban, I was ecstatic because it was closer to home.

A road trip was planned and here we were! Hubs, MIL and I made ourselves comfortable in the spanking new air-conditioned restaurant last week. We had wanted to order the one with Dongpo pork, but was informed that this special bun would only be ready at 2PM that day. That's two hours waiting time! It was disappointing to hear because MIL doesn't take spicy food. One giant chicken curry bun and a plate of non-spicy fried rice was ordered in the end.

Lucky King Bun

The curry bun arrived on our table freshly cut open. How pretty it looked, like a big blooming flower. We gave MIL a taste. It was so delicious that she asked for a second serving. So much for not taking spicy food!

Giant Chicken Curry Bun

Rich yummy curry!

The restaurant has a cosy interior.

Lucky King Bun Restaurant Interior

Although this new restaurant is cool and comfortable, I couldn't help but miss the homeyness I felt when I bought this in Lukut. It was a typical old style restaurant with plastic chairs and an open concept. You get the full blast of Malaysian weather. 

Here's a bit of how it all started for Lucky King Bun.

The History

The bun is just a little larger than the size of my head.

Pretty Fluffy Buns in a Row

That's about it on my latest makan (eat) hunt. I had initially wanted to title this post 'Giant Buns' but didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea!

16 Seremban : Cultural Arts Centre

We road-tripped from KL to Seremban last Sunday, in what I can now label as my 'old junk'. Yup, my small car is more than a decade old, sun-faded and has been through and been to quite a lot. Have wheels, can travel-bah !

Some people say - Seremban? Nothing to see one!  I beg to differ. There is always something to see for those who can find the beauty in every experience. So, here I am at the Seremban Cultural Arts Centre (also state museum) looking and behaving very much like a tourist. Laughably clicking away at the phone camera at every this-one-is-good-for-memories opportunity!

There were several travel reviews that gave this place a 'negative'. Oddly, I enjoyed the visit tremendously. Sure, there was a thin layer of dust here and there. Neither did it contain a large collection of historical artifacts, but it did carry the heart and soul of Negeri Sembilan, which is the the unique style of Minangkabau architecture of pointy roofs that is identifiable by most Malaysians.

Seremban Cultural Arts Centre

Seremban Cultural Arts Centre

This building, pictured below, is called 'Teratak Perpatih'. The roof resembles the buffalo horn. It is a museum of sorts with local crafts and artifacts being exhibited. There is a hall dedicated to the postal service.

Teratak Perpatih

My mother worked in the Post Office all her life. It was an era where people were proud of their jobs, got along easily with others and were just happy with anything they got out of life. I was most excited about the stamp exhibition because I used to collect it. It was a time I diligently wrote letters to penpals on perfumed paper and mailed them off with stamps I had carefully selected.

Inside Teratak Perpatih

Next to the main building is Istana Ampang Tinggi , a royal residence relocated to its current location in 1980. It is said that this royal residence was built without using nails. The building beside it is a sample of a traditional Negeri Sembilan home.

Istana Ampang Tinggi (left), Rumah Tradisional Negeri Sembilan (right)

I climbed up the wooden staircase of the Istana (Palace) to have a look inside. The worn wooden planks creaked under my weight. It was a long hall with many curtained windows and a private resting area at the back.

Istana Ampang Tinggi

Istana Ampang Tinggi

There are various interesting pieces of historical items being displayed around the neat compound of the Cultural Arts Centre. A replica of the megalithic stones of Pengkalan Kempas stands in the middle, an old locomotive can be found near the office and in the far corner, traditional wooden boats are housed in an open  roofed-structure.

Replica of the Megalithic Stones of Pengkalan Kempas

Old Locomotive

Olden day Wooden Boats

What to expect: A small town kind of museum. Does not contain an extensive collection of historical pieces, nor an in depth description.

Still a good place to go, especially to see the royal residence up close - it's the real deal!

Location : Jalan Sungai Ujong, Lebuhraya Seremban - Bukit Nenas (Near Plaza Tol Seremban A)
Telephone:+60 6-763 1149

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