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

19 If It Is Free, Would You Not Take It?

"Hey ..." I called out to the man who had walked away from the shelves with two Dove shampoos. He seemed not to hear.

"Excuse meEe..," I said louder, now reaching out with my hand. He turned around. Hubs and I excitedly showed him our plastic-wrapped pillow and informed him that he qualified to get one free too. I pointed to where he could collect it.

He smiled, nodded 'yes-yes' and walked towards his shopping cart. I looked on in bewilderment as he continued his shopping elsewhere.

Dove Jigsaw Piece Pillow

"Why wouldn't anyone want a free pillow. Perhaps he thought me out to scam him!"  I ponder in amusement.

It was comical, really. Here I was, thrilled to get a free cute pillow for purchasing over RM30 worth of Dove products. I wasn't even buying it just to get the freebie. I use Dove shampoo and was already aiming for two large bottles when I noticed a promotional sign on top of a large metal wire mesh container with the pillows and details how to redeem it. As easy as picking one out for yourself and putting it in the cart. Nothing more. 

Here this guy was, sauntering away without looking back. I wished I had thought of it then. I would have asked cheekily -- if you're not taking it, could I have it instead ?

That's the thing about shopping, with me at least. I'm always on the lookout for bargains. In some supermarkets, freebies are self-collect. It's easy to walk off with a packet of Milo and not realise that you get a free container with that. It only takes a bit of my time to read the promotional notices that are usually displayed around the shelves.

In the case of Milo, there was a triple promo going on the weekend I was in Tesco! One, the price had gone down! Hubs was quick to grab a few 2KG packs. Two, we qualified for freebies - mugs and a large container. I don't quite remember the details as it was weeks ago. Anyway, as one product promoter placed the items into my cart, another one stopped to pass me some forms. "You're eligible for a free Milo jacket," she said.

My Awesome MILO Container

I thought the day was going way too good. Before I knew it, we'd paid for the items and driven home, completely forgetting about the jacket! I let it go, kicking myself every time I thought about it.  

MILO Mugs

I gave my dad the pillow. The milo container? It now stores delicious made-in-Brunei prawn crackers which I deep fried the day before - still crispy, which means it's airtight. 

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!