This post is brought to you in part by Sime Darby Property’s new development, Lifestyle@9.

For those based in Klang Valley, the option of living in its adjacent state Negeri Sembilan typically doesn’t spring to mind. However, Negeri Sembilan has many appeals, such as luxurious residential communities in serene settings, which are located just 30 to 60 minutes away from Klang Valley.

We’ve identified seven reasons why you might want to consider living in Negeri Sembilan.

1. Enjoy bucolic surroundings with easy access to KL

Negeri Sembilan and its capital, Seremban, enjoy wide open spaces of greenery and lakes but the area is also well-linked to Kuala Lumpur and the city’s airports KLIA and KLIA2, as well as Malacca, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya via the North-South Highway, LEKAS Highway and ELITE Highway.

Eventually, the High Speed Rail that will connect Kuala Lumpur to Singapore will also pass through Labu. For some background, the High Speed Rail aims to reduce the travel between KL and Singapore to just 1.5 hours (By car, this trip typically takes over 3.5 hours). So you can imagine the expected travel time saved by taking the train from Seremban to Kuala Lumpur, rather than driving, which takes approximately one hour. This is expected to be completed in the year 2022.

Furthermore, there are some residential communities in Negeri Sembilan that are relatively close to KL, including Chemara Hills (~60 min), Bandar Ainsdale (~50 min), Nilai Impian (~45 min by car), and Planters’ Haven (~60 min). View the map at the end of this article to see the exact locations.

2. Get spacious accomodation with potentially attractive capital appreciation returns

Property prices have increased significantly in Klang Valley over the recent years. During this rise, there has been more investment in Negeri Sembilan, significantly improving the quality and options of attractively priced properties – some priced 30% to 60% less than comparable places in Klang Valley.

This could also present an appealing investment opportunity. In iProperty.com Malaysia’s April 2016 issue, Dato’ Kevin, an architect with 30 years experience, said many people who have bought properties in Negeri Sembilan’s prime areas (such as Seremban and Nilai) have enjoyed good capital appreciation.

He gives a couple of examples in the iProperty article, including a terrace house that increased in value from RM380,000 in 2014 to approximately RM520,000 now (~36% return). Given the ongoing investment in infrastructure, schools, and hospitals in the area, more capital growth seems likely.

3. Indulge in delicious food

Although lesser-known than Penang for its cuisine, Negeri Sembilan has still got a treasure trove full of local treats to be sampled and enjoyed. With specialities like signature beef noodles and meehoon sotong (squid and noodles) – for the best ones hunt around the local night market – there’s also the chance to enjoy traditional pork siew paus (oven-baked buns).

For a unique take on a famous Malaysian favourite, pay a visit to Nasi Kandar Lawood in Nilai for Kelantanese style nasi kandar, made with spiced rice and various curries on the side, before popping across to Haji Shariff for a chendol to cool down your palate.

For something a little fancier, check out Aunty Aini’s Garden Cafe in Nilai. This place was even recommended by Gordon Ramsay (as part of his Great Escape TV series) and Anthony Bourdain.

4. Stay active with both water and land sports

From the early days of the state’s ‘Royal Family of Sports’ until now, Negeri Sembilan has a range of activities for lovers of the great outdoors.

Tuanku Jaafar, the head of this sporting dynasty, has a golf course named in his honour and his son HRH Tunku Imran was president of The World Squash Federation from 1989 to 1996.

The Star Fresh Agro Park in Bukit Putus plays host to events for longboarders, skateboarders, bikers and skaters and the Kenaboi River Challenge features a kayaking competition over four separate rapids.

For something a little more serene, you can pay a visit to Nilai Springs Golf and Country Club, the Kelab Golf Club Seri Menanti, or the Royal Port Dickson Yacht Club.

5. Embrace the arts and culture

Thanks to a long-standing history with the Minangkabau culture from Indonesia, arts in Negeri Sembilan are hugely influenced by this culture and their famous enthusiasm for education. As such, the main cultural sight of Negeri Sembilan is its State Museum.

Built in 1953, the complex comprises of the museum (formerly known as Ampang Tinggi Palace), which is a timber palace curiously built without the use of nails; the Teratak Perpatih, with its roof designed to resemble buffalo’s horns; and the Minangkabau House, sometimes known as the ‘Ghost House’ by locals.

Also found around the state are the Rembau Crystal Village, the largest crystal village complex in Malaysia, and numerous cultural exhibition showcasing the region’s music, such as Endang, in which dancers enact the daily life of Minangkabau villagers.

6. Balance your child’s leisure activities with top schools

Beyond sport, there are plenty of leisure facilities dotted around the state. Seremban Lake Garden spans 10 acres, which is great for a breezy stroll through the greenery or an energetic run on the jogging track.

Another place to check out is the Wet World Hot Spring, which has mineral-rich hot pools for relaxing, or water slides for high-adrenaline fun.

U-Bowl is home to 36 bowling lanes and also in Seremban are TGV Cinemas, Golden Screen Cinemas, MBO Cinemas and the Lotus Five Star Bahau Cineplex. The Eagle Ranch Resort in Port Dickson has a wealth of things to do, including go-karting, obstacle courses, paintball, rafting, trekking and a Flying Fox.

When it comes to the other side of a balanced childhood, education in Negeri Sembilan is also on a rapid rise, with nearby facilities including The Nilai International School, Epsom College, Nilai University, INTI International University, Manipal International University and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.

7. Live in serene, comfortable and safe communities

Some of the newer properties in Negeri Sembilan offer great comfort and security, including the developments at Chemara Hills, Bandar Ainsdale, and Nilai Impian. These developments are part of Sime Darby Property.

Below is a snapshot of these properties.

A. Chemara Hills

Surrounded by jogging paths and cycling tracks, Chemara Hills has a nearby lake and a glass pavilion for community functions. The central park sits on a landscaped plateau, while the Amphitheatre is a natural community centre.

This affluent sanctuary, located right in the centre of the quaint town of Seremban, offers charming superlink homes, three-storey semi-detached homes, and bungalows. Chemara Hill’s residential precincts include Castilla, Siphonia, and Siphonia 2. Key facts below:

Learn more about Chemara Hills here.

B. Bandar Ainsdale

Bandar Ainsdale has large open spaces, parks, and lakes for families without being far from modern amenities.

This is a mixed development, which includes two-storey link homes, townhouses and an array of shop offices. Bandar Ainsdale’s series of homes includes Abadi, and Tenang. Key facts below:

Learn more about Bandar Ainsdale here.

C. Nilai Impian

Nilai Impian, touted as a “Lake Garden Township”, was built to offer a tranquil and natural environment, comprising landscaped lakes, open parks, and woodlands.

The area includes both apartments / flats and terrace homes, link homes, and townhouses. Nilai Impian currently offers two series of homes: Kiara Court apartments and Azalea link homes. Key facts below:

Learn more about Nilai Impian here.

Ultimately, these communities in Negeri Sembilan offer scenic and spacious environments with plenty of amenities. Residents still have direct access to Kuala Lumpur through an easy drive, but without having to live in the congestion and bustle of a city.

For a better understanding of the location of the properties and cities, you can navigate the map below.