The five-storey Sri Menanti palace was entirely built of hardwood timber extracted from the forest in Negeri Sembilan. It is all black with a long balcony and wooden pillars carved with intricate gold flower motifs. Best of all, this royal residence was built with neither nail nor screw.

It was designed by two local craftsmen and carpenters, Tukang Kahar and Tukang Taib. Work began in November 1902 and completed three years later. The main pillars reaching the top centre tower about 21m high.

Between 1908 and 1931, this was the royal residence of the Yang DiPertuan Besar Tuanku Muhammad. He occupied the third floor, while the fourth floor was the royal treasury and repository of royal records. This can only be reached by a steep flight of wooden stairs from the royal chamber.

In 1926, the palace was the scene of the triennial mengadap (homage ceremony) attended by the British High Commisioner, Lawrence Guillemard.

Among other attractions here is a horse carriage. Horse rides are available at the prototype Sri Menanti Minang house with the sweeping roof peaks shaped like buffalo horns.