Empu Tantular Museum: Surabaya, East Java

Surabaya is a major industrial and commercial centre on the island of Java and has numerous places and attractions for visitors. One of them is the Empu Tantular Museum, also known as Museum Propinsi Negiri Jawa.

Located not far from the spectacular Surabaya Zoo on Jl. Taman Mayangkara No. 6, the museum has an equally spectacular entrance. A thuk thuk or ornately carved wooden drum originating from Madura is stunning. The numerous galleries within the museum are a potpourri of Javanese history and culture, arts and crafts as well as archaeological displays.

The museum also houses a fine collection of topeng masks and shadow puppets. Unfortunately most of the labelling of all the objects on display are in Bahasa Indonesia but it is easy enough to get the gist with dates etc.

What is amazing is some of the outlandish exhibits in the museum which include a Daimler motor cycle, a penny-farthing bicycle, and an ancient gramophone player including records!. Although this might seem bizarre there is a relevance to these objects.

Spending an hour or two in this museum is well worth it and could be included on your visit to the Surabaya Zoo.

Open: Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.