National Museum of Natural History Indonesia
Discover Indonesia's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage through fascinating exhibits on flora, fauna, and traditional production.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
National Museum of Natural History Indonesia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Indonesia's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage through fascinating exhibits on flora, fauna, and traditional production.
"A fantastical museum! Worth of a visit! The museum has two floors."
Free Entry for Many! :ticket:
Enjoy free admission to many exhibits, making it a budget-friendly cultural experience.
Weekday Visits Recommended :clock1:
Opt for weekdays to avoid larger crowds and have a more relaxed exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Botanical Wonders
First Floor
Explore a rich collection of plant specimens, offering insights into Indonesia's diverse flora.
Local Production Showcase
Ground Floor
Discover traditional farming, fishing, weaving, and crafts that shaped Indonesian culture.
Zoological and Geological Displays
Various Galleries
Witness creatively curated displays of animals and geological formations representing Indonesia's unique natural heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the National Museum of Natural History
Navigating the Museum's Collections
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry for Many! :ticket:
Enjoy free admission to many exhibits, making it a budget-friendly cultural experience.
Weekday Visits Recommended :clock1:
Opt for weekdays to avoid larger crowds and have a more relaxed exploration.
Engage the Kids :child:
The museum is great for children, offering exciting displays that spark curiosity about nature.
Check for Renovations :construction:
Some areas may be undergoing renovation; check ahead if specific exhibits are a priority.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry for Many! :ticket:
Enjoy free admission to many exhibits, making it a budget-friendly cultural experience.
Weekday Visits Recommended :clock1:
Opt for weekdays to avoid larger crowds and have a more relaxed exploration.
Engage the Kids :child:
The museum is great for children, offering exciting displays that spark curiosity about nature.
Check for Renovations :construction:
Some areas may be undergoing renovation; check ahead if specific exhibits are a priority.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the diverse collections.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Museum of Natural History Indonesia for its informative exhibits on biodiversity and cultural production, often highlighting the free entry and engaging displays for children. While some areas could benefit from renovation, the museum offers a valuable and affordable glimpse into Indonesia's natural and historical heritage.
"A fantastical museum! Worth of a visit! The museum has two floors. The first floor is mainly about plants, which are mainly scripts in Indonesian. The ground floor is about local production, which includes farming, fishing, weaving, hunting, musical instruments, crafts, etc. I even see the coconut grater, which is very similar as shown in Songkhla folklore museum. When I visit, there is only me in the museum. The price for foreigner tourist is same, Rp15k."
Vincent Li
"Great museum full of information about the history of the World and especially Indonesia. You will experience the past and witness how the ancestors lived and realize how great Indonesia is.
Unfortunately, the museum needs repair and facility improvement in many areas to attract more and more visitors and make it more comfort to visit. We found some areas are spooky, stuffy and too dark as museum display.
I believe BRIN will make the museum better in the future, I have seen how good the Animalium is, maybe this museum will be the next."
Sunu Grahadi
"Love this place, it's informative and not that crowded.
Maybe few artifacts in display need more maintenance but other than that it's a decent and good experience for me.
The access to this museum are easy and walkable"
Agastya Rajasya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is generally accessible. Many visitors find it easy to reach by walking, especially if they are in the central Jakarta area. Public transportation options are also available, though specific routes may vary.
Information on dedicated parking facilities can be limited. It's advisable to check with the museum directly or consider using ride-sharing services for convenience.
While efforts are made for accessibility, some older sections might present challenges. It's recommended to contact the museum in advance to inquire about specific accessibility features.
The National Museum of Indonesia is often mentioned in proximity to Merdeka Square and the National Monument (Monas), making it easy to combine visits.
Yes, ride-sharing apps are a popular and convenient way to reach the museum, especially from different parts of Jakarta.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to many parts of the museum is free, particularly for Indonesian citizens. Foreign tourists may have a nominal fee, often around Rp15,000.
The museum is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays.
For general admission, advance booking is usually not required, especially with free entry for many. However, for special exhibitions, it's always a good idea to check the museum's official website.
While many exhibits are free, specific discounts for students or groups are not widely advertised. The low entry fee for foreigners makes it quite affordable.
Opening hours on public holidays can vary. It's best to confirm the museum's schedule with their official channels before planning a visit on a holiday.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum features 12 permanent galleries showcasing the biological and geological diversity of the Philippines, including botanical, zoological, and geological specimens. 
Absolutely! Children often find the displays exciting and informative, offering a great educational experience about Indonesian flora and fauna.
Information on official guided tours is not always readily available. However, the exhibits are designed to be informative on their own, and you can explore at your own pace.
Visitors often suggest exploring the first floor for botanical exhibits and the ground floor for local production. Take your time to absorb the details in each gallery.
While the museum focuses on traditional displays, some modern elements and immersive experiences are being introduced, blending heritage with technology.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is permitted in most areas. However, flash photography might be restricted to protect the artifacts. Always check for signage.
The museum's architecture itself is often admired, with visitors capturing its structural design.
For professional shoots, it's advisable to contact the museum administration in advance to obtain necessary permissions and understand any associated fees.
The displays of traditional crafts, musical instruments, and the detailed botanical specimens can make for visually interesting photographs.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial, as some areas might be dimly lit. A versatile lens can help capture both wide shots and details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some areas might be a bit dated, the core exhibits are captivating enough to hold a child's attention. It's a great alternative to malls, offering a chance to learn about Indonesian flora and fauna in a hands-on manner. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as there's plenty to explore across the museum's floors.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring nearby free attractions like Merdeka Square to maximize your budget-friendly exploration of Jakarta. The museum provides a substantial cultural and educational experience for a minimal cost.
🏛️ Culture Enthusiasts
The museum also showcases traditional crafts and musical instruments, providing insights into the artistic expressions and daily lives of Indonesian communities. It’s a place to witness how history, nature, and culture are intricately intertwined in Indonesia.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Indonesia's Biodiversity
Many visitors, including families, find these exhibits particularly engaging. The displays are designed to be educational, allowing guests to learn about the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of conservation. While some reviews mention that certain areas might benefit from updates, the core information presented remains valuable and insightful. The museum serves as a vital educational resource, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for Indonesia's natural wonders.
For those interested in the ethnobotany or the historical uses of plants, the botanical sections offer a fascinating glimpse. The zoological displays often feature specimens that are endemic to Indonesia, underscoring the country's status as a biodiversity hotspot. The geological exhibits, meanwhile, provide context for the varied landscapes found across the nation.
A Window into Indonesian Culture and Production
The collection extends to musical instruments and various crafts, showcasing the artistic expressions and skills passed down through generations. Seeing artifacts like a traditional coconut grater, reminiscent of those found in other regional museums, offers a sense of cultural continuity.
For families, these cultural exhibits can be particularly enlightening, offering a hands-on feel for traditional practices. The museum's commitment to preserving and presenting these aspects of Indonesian life makes it a valuable destination for anyone seeking to understand the nation's rich cultural fabric.
Visitor Experience and Museum Condition
However, a recurring theme in reviews is the need for facility improvement and renovation. Some areas are described as feeling a bit 'spooky,' 'stuffy,' or 'too dark,' suggesting that the museum's infrastructure could benefit from modernization to enhance visitor comfort and the presentation of its collections.
Despite the noted areas for improvement, the museum remains a worthwhile visit for its educational content and cultural significance. The accessibility and affordability, coupled with the engaging nature of the displays, ensure that it continues to be a recommended destination for those interested in Indonesia's natural and cultural history.
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