Sangiran Museum of Ancient Man

Top choice in Solo


With the largest collection of Homo erectus fossils in the world (the bones of 70 individuals), Sangiran is an important archaeological excavation site. This was where ‘Java Man’ (Pithecanthropus erectus) was unearthed by a Dutch professor in 1936 – a discovery celebrated in this excellent museum, Krikilan's only attraction. On display are skulls (one of Homo erectus), various pig and hippopotamus teeth, and fossil exhibits, including mammoth bones and tusks. Large dioramas suggest the fossils' prehistoric context.

One key exhibit is the recently completed model of 'Flores Man', fashioned using the techniques of forensic reconstruction by Élisabeth Daynès, the celebrated French sculptor. Her work helps to bring alive the image of this ancient early ancestor.

Guides offer to take visitors to the area where fossils have been found in the crumbling slopes of a hill.

To reach the museum, Purwodadi-bound buses from Solo’s bus terminal drop passengers off at the Sangiran turn-off (5000Rp), 15km from Solo. It's then a 4km journey to the museum (around 10,000Rp by ojek motorcycle taxi).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Solo attractions

1. Mangkunegaran Palace

7.63 MILES

Built in 1757, the Mangkunegaran Palace in the centre of Solo is still a royal residence. Some rooms are dedicated to a delightful palace museum devoted…

2. Radya Pustaka Museum

7.86 MILES

This small museum occupies a grand old Javanese building. Dating back to 1890, it is the second-oldest museum in the whole of Indonesia and contains a…

3. House of Danar Hadi

7.9 MILES

Danar Hadi is one of the world's finest batik museums. The handpicked favourites from the owner's private collection (1078 pieces from a collection of 11…

4. Mesjid Agung

8.16 MILES

On the western side of the alun-alun, Mesjid Agung, featuring classical Javanese architecture, is the largest and most sacred mosque in Solo.

5. Kraton Surakarta

8.41 MILES

Once the hub of an empire, today the Kraton Surakarta, established in 1745, is a faded symbol of a bygone era. It’s worth a visit, but much of the kraton…

6. Astana Giribangun

21.09 MILES

The hilltop mausoleum of former president Suharto occupies a commanding position, 34km southeast of Solo. Suharto planned this monument well in advance of…

7. Candi Sukuh

23.5 MILES

In a magnificent position 900m above the Solo plain with fine views of Gunung Lawu, Candi Sukuh is one of Java’s most enigmatic and striking temples. It’s…

8. Candi Cetho

24.34 MILES

Candi Cetho (pronounced 'Cheto') is spread over terraces rising up the misty hillside, on the northern face of Gunung Lawu at around 1400m. Thought to…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "indonesia/java/solo/attractions/sangiran-museum-of-ancient-man/a/poi-sig/1217867/356571",
      "destination": "Solo",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Indonesia",
      "city": "Solo",
      "position": "superzone"
    }