The Dr. Adhyatma Health Museum, MPH, stands prominently in the Krembangan district of Surabaya, regarded as one of the most unique health heritage institutions in East Java. Unlike conventional medical museums that exclusively exhibit modern equipment, this venue offers a deeper narrative on how humanity has interacted with medical science, belief systems, and traditions over centuries. With a rating of 4.4 from over 700 reviews, the museum has established itself as a worthwhile educational destination for history enthusiasts, medical students, and travelers seeking a distinctive learning experience. The atmosphere within the museum complex is tranquil yet profoundly meaningful, where every display shelf and historical artifact chronicles humanity’s long-standing efforts to preserve life.
📸 Galería de fotos
Why Visit This Site
The primary distinction of the Dr. Adhyatma Health Museum lies in its anthropological approach, a feature rarely found in similar Indonesian institutions. Rather than merely documenting advancements in medical technology, the museum traces the cultural roots of community health practices. Visitors will encounter collections that reflect traditional healing philosophies, historical public health practices, and the ways local beliefs and stigmas shaped pre-modern treatment methods. Its historical value is exceptionally high, given that the museum was founded by Dr. dr. Haryadi Soeparto, M.Sc., who dedicated time and resources beginning in the 1990s to preserve nearly extinct artifacts. Consequently, a visit here transcends casual tourism, functioning as an academic journey that enriches one’s understanding of Indonesia’s health heritage.
Experiences to Enjoy
Visitors will explore a facility divided into indoor and outdoor zones, featuring four main interior halls dedicated to health history, science and technology, culture, and the human aspects of patient care. The collection is highly diverse, ranging from ancient surgical instruments and traditional medicines to artifacts associated with mystical healing and black magic rituals. One of the most frequently discussed attractions is the Jailangkung statue, displayed under dramatic lighting that intensifies the museum’s solemn atmosphere. Another notable feature is a room labeled “Dunia Lain” (The Other World), which remains fenced off and securely locked. Legend holds that this space was once an abandoned hospital bathroom believed to possess unique energy, reserved only for specialized documentation or mystery-themed film shoots. Despite its slightly eerie ambiance, the cleanliness and meticulous organization of the exhibits are impeccably maintained, ensuring an undisturbed learning environment.
Admission Fees & Tickets
The museum maintains an exceptionally affordable admission rate of Rp1.500 per person. For this minimal fee, visitors gain full access to both indoor and outdoor collections, clean restroom facilities, and a simple cafeteria located within the complex. This pricing policy reflects the management’s commitment to delivering inclusive, accessible health education for all demographics, from students to researchers.
Getting There
The museum is situated at Jl. Indrapura No.17, Kemayoran, Krembangan District, Surabaya, East Java 60176. Access is highly convenient via multiple transportation modes. Public transit users can take city buses or the red Busuroboyo, which stops directly in front of the museum entrance. Private vehicle owners will find ample and comfortable parking areas available. Additionally, the museum is positioned along Surabaya’s cultural tourism corridor, allowing visitors to plan an efficient sequential itinerary to the House of Sampoerna, Bank Indonesia Museum, and Tugu Pahlawan without requiring complex transit changes.
Practical Visitor Tips
To ensure an optimal experience, plan your visit on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter atmosphere. Given the traditional nature of certain exhibits and the reputedly mystical ambiance of specific rooms, solo visits are not recommended, particularly for those prone to anxiety. Hiring a guide or bringing a companion knowledgeable in medical history can significantly enhance your understanding of the collections. Always adhere to staff instructions, especially regarding the prohibition of touching artifacts and avoiding restricted areas. Visitors planning to photograph the interior should bring a camera equipped with a low-light mode.
Visitor Reviews
"The Adyatma Museum is a health museum located on Jl. Indrapura. The easiest way to get there is by public transportation, such as the city bus or the red Busuroboyo. The bus stops at a halt directly in front of the health museum. The admission ticket is very cheap, only 1500, and with that you can tour the entire museum until your hair stands on end, hehehe, because the building is extremely old and the collections are health items that have definitely been used in the medical field (used by sick patients), so the place offers a slightly mystical horror atmosphere. However, the location is very clean and well-maintained, spacious, and the collections exceed our expectations regarding the health world, since black magic ritual items are also included in the displays."
"I really love visiting here. It’s an interesting and informative tourist destination. I have come here five times to accompany friends visiting Surabaya. It is highly suitable as a museum route and makes an excellent first stop before heading to the House of Sampoerna, BI Museum, and finally Tugu Pahlawan, especially since they are all on the same route. The admission fee is only 1.500. Facilities: spacious parking, clean restrooms, a prayer room in the back, and a cafeteria. The staff are also very friendly."
"This museum houses historical artifacts. Surabaya, a city with a long history of heroes fighting to maintain independence, also boasts many museums rich in historical value. However, among the many museums here, one stands out as unique: the Dr. Adhyatma Health Museum. The health museum was founded by Dr dr Haryadi Soeparto DOR MSc in the 1990s, with its main collection consisting of items that depict humanity’s efforts to maintain health and the tools used in disease treatment. Despite its name, the museum does not only collect modern medical equipment. It also features traditional medical instruments used in bygone eras, and even houses a Jailangkung statue, a wooden doll used to summon the spirits of those who died unnaturally. Because it stores traditional items that appear mystical, many travelers have nicknamed this place the 'black magic museum.' However, there is something even more chilling inside. It is a room with an entrance labeled 'Dunia Lain' (The Other World). This is a restricted area where only authorized personnel may enter. The entrance is always locked. Legend says that behind the door lies an abandoned hospital bathroom inhabited by many supernatural beings from another world. This room has also been used several times as a filming location for mystery-themed programs. Perhaps this is an ideal spot for mystical tourism if you have enough courage."
"The admission ticket to this health museum costs only 1500. You can then tour the area, starting with learning about the history and mission behind the museum’s establishment, up to viewing various health tools. Additionally, there are sections dedicated to flora and fauna, genetics, traditional medicine, and black magic rituals. At this museum, we can gain diverse and valuable information."
"Extremely affordable at just 1.5k, a spacious location, and so much to see. Initially, I thought the exhibits would be repetitive, but there are many unexpected surprises, such as the Jailangkung statue and the 'Door to the Other World.' It’s also commonly referred to as the black magic museum."
The Dr. Adhyatma Health Museum, MPH, offers a perspective rarely found in mainstream tourist destinations: an authentic blend of medical education, cultural heritage, and social history. It demonstrates that healthcare is not solely a matter of cutting-edge technology, but also a reflection of how human values adapt to life’s challenges. With easy accessibility, a symbolic admission fee, and meticulously maintained collections, this museum deserves a place on your itinerary while exploring Surabaya. Your visit not only supports the preservation of historical artifacts but also fosters vital dialogue regarding the evolution of medical science in Indonesia.
