BIKON BLEWUT MUSEUM

Visit Bikon Blewut Museum in Ledalero Seminary 6km south of Maumere - museum stores 300,000 year old Flores ancient elephant fossil, artifacts from Flores civilization Paleolithic to Bronze Age, located in St. Paulus Ledalero Catholic Seminary complex, 15 min from Maumere.

The Hidden Historical Treasure of Flores

The museum that proves Flores had ancient elephants and ancient humans!

Overview:
Bikon Blewut Museum in Maumere. This museum houses the fossil of the ancient Flores elephant that is more than 300,000 years old. There are also many art objects and historical artifacts from the civilization and culture of Flores. It is located in the complex of the St. Paulus Ledalero Major Seminary. It is about a 15-minute drive from Maumere City, the capital of Sikka Regency. 

Do not forget to visit unique Bikon Blewut Museum located in campus of Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Katolik (The Catholic Philosophy School) of Ledalero, a Catholic seminary, some 6 km south of Maumere. Here you can find large assortment of history of Flores in artifacts collected by priests.

Bikon Blewut Museum is situated nearby to college Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Katolik Ledalero. 85MM+9QC, main street maumere-ende, STFK Ledalero, Takaplager Village, Nita district, Flores, Sikka Regency.

What Makes It Special:

1. 300,000 Year Old Flores Ancient Elephant Fossil!

• Star Collection: Ancient elephant (Stegodon) fossil over 300,000 years old! Proves Flores once had dwarf elephants (related to Flores Hobbit discovery)

• Other fossils: Also fossils of ancient Flores fauna

• Significance: Connects to Liang Bua Hobbit (Homo floresiensis) - elephants were prey/habitat at same time

2. Complete History of Flores - From Stone Age to Bronze Age
This museum is part of St. Paulus Roman Catholic University of Ledalero. Collection of cultural tools from Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Age are placed in this museum. Museum was established in 1965 by Pr. Dr. Theodor Lambertus Verhoeven SVD (born in Uden, Nederland, September 14, 1907).

• Founder: Fr. Dr. Theodor Verhoeven - Dutch priest archaeologist who discovered Liang Bua cave later famous for Hobbit!

• Established: 1965

• Collections: Large assortment of history of Flores in artifacts collected by priests over decades:

  • Stone tools Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic

  • Bronze Age tools

  • Traditional arts and historical objects from Flores civilizations

  • Ikat textiles, traditional weapons, ceramics, megalithic items

  • Local culture and history of Flores showcase

3. Unique Location in Seminary

• Located in campus of Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Katolik Ledalero - Catholic Philosophy School - beautiful, peaceful campus

• Nice small museum for short stop when you are on way from Maumere to Kelimutu - take country road leading to museum for pleasant journey compared to main road

• 15 minutes drive from Maumere city (some say 30 minutes southwest - depending on traffic)

• Check correct location at Ledalero Seminary in Maumere instead of relying solely on Google Maps - location sometimes off

How to Visit:

• Location: Jalan Raya Maumere-Ende, STFK Ledalero, Desa Takaplager, Nita District, Sikka

• From Maumere: 6km south, 15-30 minutes by car

• Hours: Usually open weekdays 8am-4pm, but seminary schedule - better call ahead or come morning. Ask permission at seminary gate

• Entrance: Donation Rp 20k-50k

• Time needed: 30-60 minutes - nice small museum for short stop

• Combine with: Lepo Lorun weaving center (both in Nita area) + Koka Beach + continuing to Moni/Kelimutu (Day 3: Maumere-Moni - visit museum then Koka beach then Moni)

Tips: Must visit if interested in Flores history beyond beaches - this is best museum in Flores! Verhoeven's collection is foundation for understanding Flores ancient history. Photos allowed but ask first. Take country road for scenic drive.

Perfect stop on Flores overland from Maumere to Moni - culture + history break!

Keywords: Bikon Blewut Museum, Blikon Blewut Museum, Museum Bikon Blewut