Fodor's Expert Review Taman Mini Indonesia

Cultural theme park Taman Mini Indonesia brings lifestyles from the nation's far-flung provinces to the southeastern outskirts of Jakarta, where attractions are arranged around a lake. Traditional houses, clothing, handicrafts, and cultural performance are the big draws, along with the IMAX tour of Indonesia (Rp30,000) inside a theater shaped like a giant golden snail. Other attractions, many separately ticketed, include orchid, herb, and 10 other gardens; 14 museums; kiddy and water parks; and indigenous birds and animals, including the Komodo dragon. Officially Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Mini Indonesia Park), everyone calls it Taman Mini. Bring sun (and, as needed, rain) protection, plan to spend the day here, and use the minibus (Rp3,000) to negotiate the vast grounds. It's about an hour by taxi from central Jakarta.