7 Best Sights in Indonesia

From white tigers to rhinos to northern cassowaries, Bali Safari and Marine Park's 60 species will fill in blanks on most bucket lists. The park's Bali Aga extravaganza (daily except Mondays) has Disney-level production values, well worth the US$10 surcharge. Entertaining animal and elephant shows emphasize conservation themes. Most animal headliners are viewed only on the 30 minute safari tour, but there are elephants, camels, and birds around the park for photos and feeding (for a fee). There's also an aquarium featuring piranhas.

In recent years Bali Zoo has significantly improved its game, removing old-school cages in favor of more animal-friendly open enclosures like a river otter habitat where you're treated to underwater views. It has maintained an intimate feel, so there's still a petting zoo and lots of opportunities for up-close views of fearsome bearcats and cute lion cubs. Located between Ubud and Sanur, the zoo offers elephant rides, a treetop trail, and other kid-pleasing amenities. Packages including transportation from major tourist areas.

More than 150 animals from Southeast Asia are on exhibit at this small zoo. Activities include elephant rides, paddleboat rentals, and a miniature train.

A haven for shutterbugs and children, Ubud's Monkey Forest is home to dozens of Balinese macaques. These long-tailed grayish primates mug it up and dive spectacularly into their pool when not taking refuge in the tall trees. But there's more to the forest than monkeyshines. Guides posted along the paths gladly expound on the site's history and temples, including Pura Perana, dating to the 14th century. Monkeys here are better behaved than their counterparts in Uluwatu, but still can get nasty. Remove anything they can grab (like hats, glasses and earrings) and all food from your person. Obey the many "Do Not Feed" signs rather than the sales pitches of banana and peanut hawkers.

The beach is the thing in Sanur, which has perfect views of Mount Agung when clouds part. An offshore reef breaks the waves into gentle ripples lapping the white sand. But the reef also means there's often barely enough water to cover your ankles at low tide—ask your hotel staff about the tides. The surfing here is strictly for experts, as the coral can produce nasty gashes and worse. Perfect for strolling or biking, a brick beach walkway runs for 5 km (3 miles). It's lined with shops, cafes, and water-sports operators. Amenities: food and drink, toilets, showers. Best for: walking, sunrise. surfing.

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.

Batik, intricately woven ikat, and gold-threaded songket from the fabric of Indonesian culture are the star subjects of the Textile Museum (Museum Tekstil), which showcases vintage and modern fabric creations from across the nation inside an elegant 19th-century mansion. Beware that cab drivers often miss the entrance amid the colorful flea market lining the street. The museum's extensive collection, which could stand upgraded maintenance and displays, includes a wide selection of batik, an Indonesian innovation that's now renowned globally. Draw inspiration from the collection to create your own batik. Museum staff guide you through the process, including design, waxing, dyeing, boiling (the cloth, not you), and drying, so you can wear your creation proudly.