3 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.

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.

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.