Indonesia travel guide for couples — Bali, Nusa Penida, Yogyakarta, Jakarta and beyond. Street Eats and Window Seats covers honest travel advice, food experiences and practical tips for midlife travellers visiting Indonesia, including the best things to do in Bali and beyond.
Indonesia
17,000 islands, ancient temples and a country of endless discovery
Indonesia is one of the closest countries to our home in Australia. We’ve visited Bali more times than we can count, explored the batik markets and ancient temples of Yogyakarta, navigated the chaotic traffic of Jakarta, visited the highland city of Bandung, and made the short crossing to the beautiful islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.
For a travel couple looking for a destination that delivers everything — culture, food, beaches, history and genuine warmth — Indonesia is hard to beat. Whether you’re planning midlife travel for the first time or returning for another look, there’s always something new to find here. This page collects our honest, realistic travel advice for Indonesia, written from years of experience across multiple visits.
Most nationalities can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for 30 days at major international airports and seaports, extendable once for another 30 days. The cost is IDR 500,000 and can be paid at the airport. We recommend applying for an e-VOA online before travel to skip the queue on arrival. You will also need to pay a tourist tax and complete a customs declaration online.
The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the currency — it can be confusing at first as amounts run into the millions. Cash is widely used in Bali’s markets and smaller warungs — be aware of dishonest money changers. ATMs are everywhere and cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants. Indonesia is one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia and good value for money for couples.
Mobile coverage is good across Bali and major cities, though more patchy in rural areas and smaller islands. Pick up a local SIM card from Telkomsel or XL at the airport — both offer affordable data packages for tourists. Alternatively install a Saily eSIM before leaving home for instant connectivity on arrival.
Between islands and cities, domestic flights are the most practical option — Lion Air, Batik Air and Citilink connect major destinations affordably. Book through Trip.com. Grab works well in Bali and major cities. Hiring a local driver for the day is excellent value in Bali and ideal for couples wanting flexibility. Ferries connect Bali to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and the Gili Islands.
April to October is the dry season and the best time to visit Bali and most of Indonesia. November to March is the wet season — heavy afternoon rain is common but it rarely lasts all day. The dry season brings bigger crowds and higher prices in Bali. Yogyakarta and Java are generally fine to visit year-round. Always check conditions for your specific destination.
Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim nation — dress modestly outside of Bali’s tourist areas and be respectful near mosques. In Bali, cover shoulders and wear a sarong when entering temples — these are usually available to borrow at the entrance. The Balinese greeting is a slight bow with hands pressed together. Bargaining is expected in markets — always with a smile. Remove shoes before entering homes and places of worship.