As the 2025 year-end holiday period approaches, travel preferences among Indonesian families are showing a shift, with Yogyakarta emerging as the most searched domestic destination, replacing Bali.
Accommodation search data from Agoda indicates that Yogyakarta ranked first among domestic destinations for family travel. Interest in the city increased by 29% compared with the previous year. The data was based on searches made between 1 September and 27 November 2025, for stays scheduled from 19 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, involving bookings with at least one child.
Bali placed second in the ranking and remains a key destination for families seeking coastal attractions. Bandung ranked third, recording a 22 per cent increase in searches.
The city continues to attract visitors due to its climate, culinary options, and outdoor activities suitable for families.
Jakarta ranked fourth, maintaining demand due to its urban attractions, including educational facilities and interactive museums. Malang completed the top five, supported by interest in its recreational parks and natural surroundings.
The trend is reflected in hotel occupancy data in Yogyakarta during the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Chairman of the Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Yogyakarta, Deddy Pranowo Eryono, said hotel reservations between 20 December 2025 and 2 January 2026 initially ranged between 30 and 40%.
“On 21 December, it was 60%, and many of them came directly to the hotel to make reservations,” Deddy said on Monday, 22 December 2025.
He added that current occupancy levels had reached 61 per cent and expressed optimism that the province could exceed its target.
“The target is only 80%, but it looks like this target can be increased,” he said.
Deddy noted that some tourists had changed their travel plans. “Many of them planned to go to Bali, but then went to Yogyakarta. This is beneficial for us, but we have to be wary of traffic jams and other things,” he said.
He also urged tourism businesses to maintain fair practices during the peak season.
“Don’t take advantage of the situation, as the governor told our members. This is our promotional opportunity,” Deddy said. He confirmed that PHRI DIY had implemented upper and lower limits on hotel room rates, with the upper limit set at 40% above standard prices.
Singapore Leads International Travel as Bali Sees Lower Arrivals
For international travel, Singapore ranked as the most popular destination for Indonesian family travellers during the year-end holiday period. Agoda data showed Singapore leading the list due to its accessibility and family-oriented attractions.
Tokyo, which ranked first last year, fell to second place but continued to attract interest for its cultural offerings and theme parks. Kuala Lumpur placed third, followed by Bangkok in fourth place.
Shanghai ranked fifth, replacing Hong Kong, and recorded the highest growth in interest at 130 per cent compared with the previous year.
Agoda’s Senior Country Director for Indonesia, Gede Gunawan, said family travel demand continued to grow.
“Indonesian tourists are showing a very high interest in travelling within Asia. They tend to stay longer and travel with their families,” he said on Monday, 22 December 2025.
“The shift in interest to cities like Yogyakarta, Bandung, Singapore, and Shanghai demonstrates a desire to explore more diverse experiences,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bali has recorded a decline in foreign tourist arrivals. Bali Governor I Wayan Koster said daily international arrivals had fallen below usual levels. “From September to October, there was a decrease. Now, the daily rate is 11,000 to 16,000,” he said in Denpasar on Friday, 19 December 2025, as quoted by Kompas.com.
He noted that daily arrivals previously reached around 20,000 visitors.
Members of the Bali Villa Rental and Management Association (BVRMA) also reported booking cancellations of up to 15% ahead of the Christmas and New Year period. Villa occupancy among members is projected to reach only 55 to 60%.
Photo by Fajri Nugroho/Pexels
