Agoda: China Leads Inbound Travel Interest Growth to Indonesia in H1 2026

Digital travel platform Agoda has released the latest insights on travel trends in Indonesia for the first half of 2026, revealing strong momentum for inbound travel interest from travelers across the Asia Pacific region.

Inbound Travel Momentum
- Top source markets: Malaysia and Singapore now lead inbound interest, overtaking South Korea (now 3rd).
- Australia ranks 4th, while China enters the top 5 for the first time, overtaking Japan.
- China’s growth: Travel interest surged 44% year-on-year, the highest among all markets, boosted by new flight routes and expanded connectivity.

Drivers of Growth
- Weaker rupiah has made Indonesia more attractive for value-seeking travelers.
- Southeast Asian markets (Malaysia +18%, Singapore +17%) show strong growth, while interest from Japan and South Korea has softened.

Top Destinations
- Bali remains #1, followed by Jakarta, Batam Island, Lombok, and Bandung.
- Emerging hotspots:
- Sukabumi – fastest-growing destination (interest up 4.6x), known for lush highlands, waterfalls, and geopark landscapes.
- Manado & Gorontalo – interest up ~3x, attracting visitors with marine biodiversity, local culture, and culinary experiences.

Outlook
Agoda’s Senior Country Director for Indonesia notes that travelers are increasingly exploring beyond Bali, with affordability, accessibility, and diverse experiences positioning Indonesia for continued growth through 2026.

This shows a fascinating shift: Indonesia is broadening its appeal from traditional leisure hubs to lesser-known destinations, driven by regional travelers and especially the surge from China.