Bali and Labuan Bajo Remain Favorites for Overseas Holiday Visitors
00:00
00:00
- Popular Destinations: Bali, Yogyakarta and Bandung are expected to attract holiday crowds during the Christmas 2026 and New Year 2027 period.
- Alternative Destinations: Indonesia’s travel association is encouraging visitors to explore alternative destinations and tourism villages to spread visitor traffic.
- Travel Preparations: Travelers are advised to book early, monitor weather conditions and keep plans flexible as the holidays coincide with the rainy season in several regions.
JAKARTA, Indonesianpost.com — The Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) expects several destinations across Indonesia to draw crowds during the Christmas 2026 and New Year 2027 holidays.
Based on travel patterns in previous years, Bali, Yogyakarta and Bandung are among the destinations likely to be busy, ASITA chairwoman Rusmiati told Indonesian news agency Antara when contacted in Jakarta on Tuesday.
“Puncak and Bogor, as well as Malang and several cities in Central and East Java, are also typically popular choices among domestic travelers,” Rusmiati said.
International visitors, meanwhile, continue to favor internationally recognized destinations such as Bali, Yogyakarta and Labuan Bajo.
However, Rusmiati said conditions and visitor trends could vary by destination. ASITA sees the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays as an opportunity for travelers to discover alternative destinations across the country.
The association hopes this will help spread visitor traffic more evenly rather than concentrate it in established tourist destinations.
“We encourage people to explore destinations across Indonesia that suit their interests and travel circumstances,” she said.
For travelers seeking new experiences, Rusmiati suggested Yogyakarta for culture, history and food; Labuan Bajo for natural scenery and marine tourism; and the Lake Toba area for nature and culture.
Beyond established destinations, she said tourism villages also offer opportunities to learn about local life, sample regional cuisine and experience traditional crafts and culture firsthand.
“However, as the Christmas and New Year holidays coincide with the rainy season in several regions, travelers should choose activities that suit the weather conditions. Those planning outdoor activities should take into account safety information and recommendations from destination operators,” Rusmiati said.
With potentially heavy rainfall during the holidays, Rusmiati advised travelers to plan ahead, particularly when booking transport tickets, hotels and tour packages, as demand typically rises during the period.
She advised travelers to choose reputable travel agencies and ensure they receive clear information about facilities, itineraries, costs and cancellation policies.
Travelers should also monitor weather updates and conditions at their destinations before departure, and pack items suited to their trip, including raincoats, changes of clothing and personal medication.
“Equally important, stay flexible if schedules change and follow instructions from guides and local officials. We want people to enjoy safe, comfortable holidays while respecting the environment and local communities at the destinations they visit,” she said. [IP/Bilah]
