China Drives Strongest Growth in Travel Interest to Indonesia - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Travel interest in Indonesia continued to grow during the first half of 2026, with China emerging as the fastest-growing source market, according to the latest data released by digital travel platform Agoda. Based on accommodation searches between January and June 2026 compared with the same period last year, Malaysia and Singapore remained Indonesia's two largest inbound source markets, while China entered the top five for the first time after overtaking Japan.

The findings highlight changing travel patterns across the Asia-Pacific region, with increasing numbers of travelers looking beyond traditional destinations and seeking a wider variety of experiences.

China records the strongest growth

Among Indonesia's major inbound markets, travel interest from China increased by 44 percent year-on-year, making it the fastest-growing source market. Agoda expects this momentum to continue following Indonesia's recent announcement of new flight routes designed to strengthen air connectivity between the two countries.

Malaysia and Singapore also posted solid growth of 18 percent and 17 percent respectively, reflecting sustained demand from Southeast Asian travelers. At the same time, Agoda observed softer interest from several Northeast Asian markets, including Japan and South Korea. The company notes that the weaker Indonesian rupiah has further enhanced the country's appeal for travelers seeking good value.

Bali remains the leading destination

Bali retained its position as Indonesia's most searched destination among international travelers. Jakarta, Batam Island, Lombok and Bandung completed the top five, highlighting continued demand for a mix of urban destinations, border-island gateways and established leisure resorts.

Agoda's data also points to growing interest in destinations beyond Indonesia's traditional tourism hotspots.

Emerging destinations gain momentum

Sukabumi recorded the strongest growth among Indonesian destinations, with travel interest increasing 4.6 times compared with the first half of 2025. The region is attracting visitors with its mountain landscapes, waterfalls and UNESCO Global Geopark.

In eastern Indonesia, Manado and Gorontalo ranked as the second and third fastest-growing destinations, with accommodation searches increasing by around three times year-on-year. Both destinations are known for their marine biodiversity, distinctive local cultures and regional cuisine.

"Indonesia's appeal is clearly broadening, especially among travelers from China and Southeast Asia. The strong growth in interest to destinations like Sukabumi, Manado and Gorontalo show that travelers are eager to explore more of what Indonesia has to offer beyond Bali. The combination of affordability, accessibility, and diverse experiences positions Indonesia well for continued growth in travel interest through the rest of 2026. Agoda remains committed to supporting Indonesia's tourism growth with a seamless platform that makes travel more accessible and easier to plan," said Gede Gunawan, Senior Country Director, Indonesia at Agoda.

Image Credit: © Agoda