Indonesia’s Tourism Sector Sees Boost from Chinese New Year Travel
The Indonesian tourism industry is experiencing a notable upswing, fueled by both international arrivals and domestic travel as the Chinese New Year approaches. The period, traditionally a time for family reunions, has evolved into a significant driver for the nation’s travel sector, showcasing a blend of outbound exploration and the preservation of cultural traditions.
Shifting International Preferences
While established destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore remain popular with Indonesian tourists due to their proximity and accessibility, travel data reveals a growing interest in non-traditional international locations. Bookings for Medina have surged by over 500% compared to the previous year, indicating a rising trend in religious pilgrimage and spiritual tourism.
demand for cooler climates is on the rise, with Sapporo experiencing a 250% increase in bookings and Adelaide following closely with a nearly 200% rise. These figures suggest Indonesian travelers are actively seeking diverse experiences and seasonal changes beyond the archipelago’s tropical climate.
The Enduring Tradition of ‘Mudik’
Despite the appeal of international destinations, the traditional practice of mudik – the homecoming to one’s ancestral village – remains a central aspect of the Chinese New Year holiday in Indonesia. Approximately twenty-five percent of all holiday bookings are for domestic routes, reflecting the importance of family and cultural heritage.
The busiest transit corridors during this period are between Jakarta and Pontianak, and Jakarta and Medan, mirroring the demographic concentration of communities celebrating the festival in their hometowns. The peak of this domestic migration is anticipated between February 13 and February 15, 2026, placing significant demands on the national transport infrastructure.
Indonesia as a Global Tourism Hub
Indonesia’s appeal extends beyond its own citizens, attracting a diverse range of international tourists during this festive season. While China, Malaysia, and Singapore remain key contributors, the country is also seeing increased visitor numbers from Italy, New Zealand, and Germany.
The primary destinations for these international visitors are the natural and historical attractions of Bali and Lombok, with particular interest in sites like Nusa Penida, Waterbom Bali, and the Borobudur Temple. Indonesia’s cultural richness and historical significance are consistently cited as the main draws for international travelers, solidifying its position as a global tourism destination.
Strategic Travel Planning on the Rise
A shift in traveler behavior is also evident in booking patterns. Reports indicate that 43% of all travel bookings are now finalized more than 60 days in advance of departure. This trend towards long-term planning suggests a more sophisticated and organized approach to holiday management, as travelers seek to navigate the high demand and logistical complexities associated with the Chinese New Year period. This proactive approach is expected to become increasingly common within the Indonesian tourism sector.
According to data from the Singapore Tourism Board, as of February 3, 2026, Indonesia contributed the second-highest number of tourists to Singapore, with 2.4 million visitors, trailing only China’s 3.1 million. This demonstrates the continued strength of regional travel patterns.
The overall international tourist arrivals in Singapore throughout 2025 reached 16.9 million, a 2.3 percent increase compared to 2024. Tourism revenue generated in the first three quarters of 2025 reached S$23.9 billion (approximately Rp316.8 trillion), breaking records and representing a 6.5 percent increase from the previous year. Singapore Tourism Board Chief Executive Melissa Ow stated that this strong performance positions Singapore on a stable path towards achieving its Tourism 2040 ambition.
