Java Island remains the top holiday destination for domestic tourists during the early year holiday period.
Friday, 16 January 2026 | 14:30
Author: Arif S

Source: Abdan Syakura/Antara Foto
At the end of each year, domestic travelers seemingly move in unison towards one main hub, Java Island. From the highlands of Bogor to the cultural pulse of Yogyakarta, Indonesia's most populous island once again affirmed its position as the favorite Tourist Destination during the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year holidays (Nataru).
The Ministry of Tourism stated that Tourist Destinations on Java Island remained the top favorite among tourists during the Nataru holiday period.
Its main appeal lies in the ease of inter-city access and the completeness of facilities supporting Family Tourism.
READ ALSO
Bandung Beautifies 17 Iconic Streets, Transforming City Into Open-Air Tourism Gallery
Bandung Becomes Third Fastest Growing Tourist Destination in Asia
Five Countries Dominate Tourist Arrivals to Indonesia Throughout 2025
Based on tourism information searches from November to December 2025, there was an increased interest in several cities on Java Island.
Bogor, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Malang, to Tegal emerged as primary destinations for the Year-End Holiday, thanks to the availability of diverse attraction choices and adequate infrastructure.
Although Java Island dominated tourist interest, premier destinations outside Java still held strong appeal.
Data from the Association of Indonesian Travel Companies (ASITA) recorded that besides Yogyakarta, Greater Bandung, and Greater Malang, the most sought-after destinations by tourists during Nataru were Bali, Lombok, and Bajo.
Meanwhile, during the previous holiday period in 2024, the provinces that were the main tourist destinations included Central Java, East Java, West Java, the Special Region of Yogyakarta, and North Sumatra.
This pattern shows the consistent position of Java Island as the epicenter of domestic tourism movement year after year.
The Ministry of Tourism assessed that the strength of Java Island destinations lies in the diversity of experiences that can be enjoyed in a single trip. Culinary Tourism, Cultural Tourism, man-made attractions, to natural tourism are easily accessible and can be packaged into Family Holiday packages.
To help tourists plan a safe and enjoyable holiday, the Ministry recommended several family-friendly destinations such as Jakarta, Bandung, Bali, Yogyakarta, Malang, Labuan Bajo, and Lake Toba.
These destinations are considered capable of providing both educational and recreational experiences for children.
In addition to destination recommendations, the Ministry also shared important tips for families wanting to travel during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
These tips include choosing family-friendly destinations, preparing flexible travel plans, bringing essential children's equipment, and ensuring safety and comfort during the trip.
Furthermore, involving children in the Travel Experience, and utilizing digital facilities to support mobility.










