Families planning a year end getaway are looking in a slightly different direction this time. The usual favorite has stepped aside, and another destination has quietly taken the spotlight. Yogyakarta has risen to become the most popular domestic destination for family holidays during the 2025 Christmas and New Year period. The shift was revealed in Travel Outlook 2026, a report released by digital travel platform Agoda. Bali, long known as Indonesia’s tourism icon, now sits in second place. Bandung follows in third, with Jakarta and Malang rounding out the top five.
According to Agoda’s Senior Country Director for Indonesia, Gede Gunawan, Yogyakarta’s rise is based on accommodation search data collected on the platform. The city moved ahead of Bali, which had previously dominated year end family travel choices.
Interest in Yogyakarta grew sharply. Searches from Agoda users rose by 29 percent compared with last year. The appeal lies in the city’s mix of recreation, cultural heritage, and educational activities that work well for family trips. Bali, despite slipping to second place, remains one of the main choices for family vacations.
Bandung secured third position after recording a 22 percent increase in searches year on year. Its cooler weather, varied food scene, and outdoor activities suitable for all ages continue to attract families seeking a relaxed holiday atmosphere.
Jakarta and Malang followed in fourth and fifth place. These cities remain part of the year end travel map for families, offering different experiences during the long holiday period. “Travel today is not just about visiting destinations, but also about creating memories together in places like Yogyakarta and Bandung, which are increasingly popular toward the end of the year,” said Gede Gunawan.
Interest in overseas travel also showed clear patterns. Singapore emerged as the top international destination for Indonesian families traveling abroad at the end of the year. The city state is favored for its wide range of family friendly attractions that are easy to reach and navigate.
Tokyo placed second among international destinations. Families are drawn to the Japanese capital for its blend of cultural experiences and modern attractions, including Tokyo Disneyland.
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Kuala Lumpur ranked third due to its convenient location and activities that suit family travelers. Bangkok followed in fourth place, offering entertainment, culinary experiences, and shopping options. Shanghai entered the top five this year, replacing Hong Kong. Among the listed cities, Shanghai recorded the highest growth in interest, with accommodation searches jumping by 130 percent. “Internationally, the growing interest in cities such as Singapore and Shanghai reflects a desire to explore diverse experiences,” Gede added.
Back home, Bali’s Tourism Office responded to comparisons between Bali and Yogyakarta during the Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 holiday period. The issue, they said, tends to resurface every year. “This seems like an old issue that has resurfaced,” said Head of the Bali Tourism Office I Wayan Sumarajaya in Denpasar on Saturday.
He emphasized that rising tourist numbers in Yogyakarta do not mean Bali is losing its appeal. The two regions, he explained, are built on different tourism foundations. “Currently, the direction of Bali’s tourism development is to build tourism that is culture based, high quality, and dignified. That means culture is the strength of our tourism,” he said.
While the Bali Tourism Office does not hold data on visitor numbers in other regions, Sumarajaya confirmed that tourist arrivals in Bali remain strong. From January to mid December this year, total visits reached 16,094,280. That figure includes 6,911,526 international tourists and 9,182,754 domestic travelers.
The numbers suggest that while preferences may shift, Bali continues to draw large crowds. At the same time, Yogyakarta’s rise shows how family travel trends are evolving, with more travelers seeking meaningful experiences and shared memories as the year comes to a close.
