Chinese travelers have emerged as the fastest-growing source market for Indonesia in the first half of 2026, according to accommodation search data from digital travel platform Agoda. The 44% year-on-year increase marks the first time China has entered the top five source markets for the archipelago, overtaking Japan.
Agoda’s data, based on searches from January to June 2026, shows Malaysia and Singapore remain the top contributors, with growth rates of 18% and 17% respectively. The weakening Indonesian rupiah has made the destination more attractive for value-conscious travelers, particularly from China, where outbound demand continues to recover strongly.
Beyond Bali: Emerging Destinations Gain Traction
While Bali remains the most searched destination for international visitors, other locations are seeing significant interest. Jakarta, Batam Island, Lombok, and Bandung all recorded strong growth. Notably, Sukabumi in West Java saw a 46-fold increase in accommodation searches, driven by its highlands, waterfalls, and geopark landscapes.
In eastern Indonesia, Manado and Gorontalo have tripled search interest compared to the same period last year, appealing to travelers with marine biodiversity and unique cultural experiences. This shift aligns with broader trends in experiential travel, as seen in rural China emerging as a new frontier for experiential tourism.
Gede Gunawan, Senior Country Director Indonesia at Agoda, noted: “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.”
Agoda’s platform supports over 130,000 flight routes and more than 6 million holiday properties, enabling travelers to book combined air and accommodation packages. The company has been actively promoting Indonesia through partnerships, such as its recent multi-market campaign with the Taiwan Tourism Authority to boost inbound travel.
For hoteliers and tour operators, the data underscores the need to diversify offerings beyond Bali. Accor, which is targeting 1,600 hotels in China with a luxury pipeline, could leverage this trend to expand its Indonesian portfolio. Similarly, cruise lines like Ponant, which plans to explore remote Indonesian archipelagos in 2027, may find growing demand from Chinese travelers seeking unique experiences.
The rise of Chinese interest also presents opportunities for airlines. Malaysia Airlines recently added Shenzhen and Changsha routes, boosting its China network to nine gateways, while Cathay Pacific leads Chinese carrier resurgence on Middle East routes. Indonesian carriers and international airlines serving Jakarta, Bali, and emerging gateways like Manado could benefit from increased demand.
Agoda remains committed to supporting Indonesia’s tourism growth, offering a platform that connects travelers with a wide range of accommodations and flight options. As the rupiah continues to weaken, Indonesia is likely to remain a value-driven destination for global travelers, particularly from China and Southeast Asia.
