Bali Sees Drop in Foreign Tourists as Domestic Travel Surges Amid Year-End Holiday Shift

Bali Sees Decline in Foreign Arrivals Amid Growing Year-End Holiday Travel in Other Indonesian Destinations

December 22, 2025 – Jakarta/Bali/Yogyakarta

As Indonesia approaches the bustling year-end holiday season, travel patterns across the archipelago reveal a notable contrast. The island of Bali, Indonesia’s premier tourist hotspot, is experiencing a dip in foreign tourist arrivals, while domestic travel surges in the capital city Jakarta and tourist hubs like Yogyakarta’s Malioboro area.

Quiet Bali Amid Year-End Travel Surge Elsewhere

Recent social media clips and on-the-ground observations depict Bali as relatively quiet compared to the usual holiday bustle. Footage shows emptier streets in areas that typically draw large crowds of international tourists during this time of year. Correspondingly, inbound passenger figures at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport have declined compared to previous years’ holiday periods.

Governor I Wayan Koster confirmed the trend, noting that since September, the daily arrival of foreign visitors has been moderately lower than usual. “Currently, daily foreign arrivals hover between 12,000 and 16,000, whereas we generally expect around 20,000 per day,” said Koster.

Seasonal Factors Drive Fluctuations

Authorities attribute Bali’s visitor decrease to regular seasonal tourism cycles rather than to competition from other Southeast Asian destinations like Thailand or Vietnam, both of which have recorded tourism growth this year. I Wayan Sumarajaya, head of Bali’s Tourism Agency, explained that Bali traditionally experiences high arrival peaks from June to September, followed by a natural calming before picking up again for Christmas and New Year holidays.

“While there’s a usual drop after peak season, it is gradual and happens every year,” Sumarajaya elaborated. “Since mid-December, we have actually observed foreign arrivals increasing back to about 20,000 daily, supported by rising domestic tourism since December 19.”

Bali’s Tourism on an Upward Annual Trajectory Despite Seasonal Dip

Despite the short-term holiday lag, Bali’s tourism figures for 2025 demonstrate growth relative to 2024. The island attracted approximately 6.7 million foreign visitors this year up to date, surpassing last year’s figure of 6.3 million over the same period. The provincial government aims to reach 7 million foreign arrivals by December 31. However, seasonal rainfall continues to pose hazards. The province is reminding tourism operators and visitors to exercise caution during the wet season. Tragic incidents this year include a fatal flood in September claiming 17 lives and a recent death involving a Russian tourist swept by strong currents.

Domestic Travel Thrives in Jakarta and Yogyakarta

Meanwhile, Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport—Indonesia’s busiest—reported a sharp increase in passenger traffic. Between December 15 and 21, more than 1.18 million passengers utilized the airport with nearly 175,000 travelers passing through on December 21 alone. The airport anticipates a peak on December 28 with close to 182,000 passengers and expects a return surge on January 4. Popular domestic air routes during this period include Denpasar (Bali), Surabaya, Makassar, Medan’s Kualanamu, and Palembang, while international flights primarily connect to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jeddah, Bangkok, and Penang.

In Yogyakarta, the iconic shopping and cultural area of Malioboro welcomed over 161,000 visitors in a single day on December 20, undeterred by rain. Tourists enjoyed local culinary offerings, shopping, and traditional transport modes such as becak and horse-drawn carriages.

Government Calls for Caution and Preparedness

National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo noted that traffic flow related to holiday travel remains manageable, with vehicle volumes near Jakarta up 21–22% over normal levels. Toll roads nationwide are fully operational, including those recovering from recent natural disruptions.

Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa urged heightened vigilance as Indonesia contends with potential heavy rains and cyclonic conditions. Tourism operators are advised to inspect facilities, enhance emergency signage, and ensure visitor awareness of evacuation routes.

The government has issued a nationwide safety circular emphasizing reinforced security, health protocols, and safety standards to ensure a secure and pleasant year-end holiday experience throughout Indonesia.

Key Takeaways:

• Bali experiences a temporary dip in foreign arrivals attributed to seasonal tourism cycles.
• Overall Bali tourist arrivals in 2025 remain ahead of 2024 figures with expectations to reach 7 million foreign visitors by year-end.
• Domestic holiday travel surges notably in Jakarta’s main airport and Yogyakarta’s Malioboro area.
• Authorities caution travelers and operators to prepare for wet season hazards and maintain safety vigilance.

As the year closes, Indonesia’s diverse tourism landscape showcases shifting travel patterns but continues to draw millions seeking holiday experiences across its vibrant regions.