Central Java tourists favor budget-friendly sites during school break

Central Java experienced a surge in visitors to its tourist attractions during the recent school holidays, with a notable shift towards more affordable destinations. Hanung Triyono, head of Central Java's Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy Agency, observed that travelers increasingly chose low-cost or free sites.

“

Now tourists, especially domestic ones, want to see new objects. So the beaches there also have new ones. They also want to see the natural conditions.

Five locations emerged as the most popular: Semarang's Old Town (Kota Lama) drew 275,941 visitors, followed by Prambanan Temple with 251,475. Other top sites included the Mausoleum of Aulia Syekh Maulana Maghribi in Batang Regency (175,722), Dieng (116,628), and Rowo Jombor Klaten (77,400). These figures cover the period from June 20 to July 6, 2026.

Notably, four of these top five destinations, excluding Prambanan Temple, are accessible with minimal or no cost. Semarang's Old Town, for instance, requires no entrance fee. Triyono also noted a rise in visits to natural attractions, particularly beaches in Kebumen, Cilacap, and Purworejo, attributing this to tourists seeking new experiences and natural scenery.

“

The cost factor too. Because for well-organized tours, like (Prambanan) Borobudur, they are only below (a certain price point).

Triyono believes that affordability is a key factor boosting visitor numbers, contrasting it with more established, potentially pricier sites like Borobudur Temple. He added that the ability for visitors to enjoy time together also contributes to the appeal of these destinations.

“

So the factor (cost) too, and as I said, they can enjoy togetherness.