Central Java Residents Flock to Budget-Friendly Tourist Sites During School Holidays

The head of Central Java’s Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Service (Disbudparekraf), Hanung Triyono, revealed that a number of tourist attractions across the province were packed with visitors during the school holiday period. He noted a shift in tourist visits towards attractions that are cheap or affordable.

Hanung said five attractions in Central Java drew the most local tourists during the school holidays: Kota Lama Semarang (275,941 visitors), Prambanan Temple (251,475 visitors), the tomb of Aulia Syekh Maulana Maghribi in Batang Regency (175,722 visitors), Dieng (116,628 visitors), and Rowo Jombor in Klaten (77,400 visitors). These visitor figures were recorded between 20 June and 6 July 2026.

Of these five attractions, four — with the exception of Prambanan Temple — can be accessed at very affordable cost, or even free of charge. Kota Lama Semarang, for example, can be visited without having to buy a ticket of any kind.

According to Hanung, visits to natural attractions in several areas, particularly coastal areas, also increased. This was observed in places such as Kebumen, Cilacap and Purworejo.

“These days, tourists, especially domestic ones, want to see something new. The beaches there have new things to offer as well. They also want to see the natural surroundings,” said Hanung.

In Hanung’s view, another factor driving the increase in tourist visits to these areas and attractions is their affordability. “Cost is also a factor. Because with well-managed attractions, such as Borobudur, for instance, most of them only get moderate numbers,” he said.

“So cost is a factor, and as I said, they can also enjoy time together,” Hanung added.