Visitors Begin Flooding Tourism Attractions Along Mudik Routes in Central Java

Despite frequent rainfall across Central Java, several tourism destinations along Lebaran homecoming routes and souvenir centres are beginning to experience increasing visitor numbers during the annual mudik migration. Significant increases in visitor traffic became apparent on Tuesday, 17 March, coinciding with the second wave of the homecoming exodus. Peak traffic for the second wave is estimated to occur on 18-19 March 2026.

As vehicle volumes increase on the Pantura route, central routes, Pansela, and Trans Java Toll roads, numerous tourism sites have become popular stops for travellers seeking rest and recreational activities. Along the Pantura route, popular destinations include Pasir Kencana Beach (Pekalongan), Sigandu Beach (Batang), the historic Old Town area (Semarang), the Great Mosque of Demak, Sunan Kalijaga’s Mausoleum, Bandungan (Semarang Regency), and Kartini Beach (Jepara).

Alternative route attractions such as Guci Hot Springs (Tegal), Paninggaran (Pekalongan), and Sewu Waterfall (Kendal) have also become popular choices for travellers seeking to avoid congestion on main routes. Beyond natural and religious tourism sites, souvenir and food centres are attracting significant numbers of visitors, with locations including Sentono Batik Wholesale Market (Pekalongan), Pandanaran Street (Semarang), Tuntang, and Salatiga serving as principal stops for homecomers purchasing Lebaran clothing and gifts for family members back home.

AR Hanung Triyono, Head of the Central Java Provincial Department of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, expressed optimism regarding this year’s surge in tourism visits. With an estimated 17.7 million homecomers entering Central Java, visitor numbers are predicted to increase significantly compared to 2025, which recorded 5.4 million visitors.

Several tourism operators have undertaken thorough preparations for the expected influx. The Central Java Provincial Government has also ensured the readiness of road infrastructure leading to tourism destinations to support visitor comfort. However, given the possibility of continued extreme weather conditions, Hanung has urged tourism operators to strengthen safety and security standards for all visitors.