Traveloka’s latest SEA Index for Q3 2026 reveals a significant rise in travel to religious and cultural destinations across Southeast Asia. The report, based on booking data from July to September 2026, shows a notable increase in accommodation bookings from Indonesia to Mecca, which rose by more than 50% year on year. Malaysian travellers are increasingly drawn to Borobudur, whilst bookings from Vietnam to Luang Prabang have doubled.
The report highlights how faith and heritage are central to travel stories in the region. In Indonesia, domestic travel to cooler highland destinations like Wonosobo and Sukabumi is on the rise, offering a respite from the dry season. Internationally, Mecca, Jeddah, and Madinah are among the top destinations for Indonesian travellers.
In Malaysia, the intertwined religious histories of the region are drawing travellers to Indonesia, with Borobudur and the Prambanan Temple complex being key attractions. Singaporean travellers are seeking seasonal changes, with Melbourne’s winter and spring offering a stark contrast to the tropical climate, leading to a tripling of bookings.
Thailand’s Khao Yai, with its lush landscapes during the rainy season, has become the fastest-rising domestic destination. Internationally, Chongqing’s mountain cityscape is attracting Thai travellers. Meanwhile, Vietnamese travellers are finding a slower pace in Luang Prabang, Laos, where heritage and tradition are integral to daily life.
The SEA Index, a quarterly report by Traveloka, provides insights into travel trends across Southeast Asia, helping the industry understand evolving travel patterns.
