November 23, 2025 | 06:47 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Saudi tourists are becoming one of Indonesia’s most fascinating visitor groups, not just for where they go, but how they travel. From luxury hotel stays to chasing rainstorms, here are some insights into what makes Indonesian holidays so appealing to visitors from the Kingdom.
Luxury First: Five-Star Resorts Are a Must
Deputy Minister for Marketing Ni Made Ayu Marthini says Saudi tourists are among the biggest spenders in Indonesia. They tend to stay at high-end properties and don’t hesitate to choose premium services.
“For example, in Bali, there are several options. They go to places like St. Regis and Jumeirah, the seven-star ones. That’s what they look for. Since cost isn’t an issue and they expect luxurious service, it’s only natural,” Made said, as quoted by Antara on Friday, November 21, 2025.
This spending pattern offers a boost to the tourism sector, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Chasing Cool Weather, and Even the Rain
One of the biggest draws? Indonesia’s climate.
Saudi tourists love destinations with cooler temperatures, especially compared to the desert environment back home. Puncak in Bogor is consistently among their top choices.
“They really like the rain. When we are rained on, they actually want to see it,” said Rusmiati, Chair of the Indonesian Association of Travel Agents (ASITA).
“They enjoy these little things.”
She recalled taking Saudi visitors to Pelabuhan Ratu, where they were thrilled by the natural scenery and weather.
Family Trips and Long Stays
Saudi visitors typically travel in large family groups and prefer long holidays. Beaches, green landscapes, and quiet natural escapes are high on their list.
According to ASITA, they are less attracted to high-tech experiences and instead gravitate toward unique, organic, and healthy foods, often wanting to try dishes they cannot find at home.
With strong holiday habits and high spending levels, Saudi Arabia is a market Indonesia hopes to grow further. Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism plans to work with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj to attract more visitors, especially during the Hajj travel season.
According to Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency, 135,643 Saudi tourists visited Indonesia in 2024, slightly below the pre-pandemic 2019 figure of 157,512. The government believes there is significant potential to boost these numbers.
Antara contributed to the writing of this article.
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