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SINGAPORE, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has highlighted the Indonesian destinations seeing notable interest in travel for October, as young travelers increasingly embrace “snackpacking” as a way to explore local flavors and culture.
Snackpacking offers an authentic and relatively affordable way to discover a region through its local snacks and specialties. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the activity is popular among young Indonesians who enjoy exploring local culture and discovering Instagram-worthy snack experience.
Agoda’s accommodation search data shows that Manado and Jakarta recorded the highest growth in Indonesian traveler interest for stays in October, followed by Medan, Bandung, Solo, Surabaya, Palembang, Bali, Semarang, and Yogyakarta. From legendary traditional markets to neighborhood food stalls, each destination offers a unique way to discover Indonesia’s snack heritage.
Manado Sees Strongest Growth with a Flavorful Snacking Scene
Manado saw the highest growth in Indonesian traveler interest among Agoda’s selected destinations, with a 214% increase in accommodation searches on the platform, for stays between 1 and 31 October 2026, compared to the same period in 2025. Located between mountains and sea, the capital of North Sulawesi offers a distinctive snacking scene shaped by local ingredients, herbs, and spices.
Klappertaart, a popular sweet treat, reflects Manado’s Dutch colonial heritage. Its name came from “klapper”, the Dutch word for coconut, a key ingredient abundant in the region. Manisan Pala and Halua Kenari showcase local nutmeg and kenari nuts, important commodities in Manado. While Panada, a savory pastry inherited from the Portuguese and filled with Cakalang fish and Panpis, reflect the city’s strong connection to seafood.
Travelers can discover these specialties at Kawasan Wisata Kuliner Jalan Roda, Christine Klappertaart, Pusat Oleh-Oleh Tradisional Manado, and Flamboyan Street Food.
Jakarta Combines Culinary Traditions from Across Indonesia
Jakarta recorded a 200% increase in accommodation searches, ranking second among Agoda’s selected destinations. As Indonesia’s capital and cultural melting pot, the city’s traditional snacks reflect the archipelago with Nusantara, Chinese, Arab, Indian, and European influences.
Kerak Telor, a savory Betawi omelet made with egg and glutinous rice, is one of Jakarta’s signature dishes, with roots associated with the Dutch colonial era, a must-try for those wanting to taste a dish once served to upper-class families. Kembang Goyang and Kue Akar Kelapa are also must-tries for travelers seeking snacks traditionally enjoyed by locals during Eid.
Travelers can explore these culinary at Kota Tua, Perkampungan Budaya Betawi Setu Babakan, Pasar Kue Subuh Senen, and Pasar Jatinegara, where local snacks offer a taste of Jakarta’s diverse cultural heritage.
Medan Offers Plenty of Traditional Snack Experiences
Medan, the capital of North Sumatera, saw accommodation searches by Indonesian travelers rise by 194%. Its snack culture reflects the use of local ingredients and the region’s culinary tradition.
Bika Ambon is one of Medan’s signature snacks. It’s a must-try for anyone wanting to experience a treat adapted from the traditional Malay delicacy, Bingka, which uses a natural leavening agent made from natural resource native to North Sumatra. Other sweet snacks served in Medan are Bolu Meranti, Pancake Durian, and Dodol Medan, as well as savory options include Teri Medan, Kacang Sihobuk, Risol Gogo, and Lumpia Medan.
Pasar Rame and Pasar Beruang are traditional markets famous for these snacks. Travelers can stroll around Jalan Semarang to enjoy the night market, head to Jalan Majapahit for Bika Ambon, and visit Jalan Kruing for Pancake Durian.
Bandung Has Its Own Irresistible Appeal
In West Java’s capital, Bandung, accommodations searches grew by 189%. The city’s traditional snacks highlight local ingenuity in transforming ingredients such as cassava, rice flour, and coconut, shaped by Nusantara culinary experiences.
Peuyeum, fermented cassava, can be transformed into Colenak, a traditional treat that visitors can enjoy during their trip or bring home. Surabi reflects longstanding Sundanese and Javanese culinary traditions and was traditionally served on special occasions as a symbol of gratitude.
Other favorites include sweet treats adapted from Dutch cakes and pastries such as Pisang Bolen, Brownies Kukus, and Kue Balok, alongside savory snacks born from the creativity of locals in processing simple ingredients, such as Batagor, Siomay, Cilok, Cireng, and Seblak. Travelers can find them at Pasar Kosambi, Pasar Cihapit, Jalan Braga and Jalan Cibadak. The Cihapit area also offers a modern interpretation of traditional bites.
Gede Gunawan, Senior Country Director, Indonesia at Agoda said, “Indonesia is a nation of rich flavors, and every city tells its story through its snacks. With snackpacking, travelers can go beyond landmarks and use food as their compass to explore. At Agoda, we are excited to make that journey of discovery easier, from searching for the perfect stay to finding the next must-try bite just around the corner.”
With over 130,000 flight routes, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda enables travelers to plan their snackpacking trips and combine different parts of their journey in one place.
