Getting to IKN Nusantara: The Practical Guide

🛬 Getting to IKN Nusantara

To reach the burgeoning city of IKN Nusantara, your journey begins at Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport (Sepinggan, BPN) in Balikpapan. This well-connected hub is the primary starting point for international and domestic flights. Upon arrival, the drive to IKN Nusantara takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, though this will be reduced to a swift 45 minutes with the new highway opening in July 2026.

🌿 Top Sights & Concrete Figures

IKN Nusantara and its surroundings offer a plethora of attractions:

🛥️ Vessel & Tour Options

Travellers can tailor their exploration with a range of tour styles:

• Private car + driver
• Small-group day tour
• IKN city tour
• Multi-day Kalimantan package

Popular packages include the Full-day IKN & Balikpapan tour, the 2-day IKN + Samboja Lestari excursion, and the comprehensive 3-day East Kalimantan itinerary.

💰 Indicative Prices

While prices vary by nationality and tour type, here are some indicative figures:

• Bukit Bangkirai Entrance: ~$5 USD per person (cash only)
• Local Entry Fee: IDR 25,000; Foreigner Fee: IDR 75,000

Prices are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.

📅 Best Time to Visit

IKN Nusantara is a year-round destination, with its driest months spanning May to September. The completion of the new highway in July 2026 will further enhance travel efficiency, making it an ideal period for a visit.

⚠️ Flag Uncertainty

While planning your trip, note that some contact numbers for Bukit Bangkirai’s office are unverified, and vessel names for mangrove tours depend on local operators.

2027 Note

By 2027, with the highway in full operation and further development in infrastructure, IKN Nusantara is poised to become an even more accessible destination, catering to the discerning traveller’s desire for both luxury and adventure.

Personalised Itineraries for Exclusive Experiences

At Nusantaratours, we understand that each traveller has unique interests and preferences. That’s why we offer personalised itineraries that cater to your specific needs, ensuring an enriching experience tailored just for you. If you wish to delve into the cultural depths of IKN Nusantara or explore the natural wonders of East Kalimantan, our team of experts is dedicated to crafting the perfect journey.

Our tailored itineraries can include a variety of activities and experiences, such as:

• Private guided tours of the IKN Nusantara capital site with in-depth historical insights.
• Exclusive access to local culinary experiences, including traditional Kalimantan dishes.
• Customised visits to conservation projects, like Samboja Lestari, focusing on orangutan rehabilitation.

By choosing a personalised itinerary, you can travel at your own pace, with the flexibility to make spontaneous detours and adjustments, ensuring a truly bespoke adventure.

Travel with Ease: Understanding Tour Options

Our diverse range of tour styles offers a variety of ways to explore IKN Nusantara and its surroundings, ensuring comfort and convenience for every traveller. Each option comes with its own set of advantages, allowing you to select the one that best suits your travel style and schedule.

Here’s a quick overview of the available tour styles:

Each tour style is designed to offer a unique perspective of the region, ensuring that your visit is as fulfilling as it is memorable.

Beyond the Tour: Enhancing Your Visit

While our tours provide a structured itinerary, we encourage travellers to immerse themselves in the local culture and environment beyond the scheduled activities. This approach not only enriches your travel experience but also supports the local communities and ecosystems.

Consider these activities to extend your journey:

• Participate in community-led workshops to learn traditional crafts and skills.
• Engage with local conservation efforts, contributing to wildlife protection initiatives.
• Indulge in a serene evening at Kemala Beach, enjoying a sunset picnic.

These additional experiences offer a deeper connection to the land and its people, creating lasting memories and a positive impact on the region.

Customising Your IKN Nusantara Experience

For those seeking a personalised journey, Nusantaratours offers a range of customisation options to enhance your exploration of IKN Nusantara and its surrounding attractions. If you prefer a leisurely pace or an action-packed adventure, our tailored itineraries are designed to meet diverse interests and preferences.

Guests can select from a variety of tour styles, including private car arrangements with a dedicated driver or intimate small-group day tours. With the freedom to personalise your itinerary, you can choose to delve deeper into specific sites or combine popular attractions for a comprehensive experience. Our team is on hand to assist with crafting an itinerary that aligns with your interests, whether cultural, ecological, or historical.

• Explore the IKN Nusantara capital site with an expert guide
• Customise visits to Balikpapan mangroves or Samboja Lestari orangutan sanctuary
• Arrange for leisurely stops at Kemala Beach or Bukit Bangkirai canopy bridge

Responsible Tourism and Conservation Initiatives

Nusantaratours is committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that benefit both travellers and local communities in IKN Nusantara. Our tours are designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising positive contributions to the region.

Part of this commitment involves supporting conservation initiatives and local projects. For instance, our tours to the Samboja Lestari orangutan sanctuary include opportunities for guests to learn about rehabilitation efforts and contribute to ongoing conservation work. Similarly, visits to Balikpapan mangroves highlight the importance of preserving these vital ecosystems.

By choosing our tours, you not only experience the rich cultural and natural heritage of East Kalimantan but also play a part in ensuring its preservation for future generations. We encourage guests to engage with local communities, respect cultural norms, and support sustainable practices during their visit.

Local Culinary Experiences: Taste the Flavours of East Kalimantan

Exploring IKN Nusantara isn’t just about landscapes and landmarks; it’s also an opportunity to indulge in the rich culinary heritage of East Kalimantan. The region’s cuisine is a lively blend of indigenous and Malay influences, offering a diverse array of flavours that are bound to delight any palate.

As part of our private and small-group tours, guests have the chance to sample authentic local dishes, often prepared using traditional methods. A visit to a local market can be arranged, where fresh produce and spices provide a sensory feast. You’ll find:

• Soto Banjar: A fragrant chicken soup with rice cakes, often garnished with crispy shallots and lime.
• Ayam Cincane: Spicy grilled chicken marinated in a mixture of galangal, turmeric, and lemongrass.
• Pisang Gapit: A popular dessert of grilled bananas served with a luscious palm sugar sauce.

These culinary experiences can be woven into your itinerary, allowing you to savour the tastes of the region while enjoying the sights. If you opt for a street food tour or a seated dinner at a traditional restaurant, the flavours of East Kalimantan are sure to be a memorable part of your journey.

Wildlife Encounters: Discover the Biodiversity of Kalimantan

East Kalimantan is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering numerous opportunities to observe its unique biodiversity. Our bespoke tours provide access to some of the region’s most fascinating natural habitats, promising encounters with a variety of species.

The Samboja Lestari sanctuary is a highlight for many visitors, home to orangutans and sun bears, both of which are native to Borneo. A guided visit can be included in your itinerary, offering insights into conservation efforts and the chance to see these creatures up close.

Additional wildlife experiences can be tailored to your interests, including:

• Mangrove Exploration: Cruise through Balikpapan’s mangroves to spot proboscis monkeys and a variety of bird species.
• Bird Watching: Early morning excursions to observe the rich avian life, with species such as hornbills and kingfishers.

These wildlife encounters are designed to enhance your understanding of Kalimantan’s ecological richness, providing unforgettable moments in the heart of nature. Our expert guides ensure that each experience is both informative and respectful of the delicate ecosystems you visit.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this emerging capital and its natural wonders. Plan your trip on WhatsApp for a seamless, tailored experience.

Filed under: Charter Guides