Private IKN Nusantara Tour

Starting point & Logistics

The starting point to the IKN Nusantara is via the Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport (Sepinggan) in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. From the airport, it’s a scenic two-hour drive to the new capital site, offering a comfortable and accessible start to your journey. While the eagerly awaited IKN Airport is set to open in 2026, road access from Balikpapan remains the primary route for now.

Top Sights & Specific Details

IKN Nusantara Capital Site

Spanning 256,000 hectares across the Kutai Kartanegara and Penajam Paser Utara regencies, the IKN Nusantara capital site is a monumental project, four times the size of Jakarta. Its development signifies a new era for Indonesia, making it an essential stop on your itinerary.

Bukit Bangkirai Canopy Bridge

Just a short distance from Balikpapan, the Bukit Bangkirai Canopy Bridge provides a thrilling walk among the treetops. It pairs beautifully with a visit to the serene Kemala Beach, allowing you to experience both the natural beauty and coastal charm of East Kalimantan.

Samboja Lestari Orangutan Sanctuary

Part of the 3-day East Kalimantan package, this sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to observe orangutans in a rehabilitative setting. Samboja Lestari is dedicated to conservation and offers an insightful experience into the efforts to protect these magnificent creatures.

Balikpapan Mangroves

• Location: The mangroves at Sungai Wain are known for their biodiversity and are often visited via chartered boats, providing a unique vantage point to observe the local wildlife.
• Optional Tours: These tours can be arranged locally, offering flexibility in how you choose to explore this natural wonder.

Tour Styles & Options

With a variety of styles and packages, Nusantaratours caters to every traveller’s preference, ensuring a personalised experience. Options include:

• Private Car + Driver: Enjoy the freedom of private travel with a driver-guide, crafting your itinerary to suit your pace.
• Small-group Day Tour: Join a shared group with a fixed itinerary for a more social experience.
• IKN City Tour: Focus on the highlights of the new capital site with a dedicated city tour.
• Multi-day Package: For a comprehensive journey, consider the 3-day East Kalimantan package, encompassing jungle, river, and orangutan adventures.

Available Options

• Full-day: Explore both IKN and Balikpapan in a single day.
• 2-day: Combine IKN exploration with a visit to Samboja Lestari.
• 3-day: A full immersion into East Kalimantan’s diverse offerings.

Pricing

Our indicative pricing starts at Rp 5,500,000 per person for a two-night stay, approximately $350 USD. This includes transport, guided services, and select meals. While there is no minimum participant requirement, prices are confirmed at booking, allowing for tailored group rates based on the vehicle size and duration of your tour.

What’s Included

• Private transport with a driver-guide
• Custom itinerary planning
• Entry fees to all included attractions
• Accommodation for multi-day tours
• Selected meals as per itinerary

Who It’s For

Our private IKN Nusantara tour is ideal for discerning travellers seeking a personalised and in-depth exploration of Indonesia’s emerging capital. If you a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply wish to experience the forefront of Indonesia’s development, this tour offers a unique and enriching experience.

FAQs

What is the best time to visit IKN Nusantara?

While IKN Nusantara can be visited year-round, the drier months from May to September are particularly pleasant for exploring the outdoor attractions.

Can I book a private tour for just one person?

Yes, our private tours can be customised for any number of participants, including solo travellers, ensuring a bespoke experience.

Are meals included in the tour packages?

Select meals are included in our multi-day packages, detailed in your specific itinerary upon booking.

How do I confirm my booking?

Bookings are confirmed upon receipt of payment, with pricing being indicative and tailored to your specific travel needs.

Historical and Cultural Insights

IKN Nusantara is not just a burgeoning hub of development but also a region rich in historical and cultural significance. Visitors can explore the historical narratives that have shaped this area, providing a deeper understanding of its transformation into Indonesia’s new capital.

The region is home to diverse ethnic groups, each contributing to the cultural tapestry of IKN Nusantara. The Dayak people, indigenous to this area, offer a unique insight into traditional lifestyles and customs. Visitors might have the opportunity to learn about traditional Dayak crafts, such as weaving and beadwork, which are integral to their cultural identity.

Additionally, the legacy of colonial interactions and the evolving political landscape can be witnessed through various historical landmarks and museums in nearby Balikpapan. These cultural experiences enrich the tour, offering a comprehensive view of the region beyond its natural beauty.

Environmental and Conservation Efforts

IKN Nusantara is at the forefront of environmental sustainability and conservation efforts, making it a fascinating destination for eco-conscious travellers. The city aims to integrate green policies and practices into its development plans, promising a harmonious balance between urban expansion and nature preservation.

Visitors can explore Samboja Lestari, a renowned project of reforestation and wildlife conservation. This area is a sanctuary for rescued orangutans and sun bears, providing an immersive experience into conservation efforts. Guided tours offer insight into the challenges and triumphs of rehabilitating these species, as well as the broader environmental initiatives in place.

• Reforestation projects
• Orangutan rehabilitation
• Sun bear conservation
• Community involvement in sustainability

Engagement with local conservation efforts adds a meaningful dimension to your visit, underscoring the importance of protecting Indonesia’s unique ecosystems.

Culinary Experiences and Local Cuisine

No visit to IKN Nusantara would be complete without indulging in the local culinary delights. East Kalimantan offers a diverse range of flavours, combining the rich traditions of indigenous cultures with influences from across Indonesia.

Seafood lovers will be particularly pleased with the offerings, as the region boasts fresh catches from the surrounding waters. Dishes such as grilled fish with sambal and spicy crab are popular among both locals and visitors. For those seeking a more authentic taste, traditional Dayak cuisine offers a unique gastronomic adventure, featuring ingredients sourced from the lush forests.

Many tours include culinary stops at local eateries and markets, providing a perfect opportunity to sample these dishes. Additionally, food enthusiasts can participate in cooking workshops to learn how to recreate these flavours at home, ensuring the memories of IKN Nusantara linger long after the journey ends.

Community Engagement and Local Interaction

Engagement with local communities is an integral part of Nusantara tours, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the daily life and culture of East Kalimantan’s diverse populace. Our tours include thoughtfully planned interactions that respect and benefit local residents, ensuring a genuine exchange of culture and information.

Participants may have the opportunity to visit traditional Dayak villages where local guides share insights into indigenous customs, crafts, and traditions. These experiences often include:

• Guided village tours with explanations of traditional architecture and community life.
• Workshops on traditional crafts, such as beadwork and weaving.
• Opportunities to support local economies by purchasing handmade goods directly from artisans.

Through these interactions, visitors not only gain a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage but also contribute to the preservation of its cultural identity.

Wildlife and Nature Conservation Initiatives

East Kalimantan is home to a wealth of biodiversity, and our tours aim to highlight the importance of conservation efforts in the region. Participants are introduced to projects and organisations dedicated to protecting the area’s unique ecosystems and wildlife.

Highlights of these conservation-focused excursions include:

During visits to these sites, our knowledgeable guides discuss ongoing conservation efforts and how travellers can contribute to these initiatives. Participants may also engage in activities such as tree planting or assisting in wildlife monitoring, providing a hands-on approach to conservation.

By incorporating these elements into our tours, we aim to foster a greater appreciation for the natural world and the critical efforts needed to protect it for future generations.

For further details or to begin planning your bespoke journey, plan your trip on WhatsApp today.