3D2N Indonesia itinerary
Southeast Asia is celebrated for its colourful heritage and lush biodiversity, and Indonesia stands as a crown jewel on its own. This luxury Indonesia itinerary showcases the nation beyond Bali’s beaches, inviting you to explore its dynamic capital cities and discover new dimensions of culture, design, and nature.
On one side, you have Jakarta, buzzing with skyscrapers and non-stop energy. On the other hand, you’ll find Nusantara — the bold new capital city in the making, surrounded by the mystical greenery of Kalimantan.
If you’re planning a quick escape abroad, this 3D2N itinerary to Indonesia will give you the best of both capitals in one stylish sweep.
How to get to Jakarta?
Image credit: Saim Munib via Unsplash
Jakarta is one of Southeast Asia’s busiest hubs, so getting there is as smooth as it gets. Its international airport, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), is the main gateway, and you’ll find plenty of direct flights from most major Asian cities.
If you’re flying in from Malaysia, there are direct flights from KLIA taking around 2 hours and 10 minutes. Both AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines offer multiple daily flights, making it easy to pick a schedule that suits you.
One-way fares start from approximately RM250 with AirAsia and around RM254 with Malaysia Airlines, while round-trip tickets typically begin at RM538 and RM456, respectively.
Once you land at CGK, the city centre is about a 45 to 60 minute drive away, depending on Jakarta’s famously unpredictable traffic.
Where to stay in Jakarta?
Finding a place to stay in Jakarta is easy, but a strategic location and comfort matter.
Just 15 minutes away from the airport with complimentary airport transfer, Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue is a stylish stay that blends Swiss hospitality with Indonesian flair.
When it comes to 5-star hotel rooms, the Premium King room stands out. Starting at RM700/night, the room features a spacious layout paired with city views that are simply magical after dark – it will get you sleeping like a baby in no time for a good night’s sleep.
To make your stay even more seamless, the hotel provides complimentary sports attire and shoes for all hotel guests to wear while vacationing at its premises – perfect for motivating you to get moving, especially when that plush bed makes staying in all too tempting.
Beyond the rooms, the hotel has a pool, fitness centre, and spa, so you can balance out your city exploring with a dose of wellness. Direct access to PIK Avenue shopping centre means you’re never more than a few steps away from shopping ‘till you drop, too.
– Day 1: Jakarta –
Morning – Pantai Indah Kapuk
Make your way to Kota Tua, Jakarta’s Old Town. Famous for its Dutch colonial architecture and charming cobblestone streets, the town will have you journeying back in time.
Image credit: Swissôtel
Start by strolling through Heritage Lane, adorned with vibrant cultural decorations that celebrate the Chinese Han community, which forms the majority of Indonesia’s population. Once you have soaked in the history, head to the man-made Pantai Indah Kapuk, a newly opened beach right in the heart of the city.
Here, you can snap stunning photos while taking in surreal ocean views without having to travel to Bali.
Afternoon – Nasi Padang and Glodok
Image credit: Swissôtel
The city heat can be overwhelming, but don’t let this stop you from exploring Jakarta’s food and cultural scene on foot. For a hearty Indonesian lunch, head over to RM Pagi Sore PIK.
Famous for its rich and flavourful Nasi Padang, the dishes here will have you digging in immediately. From tender beef rendang to spicy sambal and gulai telur, every bite showcases the bold, unforgettable flavours of Indonesia.
Once your appetite is satisfied, make your way to Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown. Just a stone’s throw from the restaurant, you can stroll past majestic Chinese temples adorned with intricate ornaments and motifs.
If you are feeling a little more creative, consider joining a local pottery workshop with Ganara Art Space. This 1-hour session offers hands-on practice and teaches the basics of pottery making. You can request it through your hotel or visit their Instagram for more details.
Evening – Letterpress Bar
Image credit: Swissôtel
Jakarta is known for its bustle and its skyline, and there is no better way to take it all in than with a drink in hand. Perched on the seventh floor of the hotel, Letterpress Bar is a hidden speakeasy with Shanghai-inspired vibes. Here, you can enjoy finely crafted cocktails, including their signature Letterpress Martini, while soaking in city views and letting the music keep you company for the night.
– Day 2: Nusantara –
Known as part of the outer islands or archipelago, Nusantara is the new capital city of Indonesia. Currently under construction, this part of Borneo in East Kalimantan is abundant in greenery and largely untouched by modernisation.
How to get to Nusantara?
Getting from Jakarta to Nusantara is straightforward: take a short domestic flight to Balikpapan, the nearest major city. The new capital city’s airport, Nusantara International Airport, is expected to be completed next year, so for now, this is the route to take.
A flight from Jakarta to Balikpapan takes around 2 hours, with multiple airlines to choose from. Once you land, it is a 2-hour drive to Nusantara. The journey is comfortable and smooth, and you can also arrange a private transfer directly from the hotel to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Where to stay in Nusantara?
At present, Nusantara has only one functioning hotel for visitors, and that is Swissôtel Nusantara. Having already stayed at its sister hotel in Jakarta, you can expect the same exceptional hospitality during your stay here. The hotel offers complimentary airport transfers as well as curated activities to help you make the most of your time in this mystical Kalimantan forest.
As for the price, a Premier Room with a king-sized bed is priced from RM400/night, inclusive of breakfast and a bathtub, as well as complimentary traditional snacks made by local brands.
Morning – nature walk
Image credit: Swissôtel
A morning in Nusantara feels different from Jakarta. Quiet, misty, and fresh, the air is a welcome change. While the new capital city is still very much under construction, this government district is already an architectural spectacle.
As you wander through, you will pass futuristic buildings, including the Minister’s office, which is shaped like the country’s national animal, the Garuda. Designed by a local architect, the building is majestic to behold, with two wings stretching into the distance.
There are also other sites worth exploring, such as the Monument, home to a larger-than-life statue of Indonesia’s founding father Ir. Soekarno. Here, you can admire the rows of tall pillars, each representing one of Indonesia’s 32 states.
Afternoon – Jamu workshop and a rejuvenating spa
Image credit: Swissôtel
Beyond the futuristic promise of a new capital city, Nusantara is steeped in cultural heritage. One unique way to dive into its traditions is through the art of jamu making. Hosted by Jamu, a local brand, this hands-on experience teaches you the basics of crafting this herbal drink.
Traditionally made from roots, spices, flowers, and other natural ingredients, jamu has been used for centuries to promote health and vitality. Even today, it remains an integral part of daily life for many locals, offering a natural boost and a taste of Nusantara’s rich wellness heritage.
Afterwards, it’s time for some well-deserved self-care at the hotel’s Pürovel Spa. Surrounded by the tranquil mystique of the rainforest, you can indulge in the Pürovel Alpine Massage (RM100/hour), a deep-tissue treatment that melts away fatigue and soothes tired feet.
Evening – Dinner at Lane’s
Image credit: Swissôtel
A blissful way to end the trip is to fill your tummy with traditional dishes, and the hotel’s Nusa Restaurant delivers just that. Focusing on farm-to-table and modern Indonesian cuisine, the restaurant serves up fresh, local ingredients in dishes that look like they belong on an IG feed.
Do note that there are no shops nearby, so it’s best to wake up early and enjoy a hearty meal at the hotel before heading out.
How to get back to KL from Balikpapan?
To get back from Nusantara to Balikpapan, you can take a two-hour drive by road to Balikpapan Airport. From there, you can catch a direct flight back to Malaysia, skipping the detour via Jakarta and saving time on your journey home.
Heading back to KL from Nusantara is just as straightforward as getting there. Since Nusantara is still under development, the nearest major airport is in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. From there, you can catch a direct flight back to KL with airlines like AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines. The flight typically takes around 3 hours, making it a comfortable hop home after your whirlwind 3D2N adventure.
Once you land in KL, you can easily continue your journey via taxi, Grab, or even the KLIA Express train if you are heading back into the city centre. Booking flights in advance is highly recommended, especially if you want to snag the best fares and avoid any last-minute hassle.
3D2N itinerary to Indonesia
Three days may not sound like much, but between Jakarta’s unstoppable energy and Nusantara’s futuristic vision, you will feel like you have travelled between two worlds.
So if it has been a while since you traveled abroad, consider visiting Indonesia for a quick getaway from home.
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Cover image adapted from: Swissôtel