How to get to Nabire

Nabire is a vibrant city in the eastern part of Indonesia, situated on the shores of a picturesque bay and serving as a gateway to the region's unique natural attractions. If you have decided to travel to Nabire, you can look forward to experiencing the authentic atmosphere of Papua, far removed from noisy tourist metropolises. When planning how to reach Nabire, it is worth studying the logistics in advance: depending on your location, the route may involve flights or a sea voyage, making the journey a true adventure.

The best way to travel to this region is by air. The city is served by Nabire Airport (IATA code: NBX), which accepts regular domestic flights. There are no direct international flights from abroad, so your route will include a connection in one of Indonesia's key transport hubs — Jakarta, Makassar, or Jayapura.

It is important to note that the new airport (Douw Aturure) is located some distance from the city limits, approximately 15 km from the centre. Unlike the old terminal, it is not within walking distance of residential areas, so upon arrival, you will need to take a taxi or arrange a transfer to your hotel. The final segment of the flight is often operated on smaller aircraft, offering impressive views of the islands from above.

Reaching Nabire by train is not possible: there is no railway infrastructure in the city or the entire region. The island of Papua, where the city is located, is characterised by difficult terrain, and a passenger railway network has not been developed here, making this mode of transport unavailable to travellers.

Neighbouring settlements, such as Kaimana, Tembagapura, or Biak, also lack railway stations. To move around this part of Indonesia, locals and tourists typically choose water transport or domestic flights.

When planning a trip to Nabire, it is important to understand that classic intercity bus services are practically non-existent here. Due to the challenging terrain and the region's geographical isolation, it is impossible to get here by land from major distant cities or other provinces of Indonesia. A unified road network connecting the coast with the rest of the island is still in the formation stage, so you will not find standard bus terminals with long-distance routes here.

The only option for land access is travelling from nearby inland highland areas, for example, from the settlement of Enarotali. However, even on these routes, instead of large tourist buses, rugged SUVs and minibuses operate, capable of traversing difficult terrain. Such a journey is often unpredictable in terms of time and is more suitable for expeditions; therefore, planes and ships remain the primary means of arrival in the city for most travellers.

Driving to Nabire is more of an extreme expedition along sections of the Trans-Papua highway under construction than a standard tourist transfer. The route from Kaimana, spanning about 600 km, will require at least 16–20 hours of travel in a powerful 4x4 vehicle, overcoming complex unpaved sections of the tropical forest. If you plan to arrive from the direction of Biak Island, the journey inevitably involves a long ferry crossing for the car, which will extend the trip by at least a day.

The option of travelling from the highland area of Tembagapura (about 300 km) involves serious logistical difficulties due to the extremely complex mountain terrain and closed industrial zones, making travel time for private transport impossible to predict. In this remote region, there are no standard taxi services with fixed meters; hiring a jeep with an experienced driver for such long journeys is discussed individually and is expensive, often exceeding the price of flight tickets.

A journey to Nabire is an immersion into a world of wild nature and authentic culture, requiring certain preparation. To ensure your trip to this remote corner of Indonesia goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions, we have compiled several useful recommendations.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate here is hot and humid year-round, so prefer light clothing made from natural breathable fabrics (cotton, linen). Be sure to bring a high-quality raincoat, comfortable footwear for trekking, and modest clothing that covers arms and legs for the evenings to protect against insects and respect local customs.
2. Transport: Public transport in the conventional sense is poorly developed. For getting around the city, it is most convenient to use "ojeks" (motorcycle taxis) — it is fast and inexpensive. If you plan to travel outside the city to natural attractions, it is better to arrange a car rental with a local driver in advance.
3. Finances: The Indonesian Rupiah is the currency used in the region. Bank cards are accepted only in major hotels and some supermarkets; ATMs are few and may not be operational. It is extremely important to carry a sufficient supply of cash, preferably in small denominations.
4. Health and Safety: Nabire is in a tropical zone, so the use of repellents is mandatory for protection against mosquitoes. Drink only bottled water, avoid ice in drinks at street cafes, and pack a first-aid kit with essential medicines, as the selection of medications locally may be limited.
5. Communication: Few people speak English here, mostly only guides and staff at the best hotels. We recommend downloading an offline translator or learning a few basic phrases in the Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia) — locals greatly appreciate such efforts to communicate.
6. Local Etiquette: Indonesians are very welcoming but conservative. Dress modestly, avoiding overly revealing outfits within the city limits. Remember that offering money, food, or greeting someone should be done only with the right hand, as the left is considered "unclean".
7. What to Avoid: Do not photograph locals without their permission, especially in traditional villages. Also, avoid discussing political topics and strictly follow the instructions of guides when visiting national parks to avoid disturbing the fragile ecosystem.
8. Connectivity and Internet: Wi-Fi in hotels can be unstable. For reliable communication, it is better to purchase a local SIM card (Telkomsel usually provides the best coverage in Papua) immediately upon arrival in the city.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid everyday inconveniences and focus on the main highlight — the incredible beauty of Cenderawasih Bay and the hospitality of the local people. Nabire is ready to surprise you; the key is to be prepared for its unique features.