Mount Kerinci, Feel top of the highest volcano on The Archipelago
The Kerinci Volcano Mountain straddles the district of Kerinci of Jambi Province and Solok District in West Sumatra at the geographic position of latitude 141,5⁰ south and longitude 101,16⁰ east. It is a stratovolcano that reaches an altitude of 3.800 m and often referred to as Asa Gadang, Berap Kerinci, Kerinci and Puncak Indrapura.
Mount Kerinci is surrounded by vedant forest within the Kerinci Seblat National Park. Covering an area of 1,5 million hectare, the nature reserve is home to endangered species such as the tiger and rhinoceros. Mount Kerinci is among the four major destinations for mountain trekking in Southeast Asia that include Kinabalu (Sabah), Merapi (Java) and Puncak Jaya/Cartenz (Papua).
Kerinci is also the highest volcano in Indonesia, in addition to being the highest peak in Sumatra and second highest mountain in Indonesia. After two hours of ascending to the top, the mountain presents a spectacular view.
To the west, you can observe the coastal villages of Indrapura and Painan overlooking the Indian Ocean. Turning south, the cool evening breeze refreshes the air while you take in an illuminated village 3000 m below the Kerinci Valley, indicating the only sign of human existence within the vast natural landscape. Looking east and you will be astounded by an unobstructed view of Sumatra’s sweeping rainforests
Mount Kerinci, Feel top of the highest volcano on The Archipelago
Mount Kerinci is inside Kerinci Seblat National Park, where the Sumatran tiger lives. Mount Kerinci with an altitude of 3085 meters above sea level is indeed the target of both domestic and foreign climbers.
The reason is, being able to track Indonesia’s highest peak, is an extraordinary experience. In addition, natural scenery and unique and challenging tracks will certainly be the target of climbers.
Climbing Mount Kerinci starts from the Jungle Door at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level. Furthermore, climbers must cross 7 posts to arrive at Kerinci Peak. At the beginning of the climb in the form of a lush forest with a track not so uphill. While the new incline was felt, as it crossed Shelter I to the top.
The Kerinci track is certainly very long, considering the height of this mountain. Usually climbers spend 3 days 4 nights to get to the top. So, bring enough logistics when climbing Mount Kerinci.
There is something unique from the terrain of Mount Kerinci, namely the root tunnel (Terowongan Akar) is on the Shelter 2 lane to Shelter 3. It is called the root tunnel, because the roots of trees that are very large in number, are mutually wrapped to form like a long stretch Usually climbers are slightly bent when crossing these roots, so that their bags don’t get caught.
The view on and from the top of Mount Kerinci is very charming. Climbers can see residents’ settlements and gardens from a height. Citizens’ houses look like very small squares, around them are stretches of tea gardens that look green from a height. There is also a view of the sea of clouds like white cotton, which slowly runs due to the wind.
Don’t ask about the beauty of dusk and dawn on Mount Kerinci. The dark sky that slowly turns bright as the reddish horizon emerges, is a beautiful sight that is hard to come by in the middle of the city. Likewise when dusk comes. The blue sky moved, changing its orange color to shade the view.
Accommodation Near Kerinci
The city center lies at Penuh River where transportation is easily accessible, yet many adventure-seeking visitors prefer to stay at a small village known as Kerik Tuo which is the point of departure for the Mount Kerinci hike. The shortest passage leading to Penuh River is from Padang, the capital city of West Sumatra at 246 km or 8 hours away through the west coast route. For certain mountain trails, the local guide will normally request for a second guide or porter to ensure their safety and yours.
Fees can be negotiated and are typically charged on a daily basis starting from the morning of departure until returning to base. A local guide will cost you around US$ 6-7 per day and US$ 5-6 for a porter/assistant guide. An English-speaking guide will normally charge a higher rate. Hikers should negotiate the fees and confirm about the agreed price prior to departure and duration of services (whether it would be for a day or a week). Expenses for the hiking trip will be the responsibility of the client and usually include a daily pack of cigarettes for the guide (and porter). Hikers must also prepare food for all group members.