Mount Kerinci [Gunung Kerinci] is the highest mountain on the island of Sumatra and the highest volcano in Indonesia as well as Southeast Asia. Located on the border of Kerinci Regency, Jambi and South Solok Regency, West Sumatra, in the Bukit Barisan Mountains with an elevation of 3,805 meters above sea level. The mountain also serves as the boundary between the Kerinci Tribe and the Minangkabau Ethnic surrounded by the dense forests of Kerinci Seblat National Park, which is the habitat of Sumatran tigers and Sumatran rhinoceros.
Mount Kerinci is a stratovolcano that is still active to this day. From the summit of Mount Kerinci, one can see the beautiful views of Jambi City, Padang City, and Bengkulu City in the distance, and even the vast Indian Ocean can be clearly seen. Mount Kerinci has a crater with a size of 400 x 120 meters and contains green-colored water. To the east, there is Rawa Bento, the highest clear-water swamp in Sumatra. Behind it lies Mount Tujuh with an almost untouched crater.
Mount Kerinci is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts due to its challenging yet rewarding trails and breathtaking views. The surrounding Kerinci Seblat National Park offers a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The presence of endangered species such as the Sumatran tiger and rhinoceros adds to the allure of this majestic mountain. Whether you are an experienced climber or a casual hiker, Mount Kerinci offers an unforgettable experience for all who seek adventure in the heart of Sumatra.
Gunung Kerinci has a conical shape with a width of 13 km (8 miles) and a length of 25 km (16 miles), stretching from north to south. At its peak on the northeast side, there is a 600-meter (1,969-foot) deep crater filled with green-colored water. Until now, this crater, measuring 400 x 120 meters, is still considered active. Gunung Kerinci last erupted on January 11, 2023, and since then, according to observations from the Gunung Kerinci Observation Post, the ash column reached approximately ± 750 meters above the summit (± 4555 meters above sea level).
Gunung Kerinci is part of the Kerinci Seblat National Park (TNKS). TNKS is a conservation area covering an area of 1,484,650 hectares and is located in four provinces, with the majority in the Jambi region. TNKS itself is part of the Bukit Barisan Mountains, which stretch from north to south on the island of Sumatra. TNKS was also designated as a World Heritage Site, The Tropical Rainforest Heritage Of Sumatra (TRHS), in 2006.
The lowland plants are mainly dominated by several types of mahogany, including the giant plants Rafflesia Arnoldi and Amorphophallus Titanum. The pine trees also grow on Mount Kerinci. Due to the presence of Lake Toba and Sianok Canyon, the Leuser National Park is obstructed. As a result, some animals that are not found in the Leuser Park can be found here, such as the tapir (Tapirus indicus) and the kuskus (Tarsius bancanus).
Sumatra is home to many unique animals, including elephants, Sumatran rhinos, tigers, honey bears, and leopards, except for orangutans. Various primates such as siamangs, gibbons, long-tailed monkeys, and Presbytis melapophos can also be found here. Additionally, there are 140 species of birds.
Around Mount Kerinci, there are at least fifteen lakes, the largest of which is Lake Kerinci, followed by Lake Mount Seven. Lake Kerinci, covering an area of 4,200 hectares, is located at an altitude of 650 meters (2,130 feet), and is home to the Lake Kerinci Festival. Lake Mount Seven is a caldera lake formed in an extinct volcano, surrounded by seven peaks.
Lake Mount Seven is the highest lake in Southeast Asia, with an elevation of 1,996 meters (6,549 feet). The serene beauty of these lakes nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Mount Kerinci attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Kerinci and the unique formation of Lake Mount Seven make them popular destinations for tourists visiting the region.
Exploring the lakes around Mount Kerinci offers a glimpse into the natural wonders of Indonesia. From the lush greenery surrounding Lake Kerinci to the majestic views from the peaks near Lake Mount Seven, each lake has its own charm and allure. Whether you're a hiker, a photographer, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, a visit to these lakes is sure to leave you in awe of the stunning landscapes they offer.
Climbing
Gunung Kerinci can be reached by land from the city of Jambi to Sungai Penuh through Bangko, or by air from Sultan Thaha Airport to Depati Parbo Airport in Kerinci Regency, Jambi. It can also be accessed from Padang, Lubuklinggau, and Bengkulu. By plane, you can land in either Jambi or Padang.
The natural beauty of the landscape with its rich flora and fauna can be found from the lowlands all the way to the peak of Mount Kerinci. Not only is it great for enjoyment, but also for research and education. The climb to the summit of Mount Kerinci takes two days and two nights or two days and one night, starting from the Kersik Tuo Climbing Route in Kerinci Regency, Jambi Province.
Kersik Tuo Village is located at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level with a population consisting of plantation workers of Javanese descent, hence the local language is Javanese. From Kersik Tuo, climbers head to the TNKS Guard Post or R10 at an altitude of 1,611 meters above sea level by walking for about 45 minutes through tea plantations.
R10 Hut is the guard hut of TNKS office to monitor every visitor who will climb Mount Kerinci. From R10, climbers head to Pintu Rimba at an altitude of 1,682 meters above sea level. The distance is about 2 km with a travel time of approximately 1 hour. The terrain consists of plantations or villagers' fields, with paved roads leading up to the forest boundary.
Pintu Rimba is the initial gateway for climbing located within the forest boundary between fields and heterogeneous forests as the entrance. Pintu Rimba is situated at an altitude of 1,682 meters above sea level. Here, there is a shelter location and also a water source about 200 meters to the left. The distance to Bangku Panjang is approximately 2 km or a 30-minute walk, with a slightly sloping path entering the heterogeneous forest area.
After that, the journey continues towards Pesanggrahan or Post 1 at an altitude of 1,735 meters above sea level, where there are two shelters that can be used for resting. The terrain at Pesanggrahan is still gentle, with a distance of 2 km and a travel time of about 45 minutes crossing the forest area. Climbers can rest at Bangku Panjang Post 2, located at an altitude of 1,782 meters above sea level, but there are no shelters here. There is a river that sometimes dries up during the dry season.
To reach Pesanggrahan 2 or Pos 3, which is approximately 2 km away from Bangku Panjang, it takes around 1.5 hours. The trail enters a dense and steep forest area with slopes ranging from 45 to 60 degrees.
Pos 3 or Pesanggrahan 2 is located at an altitude of 1,982 meters above sea level and there is a hut that can be used for resting. To reach Shelter 1, the distance to be covered is about 3 km with a travel time of 2 hours. Along this path, sometimes steep terrain with slopes up to 45 degrees can be encountered, but there are also flat areas.
There is an old hut at Shelter 1, which is located at an altitude of 2,505 meters above sea level. Here, climbers can rest and set up tents. Setting up tents is mandatory at Shelter 1 - Shelter 3 (camping area). To reach Shelter 2 from Shelter 1, the distance to be covered is 2 km with a travel time of around 3 hours. Along this path, fern plants can be found in a slightly open forest condition. Shelter 2 has an altitude of 3,056 meters above sea level.