Kerinci Seblat National Park is a stunning protected area of mountains, lakes, tigers, rhinos and orangutans in central west Sumatra. It is one of Indonesia’s largest national parks and features the huge Mount Kerinci as its centerpiece.
Kerinci Seblat National Park appeals to many types of visitor, including those interested in the jungle and its wildlife, hikers and birdwatchers. Hikers interested in climbing the 3,805m Mount Kerinci usually start off in the nearby village of Kersik Tua or the town of Sungaipenuh.
The mountain is Sumatra’s highest, although you’ll need to check ahead with the park’s rangers regards the volcano’s activity to see if you can visit the summit. There are three main hikes in Kerinci Seblat National Park: to the summit of Mount Kerinci, treks to camps two and three, and hikes to the crater lake of Mount Tujuh.
Allow two days and a night to hike the summit and back from Kersik Tua. Here you will find a decent spread of accommodation and tourist facilities although Sungaipenuh, 50kms away, is the gateway town.
Getting There & Away
The best way to get to Kerinci Seblat National Park is to fly to Padang’s Minangkabau International Airport, 130kms to the northwest. Flight time from Jakarta is 1 hour, 30 minutes and there are several flights a day. Buses run direct to Kersik Tua from Padang in about 7 hours and to Sungaipenuh in 10 or 11 hours.