Sungaipenuh is a small town in the extreme west of Jambi Province, central Sumatra. It’s a pleasant, friendly town and the chief center for access to nearby Kerinci Seblat National Park.
It’s worth spending a bit of time in Sungaipenuh before heading out to Kersik Tua and ultimately Kerinci Seblat National Park. A must-see is the impressive Pondok Tinggi neighborhood, which contains many old buildings including the Mesjid Agung mosque. Sungaipenuh’s main market is also worth checking out and there are plenty of restaurants that do Jambi and West Sumatra food justice.
The main reason for coming here is the trekking in Kerinci Seblat National Park, and specifically Mount Kerinci, a lofty 3,805m volcano affording stunning vistas. Hikes generally start from nearby Kersik Tua, 50kms north of Sungaipenuh, and tours often take in the Mount Tujuh Lakes as well.
Getting There & Away
Although in Jambi, Sungaipenuh is best reached via Minangkabau International Airport in Padang, West Sumatra - a 1-hour, 30-minute flight from Jakarta. Flights also come in from Medan, Bandarlampung, and Banda Aceh. The bus trip to Sungaipenuh from Padang’s airport is direct but takes around 10 hours.
Things to Do
Sungaipenuh Attractions
- Pondok Tinggi district
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This is the older and most interesting part of sungaipenuh, containing the 1874 mesjid agung mosque.
Side trips from Sungaipenuh
- Kerinci Seblat National Park
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One of the main attractions in jambi province contains the massive mount kerinci, which has superb hiking.
Events
- Parade of Cultures
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A colorful and interesting festival in november in sungaipenuh.