Kerinci — Sumatra's highest volcano
The Gunung Kerinci (3,805 m) is the highest volcano in Sumatra and the highest mountain in Indonesia outside Papua. It is located in the Kerinci-Seblat National Park, the largest national park in Sumatra and part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage.
The climb takes two to three days and is a serious mountain ascent: Through dense rainforest (where, with luck, the Sumatra tiger prowls through the undergrowth—the rarest large predator on Earth), over mountain meadows, and finally to the smoking summit crater, which offers a view to the Indian Ocean in clear weather.
The Kerinci Highlands are rewarding even without a summit climb: Tea plantations as far as the eye can see, the enchanting Gunung Tujuh Lake (the highest lake in Southeast Asia, at 1,996 meters in a crater), hot springs, and a coffee culture that is second to none—Kerinci coffee is among the best in Indonesia.
The region is extremely untouristic: You will hardly meet other travelers here and experience rural Sumatra in its most original form. The journey from Padang (6–8 hours) or Jambi (5–6 hours) is arduous, but that's exactly what filters out the masses.
💡 Tipp
For climbing Kerinci, you need a local guide (mandatory), good equipment (tent, sleeping bag for temperatures around 0°C at the summit), and solid basic fitness. The best time for climbing is June to September. Arrange guides through the park ranger station in Kersik Tuo—expect to pay 1,500,000–2,500,000 IDR (€90–150) for a 2-day trek including guide and porter.
