Understand

Kerinci Seblat is not just any national park in Indonesia - it's one of the largest! Spanning an area of almost 14,000 square kilometers, this magnificent park is situated in central western Sumatra, along the Barisan mountain range. With its stunning tropical rainforests and diverse terrain, it covers parts of four provinces, offering a truly immersive experience for nature lovers. From the captivating lowland forests to the majestic peak of Mt Kerinci, which stands tall at 3,805 meters, there is so much to explore and discover. Kerinci Seblat is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, it is also one of the most important tiger reserves in the world. Get ready for an awe-inspiring adventure like no other!

Get in

Wings Air and Susi Air are your options for getting to Kerinci's Depati Parbo Airport (KRC) from Jambi's Sultan Thaha Airport (DJB). These flights, which cost around 330,000 IDR, offer a convenient way to reach the valley. However, keep in mind that the frequent cloudy weather in the area can cause delays and cancellations without notice. So, if you choose this method, make sure your schedule is flexible. If you prefer a quicker access to the Kerinci area, you can fly into Padang's Minangkabau International Airport. This airport offers daily flights from Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Medan. From Padang, it takes about seven hours to reach the national park. Alternatively, you can fly into Jambi or Bengkulu airports, which have flights from Batam, Jakarta, and Palembang. From Jambi, it takes around 5 or 6 hours to reach Bangko and 8 hours to reach Kerinci. Bengkulu airport is a better option for visits to North Bengkulu and the Curup area of the national park. Transportation costs between Padang and Kerinci amount to approximately 130,000 IDR for a seat in a shared taxi. The fixed departure times for these taxis are around 9am and 7pm. Another option is hiring a private car and driver for around 900,000 IDR, which includes gas and offers more flexibility in departure times. You can also contact your hotel or homestay in advance to arrange for personal transport such as a car, van, or bus for your trip. Moreover, there are reliable travel minibus and share taxi services available from Padang, Jambi, and Bengkulu to district capitals that border the park. The travel time from Padang to Kerinci (Sungaipenuh) or Bangko is around six to seven hours by bus, while the journey from Jambi city to Bangko takes five hours. It takes three hours to reach Curup from Bengkulu city and four hours to reach the elephant sanctuary at Seblat from Bengkulu city. When landing at Padang airport, it is more convenient to take the airport DAMRI buses into town rather than dealing with taxi drivers. Spending the night in Padang before heading to the park is recommended. Your hotel can assist you in finding travel or shared taxis to Kerinci. Additionally, you can reach out to guides and travel companies such as Wild Sumatra who can arrange pickup directly from the airport. If you prefer public transportation, there are public buses and local angkot minibuses available. However, be prepared for crowded buses, limited space for bulky luggage, and frequent stops. For local travel between the Kerinci towns of Kersik Tuo and Sungai Penuh, angkot minibuses are a convenient and affordable option. The hour-long ride typically costs around 10-15,000 IDR. Just avoid the back seat if you prefer a more comfortable journey.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Nasi Goreng is a popular Indonesian dish, which literally translates to 'fried rice'. It is typically made with a blend of white and fried rice, accompanied by a variety of ingredients including eggs, chicken, shrimp, or beef, along with vegetables such as carrots, peas, and green onions. Seasoned with soy sauce, salt, and sometimes chili, Nasi Goreng offers a savory taste and can be found throughout Indonesia as a staple meal.

Sate is a diverse category of dishes found across Southeast Asia, but it holds a special place in Indonesian cuisine. Made of seasoned, skewered, and grilled meats, Sate can feature various types of protein, including chicken, beef, goat, or even offal. These skewers are traditionally served with a spicy peanut sauce and often accompanied by rice or other side dishes. Sate is a favorite street food in Indonesia and caters to both those who prefer meat or vegetarian options.

Rendang is a traditional Indonesian beef curry that is slow-cooked to achieve a tender and succulent texture. The meat is cooked in coconut milk, causing it to absorb the spices and become infused with their flavors. Rendang typically features a combination of spices like lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and chilies, alongside other regional variations. This hearty, flavorful dish is often served over rice and enjoyed during festive occasions or as a comforting meal.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing