Kerinci Seblat National Park

Kerinci Seblat National Park represents several ecosystem types: lowland rain forest, sub-alpine, peat swamp, freshwater swamps and lakes.

The forest area of the Park has 4,000 plant species which are dominated by the Dipterocarpaceae family. Endangered and endemic species of plant include Kerinci pines (Pinus merkusii strain), "kayu pacat" (Harpullia alborea), rafflesia flowers (Rafflesia arnoldi and R. hasseltii), and carrion flowers (Amorphophallus titanum and A. decus-silvae).

Kerinci Seblat National Park has 37 species of mammal, 10 species of reptile, 6 species of amphibian, 8 species of primate and 139 species of bird.

A particular attraction of this Park is the chance to observe the rhinoceros hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros sumatranus), wreathed hornbill (Aceros undulatus undulatus) and the marvelous hysterical laugh of the helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil). Visitors may also catch a glimpse of the mysterious golden cat (Catopuma temminckii temminckii); or, even more mysterious, a species of primate that walks in an upright position and can disappear rapidly amongst the trees. Local people call it "orang pendek" (short man). Kerinci Seblat National Park is part of the Integrated Conservation Development Project (ICDP). 

Interesting locations/attractions:

Mt. Kerinci: mountain climbing and camping. At 3,805 m asl., this is the highest volcano in Indonesia, and is still active.
Gunung Tujuh Lake: beautiful views and a chance to observe animals. Surrounded by seven mountains, this is the highest volcanic lake in Sumatra (2,000 m asl.), with a total area of 1,000 hectares.
Napal Licin and Kasah Caves: a cave complex, rich in stalactites and stalagmites.
Solar, Nguak and Kunyit Caves: jets of crystal-clear water from thermal springs can reach up to 15 metres in height; it is also a good location for observing animals.
Letter W: rafflesia and carrion flowers, and Sumatran rabbits.
Ladeh Panjang Lake: research location and animal observation.

Cultural visits: the culture and traditions of the Kubu tribe are still relatively untouched.

Cultural attractions outside the Park include the annual parade of cultures in November in Sungai Penuh, the Malay Culture Festival in January in Jambi, and the Tabot Festival in June in Bengkulu.

Best time of year to visit: January to October.

How to reach the Park: Padang - Tapan - Sungai Penuh, 7-8 hours by car (278 km); Padang - Muara Labuh - Kersik Tuo, 5-6 hours by car (211 km); Jambi -  Sarko - Sungai Penuh, 9-10 hours by car (500 km), and Bengkulu - Tapan - Sungai Penuh, 8-9 hours by car (417 km).

Declared : Minister of Agriculture, in 1982
Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK No. 192/Kpts-II/1996,
a total area of 1,386,000 hectares
Minister of Forestry and Estate Crops, SK No. 901/Kpts-V/1999,
a total area of 1,375,349.8 hectares
Location Province: West Sumatra, Jambi, Bengkulu and South Sumatra

Temperature 7° - 28° C
Rainfall 3,000 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 500 - 3,805 m asl.Geographical location 100°31' - 102°44' E; 1°17' - 3°36' S

Park Office : Jl. Basuki Rahmat 11
Sungai Penuh 32112, Jambi
Tel. : +62-748-22250
Fax. : +62-748-22300

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Related resources

National park in Sumatra:

• National Parks in Indonesia
• Leuser National Park - Kuta Cane, Sumatra
• Siberut National Park - West Sumatra
• Bukit Tiga Puluh National Park - Riau
• Bukit Dua Belas National Park - Jambi
• Berbak National Park - Jambi Province
• Sembilang National Park - Palembang
• Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park - Lampung
• Way Kambas National Park - Lampung