Mount Kerinci

Sumatra gets a good amount of rain throughout the year and attempting to climb Mt Kerinci during heavy rains may be risky. However, even when it is not the rainy season, some amount of rain continues to fall in the rainforest. Also, expect colder climes as you ascend higher with night temperatures dipping as low as 5°C at the base camp.

The best season to visit is the dry spell between May and September with June and July being an especially good time.

Volcanic activity: Though Mount Kerinci last erupted in 2013, it continues to spew sulphurous smoke. The overwhelming smell makes it difficult to spend much time at the summit and some climbers have also experienced breathing difficulties. It is best to trust your guide’s advice on whether it is safe to go all the way up to the summit and some have even had to abandon the trek after reaching the base camp on days when there is more smoke and ashes than usual.

Slippery slopes:  As some amount of rain is to be expected at any time of the year in the rain forests, there may be treacherous stretches which are muddy and slippery. Extreme caution is to be exercised in those stretches and the guide’s supervision is crucial. Once on the summit, do not go too close to the edge of the crater, since in modern climbing history there have been 2 casualties of climbers who have slipped and fallen inside the crater.

Going off-trail:  There have been instances where climbers have left the main trail and been lost in the forests. Again, it is extremely important to stick to the trail as suggested by the guides.

Fatigue and injuries:  Though this climb is not a technical one, it would still put a fair amount of strain on your stamina. There are possibilities of altitude sickness or exhaustion that may cause you to have to abandon the trek before reaching the summit. Also, carry emergency medicine for minor cuts and scrapes that are bound to happen on the shaggy rock surfaces.

Animal attacks:  Though the trails will lead you through thick forests, animal attacks on climbers are quite unheard of. The most likely species that will attack you are small bugs or mosquitoes, hence it is advisable to carry sufficient bug repellents on the climb.

There are climbers who have completed the Mount Kerinci hike without encountering any other person on the way. Though there have been hardly any reports of danger posed to climbers from locals, be aware at all times that this is a remote and secluded area.

A permit is needed to enter Kerinci Seblat National Park through which the trail to the summit passes. Most guides or tour operators will help to get a permit at the time of entering the National Park on the first day of your climb. A passport copy may need to be produced for securing the permit.

Police: 110

Fire: 113

Ambulance: 118

Padang International Airport with daily flights from Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Medan is the nearest airport for travelers to Mount Kerinci.

From the airport to Kersik Tua, which is the nearest village to the mountains is an 8 hour drive. It is generally advised to arrange transportation beforehand, either through your home-stay or tour operator. If you have not, you may need to seek out fellow travelers to share a minivan from the airport.

Depending on who you book with, there seems to be a lot of variance in how much it costs to climb this mountain. Remember to negotiate and confirm prices with your guide beforehand. A small national park fee should be collected either by your guide or accommodation before the climb, or by a ranger at the trailhead.

Take 3 days: Instead of the standard 2 days that are recommended for this trip, climbers may wish to take an extra day to take in the flora and fauna and really savour the experience of hiking through the lovely rainforests. Photography experts must be aware of haze that may obstruct views even in the summer.

• Climb in 1 day:  For advanced climbers, there is an option to ascend the summit and descend in a single day. The one-day climb is more weather dependent though, and must only be attempted by advanced climbers with significant experience and high fitness levels.
• Continue the trek to Gunung Tujuh Lake:  If your legs can take the exercise, you could follow your successful summit climb with a trek up the Seven Mountains Lake – the highest caldera in Southeast Asia – on the next day. A 6km uphill trek takes you to this lake rimmed by seven mountains. The hike starts from the village of Pelompek, 8kms from Kersik Tua village. You can ask your guide about this option.

The locals here are respectful of women and as with most of Indonesia, people are polite, conservative and respectful. For women travelers, Sumatra is a largely friendly region to travel alone but on this particular climb, the remoteness of the location and the fact that there may not be many others up in the mountains must be factored in while planning your trip.

There aren’t any organised races at this peak however, consider speaking to your guide for further information.

Look out for wild orchids, pitcher plants and wild ginger flowers on this scenic stretch. You may also get to hear the sounds of some of the inhabitants of the Sumatran jungles – endemic Sumatran birds and the Siamang Gibbons.