Those of you who like to climb must be familiar with the name of Mount Kerinci. This one destination offers many beautiful panoramas that can refresh your eyes and mind. Already know this one tourist attraction, Adventurers? Come on, find out various facts about Mount Kerinci through the following explanation!
Location and Height of Mount Kerinci
Mount Kerinci is located in Jambi Province with an altitude of 3,805 meters above sea level. If you have ever heard the name Sinabung, then Mount Kerinci and Mount Sinabung are also on the island of Sumatra.
Administratively, Kerinci is an active volcano which is within the area of the Kerinci Seblat National Park (TNKS). This natural object is also known by other names: Mount Gadang, Kerinci Volcano, Indrapura Peak, and Korinci.
Apart from the height of Mount Kerinci, there is also a 400 x 120 meter crater here which contains green water. Of course it is not surprising that this mountain is often the favorite target of climbers.
Mount Kerinci facts
1. The highest volcano in Indonesia
As one of the stratovolcano type volcanoes belonging to the Pacific Ring of Fire, Kerinci is the highest active volcano in Indonesia, you know.
This mountain has a crater with a depth of 600 meters and an area of 48,000 m2 at its peak. Even when camping here, you can witness the phenomenon of thin volcanic ash that usually covers the tents in the morning.
2. Origin of the name Kerinci
Actually, the origin of the name Kerinci is still being debated. There is a version that says that the word Kerinci comes from the Tamil “kurinji”, a type of flower that only exists in the highlands.
Meanwhile, according to local people’s beliefs, Kerinci’s geographical condition, which is in the middle of dense forest and steep hills, makes this area as if “locked” making it difficult for foreigners to enter. Even so, the name Kerinci itself is an adaptation of a district in Jambi, namely Kerinci Regency.
3. There are still many Sumatran tigers roaming
Did you know that the Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) including protected and critically endangered species (critically endangered) by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)?
According to data, the current population of Sumatran tigers is only around 160-167, most of which live in the Mount Kerinci area. Therefore, it is not recommended to travel or set up tents after sunset between Post 2 and Post 3 near the moss forest. This is because the area is reportedly a tiger trajectory.
4. Last Eruption of Mount Kerinci
This mountain last erupted on June 13 2021. At that time, thin smoke could be observed from the white main crater about 50 meters from the peak. Given the status is already level II (alert),
communities around Mount Kerinci and tourists are also not allowed to climb within a 3 km radius of the active crater.
5. Seeing the Indian Ocean from the Top of the Mountain
Above the peak of Mount Kerinci as high as 3,805 meters above sea level, you can see beautiful views of the cities of Jambi, Bengkulu and Padang from a distance. Not only that, you can see the expanse of the Indian Ocean directly under the roof of the clouds in the sky on the island of Sumatra.
Mount Kerinci Hiking Trail
This mountain which is often a favorite of climbers has various stages of climbing with their respective terrain conditions. Here are the details.
1. Batu Moss Stage – Shelter I
The Batu Moss track to Shelter I (2,225 masl) has a fairly steep road with a forest full of large trees. Hikers will cover a distance of approximately 3 km with a time of 2 to 2.5 hours. Near this shelter, there is also a footpath that leads directly to the source of the sediment water.
2. Batu Moss Stage I – Shelter II
Furthermore, the road to Shelter II (3,057 mpdl) feels steeper and uphill. The location of one tree with another is getting rarer so climbers must be prepared to hold on to tree roots. The travel time from Batu Lumut I itself is around 2.5 hours.
3. Batu Moss Stage II – Shelter III
The further the journey, the steeper the terrain. Moreover, the shape of the track towards Shelter III is similar to a culvert or water channel. When passing through it, you have to bend a little if you carry a large backpack. The climb takes 1 hour until finally the climbers can arrive on a large flat land.
4. Batu Lumut Stage III – Kerinci Peak
The condition of the road here is in the form of rock which is steep and open. The hike takes about 1.5 hours. Later before arriving at the top, you will find flat, rocky terrain. This is where there is a memorial to the climbers who died on Mount Kerinci.
5. Kersik Tuo Village Stage – Jungle Door
This path is a hike from the Kersik Tuo Village area to the foot of Mount Kerinci. Pintu Rimba, which is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level, is the border between the residents and the forest area.
Hikers will later pass the Sumatran Tiger Monument, then a stretch of tea gardens belonging to PTPN VIII along with fields owned by residents. Besides that, you can also take a pick-up car to save energy.
After knowing various information about Mount Kerinci, are adventurers interested in visiting there? This destination is very worthy for you to put on the list that must be climbed, especially since mountains are one of the best healing facilities, you know.