| Ticket price: Free, Operational hour: 24 hours, Address: Padang, Kec. South Merapi, Kab. Lahat, South Sumatra; Folder: Location Check |
Bukit Serelo is a tourist attraction located in Wow, South Sumatra. This hill is quite famous because it was once used as a socialization for welcoming the Asian Games which was held in Indonesia in 2016 ago. Of course, that’s not the only thing that makes it popular, but also its charm and beauty.
Also known as the Index Hill and the Thumb Hill, this place has an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. High enough to see the beautiful scenery below. However, it is not easy to conquer it during the climb. The reason is, most of the field is filled with tall weeds, the view of the eye is very minimal.
In addition, the angle of inclination is also sharp, some points even reach 75 degrees. Moreover, the road that you have to go through is mostly dirt, quite slippery if it had rained before or was exposed to morning dew. For some people, this is actually a challenge in itself, let alone the many attractions it has.
The Attraction Owned by Bukit Serelo
Apart from the name mentioned above, Bukit Serelo is also known by other names, Bukit Tunjuk and Bukit Timp. All of these names refer to their unique shape. Apart from its name, it has a lot of charm that cannot be underestimated.
1. The Unique Shape of Serelo Hill
The first attraction is from the uniqueness of its shape. As previously mentioned, this hill is shaped like a fist with one finger raised. The assumptions of each person when they see it are different, depending on the picture they get. Because of this, Bukit Serelo has many other names which are also popular.
However, each point of view always shows one image, namely the finger. It is even more unique when this finger seems to point up and reminds us of the existence of the Almighty God. This hill can be used as a reminder that humans are below with all their limitations.
2. The Enchantment of Nature From the Top of the Hill
Behind the uniqueness of its shape, another attraction that you need to know is its charm. Like hills in general, Bukit Serelo also looks green and soothes the eyes. But the green color is not from the thick trees, but is more dominated by shrubs. Not many trees grow, only at some point locations.
The beauty of nature is increasingly visible when you are at the top of the hill. The Lematang River that surrounds it is quite clear to see, the blue color of the water is clear. In addition, a row of hills that looks neat is also a beautiful sight. At night, the twinkling city lights and residents’ houses look like clusters of stars falling from the sky.
3. Filled with Flora and Fauna
Bukit Serelo Lahat has an area of around 210 hectares, of course there are many to be found. Flora and fauna is what is meant, you can see various types of plants that are not necessarily found in other hills. Most of them are typical Indonesian plants, for example puspa and sungkai which are now becoming rare.
There are also many types of fauna or animals. Long-tailed macaques are one of the easiest to find. Apart from that, there are also mouse deer, deer, deer, crooks, and other typical Indonesian animals. You can meet all of these flora and fauna during the trip to the top, but it’s not guaranteed because it depends on luck.
4. Elephant Training Center Park
Not at the top of Serelo Hill, but at the bottom of the hill there is an elephant training center park. The Gajah Temperament School is the name, this place has trained at least 40 elephants to help residents’ activities. Usually, these elephants are trained to help with heavy work, such as carrying logs.
Even though it’s not the main destination, there’s nothing wrong if you take the time to stop by. Indeed, currently there are no elephant shows like circuses, nor are elephants used for riding. However, you can take the time to just take photos together to take unforgettable memories.
Address and Route to Location
Serelo Hill is located in Padang, South Merapi District, Lahat Regency, South Sumatra. Because the location is quite remote, it will take a long time if you are currently in the center of Lahat. By traveling a distance of about 55 kilometers, it will take you at least 1 hour and 30 minutes to arrive at the parking location or at the bottom of the hill.
To reach the top, you must continue on foot. The best route that can be taken from the city center point is via Jalan Lintas Sumatra. About 300 meters after crossing the Lematang River, please turn right. The road is a lot of winding, so it’s best to use a GPS or digital map.
It’s quite a long distance that you have to travel, but during the trip you are always accompanied by beauty. You also don’t get bored easily, the green color is always soothing to the eye, especially approaching the location. Leave the car window open so you can feel the fresh and pure air.
Serelo Hill Entrance Ticket Prices
Please note, Bukit Serelo is not an official tourist attraction like waterfalls or rides. With so many attractions, this place is still a hill filled with green vegetation and wild animals. That is, you don’t have to pay any fees to climb this exotic hilltop in Lahat.
However, you still have to get permission from the village authorities first. It’s not difficult, without the need to SIMAKSI like when climbing a mountain. Licensing is only a formality and data collection. Instead of an entrance ticket, you can hire a guide service to make it safer and guaranteed safety.
Interesting Activities to Do on Serelo Hill
Ever climbed a hill? Whatever hill you have visited, the activities are not much different. Exciting activities at Serelo Hill are more related to adventure. Freedom to express yourself and get to know nature will be more exciting if you do some of the following activities!
1. Tracking Towards the Top of Serelo Hill
For those who like challenges, climbing to the top is the most exciting activity. Although tired, the feeling of pride when conquering difficult terrain gives a significant impression. The trip you do is about 2 hours if you walk casually. At some point there is a post that can be used as a place to rest.
2. Enjoy the Natural Panorama
During the trip to the top, you are free to enjoy all the beauty that Bukit Serelo Lahat has. The charm of Bukit Barisan is a shame if you just pass it up. The most awaited beauty is when you are at the top, the Lematang River and plantations are only a small part of them.
3. Camping
It cannot be denied that the main goal of tourists which is also an interesting activity is camping. There are several camping locations that you can choose from, but most climbers choose the top. Not finger-like peaks, of course, because they are not very large and there is nowhere to spend the night.
4. See Elephant Training
Before or after climbing Serelo Hill, don’t forget to take the time to visit the elephant training school. This place is actually not a tourist spot, but anyone is allowed to visit as long as it doesn’t disturb. Don’t forget to capture the moment with the biggest animal, when else will you get rare moments like this.
Facilities Available in Tourist Areas
Serelo Hill is not an official tourist attraction, only a place that is used as a hiking destination by many travelers in the archipelago. As with hills in general, there are no facilities at the top. There are only springs around the hillside, please make the best use of it.
That’s what we can say about the natural tourist attraction in Lahat which has many names. Visiting this place must be physically primed because the terrain is quite difficult. In addition, don’t forget to prepare enough supplies, because there are not many facilities in Serelo Hill except in the village residents.
