The Kerinci Seblat National Park comprises an area of 1.5 million ha in four provinces: West Sumatra, Jambi, Bengkulu and South Sumatra. A large part of the biggest national park of Sumatra lies above 400 m and is relatively cool. The park probably contains the largest contiguous population of the Sumatran Rhino, estimated at between 250 and 500 individuals.
Due to the fact that a large part of Bukit Barisan Mountain range, including it's highest peak the Gunung Kerinci (3,805m), lies in the park, Kerinci Seblat consists of very mountainous terrain. In the mountains you will find hot springs and many rivers with rapids and scenic waterfalls. Especially around the crater-lakes of Gunung Tujuh (2604m) and Gunung Kerinci, the landscape is very beautifull.
East of Gunung Kerinci lies lake Bento, the highest freshwater swamp in Sumatra. Ladeh Panjang is probably the highest peat swamp woodland (altitude 2,000 m).
The relatively flat Kerinci valley cuts the park in two and forms the main entrance to the area. The valley is situated at an altitude of 800 m and has a population of about 300,000 people.

Access

As stated above the main entrance to the park is the Kerinci valley. In Sungai Penuh, halfway between Padang and Bengkulu, you can find several losmen. Buses to Sungai Penuh leave from Bukittinggi, Padang (10-12 hours) or Jambi (20-24 hours). Permits are available at the PHPA offices in Jambi, Padang or Sungai Penuh. Inside the park a guide is obligatory.

Accomodation

· Sungai Penuh
· Hotel Busana, Jl. Martadinata
· Hotel Matahari, Jl.Jend.A.Yani 25
· Kersik Tuo
· Several Homestays
· Pelompek
· PHPA Homestays

Adresses

· Jub Balai Konsenasi Jumbu Drya Nam Jambi
· Jub Balai Konsenasi Jumbu Drya Nam Padang
· Eco-Rural Travel Co-operative (WWF), Kersik Tuo
· PHPA Jl. Argo Selebar Daun 11, Sungai Penuh

Trekking

· Kayu Aro (1500m)-Gunung Kerinci 2 days
· Pelompek-Danau Gunung Tujuh 1 day
· Hot springs at Semurup
· Letter W waterfall
· Along the several rivers: Air Rupit, Air Seblat, Air Tebat Pelapo.

Flora

More than 4,000 plant species, including 300 species of orchids and the rare Javan Edelweiss (Anapahalis javanica) grow in the park. The world's biggest flower, the Rafflessia arnoldi and the tallest flower, the Bunga bangkai raksasa (Amorphophallus titanum) are also find here. In the forests grow trees of the Shorea and Dipterocarpus family.

Fauna

About 180 species of birds and 200 species of mammals live in the park.

Mammals

Sumatran Rhinoceros, Sumatran Elephant, Malayan Tapir, Sumatran Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Siamang, Agile Gibbon or Ungka (Hylobates agilis), Long-tailed Macaque, Malayan Sunbear, Large Flying Fox, Wild Dog, Short-eared Rabbit or Sumatran Hare (Nesolagus netscheri), Kerinci Rat (Sundamys infraluteus), Mus crociduroides, Sumatran Serow.

Birds

Schneider's Pitta (Pitta schneideri), Sumatran Scops-Owl (Otus stresemanni), Crested Wood-Patridge (Rollulus roulroul), Argus Pheasant, Salvadori's Pheasant (Lophura inornata) and several species of Hornbills, Trogons and Barbets.