TAMAN NASIONAL
KERINCI SEBLAT
Geographical location 100°31 - 102°44 E ; 1°17 - 3°36 S
Administrative Location : Provinsi Jambi, Provinsi Sumatera Barat,
Provinsi Bengkulu and Provinsi Sumatera
Selatan.
Area : 1,386,000 hectares
Temperature : 7° - 28° C
Rainfall : 3,000 mm/year (on average)
Altitude : 500 - 3,805 masl.
Best time to visit : January - October.
(Kerinci Seblat National Park) represents several ecosystem : lowland
rain forest, sub-alpine, peat swamp, freshwater swamps and lakes.
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 Adecus-silvae). Also 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).
Interesting locations/attractions :
Gunung Kerinci : mountain climbing and camping. This mountain towering
at 3,805 masl on the summit, this is the highest volcano in Indonesia, and is
still active.
Danau Gunung Tujuh : 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.
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.
Danau Ladeh Panjang : research
location and animal observation.
Cultural visits : the culture and traditions of the Kubu tribe are
still relatively untouched. Also some 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.