When you step onto the trail of Mount Kerinci, you are not just entering a hiking path; you are entering a living, breathing ecosystem. Covering over 1.3 million hectares, the Kerinci Seblat National Park is the largest national park in Sumatra and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Unlike the open volcanic sands of Java, Kerinci is a dense tropical rainforest. For us at Kerinci Paradise, the philosophy of “More Than Summit” means opening your eyes to the life around you. From the moss beneath your boots to the canopy above, this is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
The Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) is the soul of Kerinci Seblat National Park. According to data from FFI (Fauna & Flora International), the 1.39 million hectares of Kerinci Seblat National Park is home to an estimated population of 150–200 individuals. This is a critical habitat for this critically endangered species.
Will you see one on the trek? Let me be honest with you. In my 15 years of guiding on Mount Kerinci, I have never crossed paths with a tiger on the main Kersik Tuo trek.
Why? Because the tiger is smart and avoids contact.
Human Activity: Tigers avoid areas with human noise. As the main climbing route became popular, they stayed in the unmapped zones.
Topography: The Kersik Tuo route is extremely steep. Tigers are energy-efficient hunters; they do not like to hunt on vertical slopes that require extra effort.
However, they are still here. During the 2-year closure of the mountain (due to volcanic activity and the pandemic), National Park Rangers patrolling the empty trails found fresh tiger footprints between Pos 2 and Pos 3. It was a reminder: when the humans leave, the nature returns.
Where do they actually live? They occupy the wilder territories where hikers rarely go:
The West Side of Mount Kerinci and Mount Kerinci trek via Solok Selatan.
The foothills leading to the East Side of Lake Gunung Tujuh.
The deep wilderness of Mount Lumut, where many famous camera trap videos on YouTube are recorded.
While you won’t see them on your summit push, knowing you are walking in the same mountain range as 200 wild tigers creates a unique feeling that you cannot find anywhere else in Indonesia.
If you camp in the forest, you won’t need an alarm clock. The Siamang Gibbon (Symphalangus syndactylus) will wake you up.
These black-furred primates are endemic to Sumatra and are famous for their loud, booming calls that echo through the valleys. This is the true soundtrack of Kerinci Seblat National Park.
The Primates: Siamang & Simpai Siamang are the kings of the canopy. You can spot them swinging effortlessly from Pintu Rimba up to Shelter 1. However, they are tough climbers we occasionally spot them venturing as high as Shelter 2 (3,100 masl), braving the colder altitude.
Living side-by-side with them is the Sumatran Surili, known locally as Simpai. Unlike the all-black Siamang, the Simpai has distinctive golden-brown fur. They are generally shy but share the same canopy in the lower montane forest.
The Agile Climber: Squirrels (Tupai) As you climb higher into the mossy forest around Pos 3, the large primates fade away, but life continues. Here, you will easily find Squirrels (Tupai). While not primates, these agile rodents are constant companions on the trail, often seen darting across the moss-covered roots and trees, curious about passing hikers.
For ornithologists and birdwatchers worldwide, Kerinci Seblat National Park is a top-tier destination. The park is home to over 370 bird species, with 60 of them being endemic to the region a density that is hard to match anywhere else.
While the trail from Pintu Rimba to Pos 3 offers fantastic sightings, the legendary Bukit Tapan Road is known for having the highest concentration of bird species in the national park.
Here are the stars of the show:
Other Rare Endemics: Keep your eyes (and binoculars) open for other Sumatran treasures such as the Sumatran Trogon, the elusive Sumatran Cochoa, and the Red-billed Partridge which frequent the lower montane forests.
Speaking of lower forests, the trail to Lake Kaco: The Blue Crystal Lake is a hidden gem for birders. Its dense vegetation and quiet atmosphere creating the perfect habitat for spotting these colorful winged gems away from the main climbing route.
As you ascend, the Flora of Kerinci changes dramatically. It is a journey from the deep jungle floor to the open alpine zone.
The Fairy Tale Forest (Pos 3 – Shelter 1) Entering this zone feels like stepping into a movie set. The trees are twisted, ancient, and completely covered in thick green moss and hanging epiphytes. Massive ancient roots form a rugged natural staircase, creating a steep and technical path that defines the true character of the Kerinci trek.
The Carnivores: Pitcher Plants (Shelter 2) Keep your eyes on the ground around Shelter 2. Here, you will find the alien-looking Nepenthes (Kantong Semar). These carnivorous plants thrive in the nutrient-poor soil, waiting to trap insects in their liquid-filled cups.
For a deeper dive into unique ecosystems, the trek to Lake Gunung Tujuh offers a completely different floral landscape. The moist crater rim is a sanctuary for diverse pitcher plants and rare orchids that you won’t find on the volcanic ridge.
The Survivor: Edelweiss (Shelter 3) In the harsh, windy zone near the summit, only the toughest survive. The Javanese Edelweiss (Anaphalis javanica) grows here. While beautiful, please remember: Take nothing but pictures.These flowers are protected, and picking them is strictly forbidden.
The Giant Bloom: Rafflesia gadutensis Beyond the summit trail, the lower forests of Bukit Tapan and Sako hide a rare giant. This is the home of Rafflesia gadutensis, a parasitic flower known for its massive size and distinct pattern. Unlike the iconic Rafflesia arnoldii, this species is slightly smaller but equally mesmerizing and endemic to Sumatra.
Finding one in bloom requires luck and local knowledge. If you want to hunt for this rare flower, ask us about our specialized Rafflesia Jungle Trek adventure.
At Kerinci Paradise, we believe that climbing Indonesia’s highest volcano is not just about conquering altitude; it is about respecting the ecosystem.
We are guests in their home. Whether it is the elusive tiger or the curious squirrel at Pos 3, we adhere to a strict No-Feeding Policy. Feeding wildlife harms their health and alters their natural behavior. We want the wildlife of Kerinci Seblat to remain wild, not dependent on human handouts.
Guides as Naturalists Our guides are trained to do more than just carry supplies. They are your eyes in the jungle. They know the call of the Hornbill and the hiding spots of the Pitcher Plants. They ensure you get the best photo opportunities without disturbing the peace of the forest.
Ready to walk on the wild side? To experience the full biodiversity of the region, we highly recommend our Combo Trip. This itinerary takes you through two distinct habitats the volcanic ridge and the caldera rainforest giving you the best chance to spot Sumatra’s hidden gems.
