Kerinci Seblat National Park

Kerinci Seblat Overview

Kerinci Seblat National Park (Taman Nasional Kerinci Seblat), located on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, spans an impressive 5,355 square miles (13,791 square kilometers) and is the largest national park on the island. It stretches across four provinces: West Sumatra, Jambi, Bengkulu, and South Sumatra.

The park forms a vital part of the UNESCO-listed Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, recognized for its extraordinary biodiversity and vital role in preserving Indonesia’s natural heritage.

The park’s terrain is characterized by rugged mountains, verdant rainforests, and expansive valleys. Dominated by the Barisan Mountain range, Kerinci Seblat is home to Mount Kerinci, an active volcano and Indonesia’s tallest peak outside Papua, standing at 12,484 feet (3,805 meters). The park also features pristine lakes, such as Lake Gunung Tujuh, the highest volcanic lake in Southeast Asia, surrounded by dense montane forests.

Waterfalls cascade through the park’s steep ravines, adding to its dramatic landscapes. The vegetation varies from lowland dipterocarp forests to montane and subalpine zones, with diverse plant life, including rare orchids, rafflesia flowers, and pitcher plants.

The park’s wildlife is as diverse as its landscapes. Kerinci Seblat serves as a crucial habitat for the critically endangered Sumatran tiger, with an estimated 165 individuals residing within its boundaries. Visitors may also encounter other rare mammals like the Sumatran rhinoceros, Malayan sun bear, clouded leopard, and Asian golden cat.

The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting over 370 bird species, including the endemic Sumatran ground-cuckoo and Salvadori’s pheasant. Its rivers and wetlands support a wide variety of amphibians, reptiles, and fish species, contributing to the region’s ecological richness.

Popular features of Kerinci Seblat include Mount Kerinci, a magnet for climbers seeking to conquer its summit and enjoy panoramic views. Lake Gunung Tujuh attracts hikers and photographers with its serene beauty, while the park’s numerous waterfalls, such as Telun Berasap, offer tranquil retreats. Cultural experiences abound, as the park is home to traditional villages and the Kerinci people, known for their unique heritage and agricultural practices.

Visitors can engage with the park in various ways, from challenging treks up volcanic slopes to birdwatching expeditions in the rainforest. Guided tours provide opportunities to explore wildlife-rich areas, while eco-lodges and community-based tourism initiatives allow immersion in local culture and conservation efforts. The park’s vast network of trails caters to adventurers of all skill levels.

Kerinci Seblat faces significant conservation challenges, including illegal logging, poaching, and encroachment for agriculture. However, its management has achieved notable successes, such as community-based conservation programs and anti-poaching patrols. Partnerships between local communities, government agencies, and international organizations continue to bolster efforts to preserve this critical ecosystem for future generations.

Park Map

Kerinci Seblat National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Kerinci Seblat National Park is also a haven for bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The park is home to an impressive array of avian life, many of which are rare and endemic to the region.

Sumatran Cochoa
This colorful bird, with its striking blue and purple plumage, is endemic to Sumatra. It inhabits montane forests and is often found foraging for insects and fruits.

Salvadori’s Pheasant
A rare and endemic bird of Sumatra, this pheasant is known for its beautiful iridescent plumage and preference for dense forest undergrowth.

Rhinoceros Hornbill
One of the largest hornbill species, it is easily recognizable by its impressive casque. This bird plays a crucial role in seed dispersal in the park’s forests.

Banded Pitta
A vibrantly colored ground-dwelling bird, the banded pitta is often found in lowland forests, where it forages for insects and small invertebrates.

Sumatran Ground Cuckoo
This elusive and highly endangered bird is endemic to Sumatra. It prefers dense forest habitats and is known for its secretive nature.

Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher
This small and brightly colored kingfisher, with its vibrant orange and blue plumage, is often seen near streams and rivers, hunting for small fish and insects.

Crested Serpent Eagle
A medium-sized raptor, this eagle is known for its sharp eyesight and distinctive call. It hunts for reptiles and small mammals in the park.

White-Bellied Woodpecker
One of the largest woodpecker species, it has a striking black and white coloration and a loud drumming sound that echoes through the forest.

Wreathed Hornbill
This majestic bird, with its large bill and colorful casque, is often seen flying high above the canopy. It is an important seed disperser in the ecosystem.

Mountain Scops Owl
A small, nocturnal bird, this owl is known for its distinct call and excellent camouflage, blending seamlessly with the tree bark during the day.

Kerinci Seblat National Park is one of Indonesia’s largest and most biodiverse protected areas. Located on the island of Sumatra, this park is part of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including rare and endangered species.

Sumatran Tiger
This critically endangered tiger is one of the most iconic species of the park. Known for its striking coat and smaller size compared to other tiger subspecies, it is a solitary predator that plays a vital role in maintaining the park’s ecosystem.

Sumatran Elephant
This subspecies of the Asian elephant is smaller than its mainland relatives. It is a highly intelligent and social animal that forms tight-knit herds, roaming the park’s forests and grasslands.

Sumatran Rhinoceros
One of the rarest mammals in the world, the Sumatran rhinoceros is a critically endangered species. It is the smallest of all rhino species and is distinguished by its hairy coat and dual horns.

Clouded Leopard
This elusive and arboreal big cat is known for its beautiful, cloud-like patterned fur. It is a skilled climber and an apex predator in its habitat.

Malayan Tapir
This large, herbivorous mammal is easily recognizable by its distinctive black-and-white coloration. It is mostly nocturnal and uses its excellent sense of smell to locate food.

Sun Bear
The smallest bear species in the world, the sun bear is known for its short black coat and unique chest patch, which varies in shape and color. It is an adept climber and spends much of its time in trees.

Dhole
Also known as the Asiatic wild dog, this highly social and cooperative carnivore lives and hunts in packs. Its reddish coat and bushy tail make it a striking sight in the wild.

Gibbon
These acrobatic primates are known for their loud, melodic calls and incredible agility as they swing through the treetops. Their presence is often heard long before they are seen.

Asian Small-Clawed Otter
The smallest otter species, this playful and highly social animal is often found near rivers and wetlands within the park. It uses its dexterous paws to catch prey like fish and crustaceans.

Porcupine
These spiny rodents are nocturnal creatures that use their quills for defense. They forage for roots, tubers, and fruits and are important seed dispersers in the ecosystem.