Kerinci Seblat National Park

Kerinci Seblat National Park represents several ecosystem types: lowland rain forest, sub-alpine, peat swamp, freshwater swamps and lakes.

The 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 A. decus-silvae).

Kerinci Seblat National Park has 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).

Kerinci Seblat National Park is part of the Integrated Conservation Development Project (ICDP).

Interesting locations/attractions:

Mt. Kerinci: mountain climbing and camping. At 3,805 m asl., this is the highest volcano in Indonesia, and is still active.
Gunung Tujuh Lake: 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.
Napal Licin and Kasah Caves: a cave complex, rich in stalactites and stalagmites.
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.
Ladeh Panjang Lake: research location and animal observation.

Cultural visits: the culture and traditions of the Kubu tribe are still relatively untouched.

Cultural 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.

Best time of year to visit: January to October.

How to reach the Park: Padang - Tapan - Sungai Penuh, 7-8 hours by car (278 km); Padang - Muara Labuh - Kersik Tuo, 5-6 hours by car (211 km); Jambi - Sarko - Sungai Penuh, 9-10 hours by car (500 km), and Bengkulu - Tapan - Sungai Penuh, 8-9 hours by car (417 km).


Office : Jl. Basuki Rahmat 11
Sungai Penuh 32112, Jambi
Tel. : +62-748-22250
Fax. : +62-748-22300
E-mail: btnks@pdg.vision.net.id

Declared : Minister of Agriculture, in 1982
Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK No. 192/Kpts-II/1996,
a total area of 1,386,000 hectares
Minister of Forestry and Estate Crops, SK No. 901/Kpts-V/1999,
a total area of 1,375,349.8 hectares
Location Province: West Sumatra, Jambi, Bengkulu and South Sumatra

Temperature 7° - 28° C
Rainfall 3,000 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 500 - 3,805 m asl.Geographical location 100°31' - 102°44' E; 1°17' - 3°36' S

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Siberut National Park

Siberut Island in the Province of West Sumatra is separated from the mainland by the Mentawai Strait, at a distance of about 155 km from Padang. Siberut National Park is located on the island. Some 60% of the forest area is covered by Dipterocarpaceae primary forest, mixed primary forest, swamp forest, coastal forest and mangrove forest.

The forest area of the Park is still relatively natural, with abundant large trees with an average height of 60 metres.

The Park has four primate species which are found nowhere else in the world. They are the Mentawai gibbon (Hylobates klossii), Pagai pig-tailed macaque (Macaca pagensis), Mentawai leaf monkey (Presbytis potenziani siberu), and pig-tailed leaf monkey (Nasalis concolor siberu). In addition, there are four endemic species of squirrel, 17 species of mammal and 130 species of bird, four of them endemic.

Siberut island, including Siberut National Park, has been declared by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme as a Biosphere Reserve.

Very few visitors walk through the inland parts of the Park; the main attraction so far has been the culture of the Mentawai people who live in and around the Park. The Mentawai people are among the many tribes in Indonesia who have preserved their very traditional way of life. Most of the people still adhere to animistic beliefs. Their social activities are centred around the Uma, a communal longhouse which may be occupied by 30 to 80 people.

Visiting Siberut National Park can be an unforgettable adventure, involving a combination of travelling along long rivers by boat, trekking along muddy tracks, enjoying the beauty of the tropical forest with glimpses of rare plants and animals, bathing in waterfalls, and meeting the indigenous people. The trip to Siberut island can be organized by travel bureaus in Padang and Bukittinggi, and generally includes the provision of a tour guide.

Interesting locations/attractions:

Madobak, Rokdok, Matotonan, Rorogot, Butui, Teteburuk, Selaoinan and Mailepet. Exploring the forest, kayaking/canoeing, enjoying thermal springs, waterfalls, marine tours, observing plants and animals, and cultural visits (Uma and religious dances).
Good beaches at Sagulubek and Masilok. Surfing and diving/snorkelling in the marine park or mangrove forest.

Cultural attractions outside the Park include the Gandang Tasa Festival in May and Tabuik Festival in June each year, both held in the city of Padang.

Best time of year to visit: January to September.

How to reach the Park: Padang (Muara Padang)-Muara Siberut/Muara Sikabaluan/Muara Saibi by sea: about 10 hours (3 times a week, at night).

Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK No.407/Kpts-II/1993,
A total area of 190,500 hectares
Location : Regency of Mentawai Island (Province of West Sumatra)

Temperature 22° - 31° C
Rainfall 2,900 - 3,700 mm/year
Altitude 0 - 500 m asl.
Geographical location 98°36’ - 99°03’ E; 1°05’ - 1°45’ S
Office: Jl. Raden Saleh 8C
PO Box 159 Padang, West Sumatra
Tel./Fax. : +62-751-442309
E-mail: tsiberut@indosat.net.id

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