Indonesia – Mt Kerinci

Experience Required

This trek is graded 2B+. It is a 2-day intense summit climb with camping support, and trekkers should be prepared for long, demanding days on their feet.

Mt Kerinci involves a continuous ascent from farmland and tea plantations into dense rainforest, followed by steep volcanic terrain above 3,300m. It is ideal for those who already have trekking experience below 3,000m, but it still demands good fitness and strong endurance.

You will be trekking through humid jungle, root-laced paths, mossy forest sections, and exposed volcanic slopes, carrying a personal load of about 5–6kg (we hire porters to support trekkers with personal load). Expect 6-8 hours of trekking each day as you make your way toward Shelter 3 and beyond.

Summit day is the most demanding part of the trek. From Shelter 3, it takes about 2 hours to reach the summit, but the ascent is steep and requires careful footing and sustained effort. After enjoying the views at the crater rim, you return to Shelter 3, pack up, and continue descending to the base, making it a long and physically challenging day that tests both endurance and stamina.

Equipment and Gear

For the trek to base camp, lightweight and breathable clothing such as a quick-dry t-shirt or trekking shirt, along with trekking shorts or pants, is recommended. In the evenings and for the summit push, layering is essential: a thermal base layer, an insulating layer like a fleece jacket, and a waterproof, windproof outer shell. Be sure to bring rain gear and protect your backpack with a waterproof cover.

A packing list will be provided to all our participants. Please refer to our Resource Centre page for information on the layering system and how to choose the right gear/equipment for your trek.

We have planned this as a 6-day trip. Because the drive between the airport and the village near Mt Kerinci is quite long, we have arranged the journey to be broken up with stops at selected scenic and cultural spots. This not only lets trekkers soak in the local ambience, but also reduces fatigue and avoids overly long stretches on the road, which is important for comfort and safety. For the return journey, we also ensure that the drive takes place in daylight hours to avoid long periods of night driving.

We can also arrange a 4-day trip, but do note that the schedule would be very tight. With the shorter duration, there will be limited time to rest before the Mt Kerinci trek, and most of the remaining hours will be spent on the road. This means less opportunity to enjoy the surroundings, fewer breaks between long drives, and a more physically demanding overall experience. 

Note: The above itinerary has been planned with the assumption of a direct flight from Singapore to Padang. 

For trips without a AAE Trek Leader – please contact us.  Send an email to us at [email protected]

Inclusions

• Accompanying trek leader from Singapore
• Return airport transfer in Padang
• All land transfer as in itinerary
• Meals as in itinerary
• Bottled drinking water, coffee & tea on trek
• Accommodation: Hotel/Homestay in town (twin/triple sharing). Sleeping tents (twin sharing) during trek
• Camping service: Sleeping tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat
• Trek support: Trekking guides and porters. Porters will carry the communal equipment as well as up to 5kg of personal load per trekker (guides & porters also double up as cook to prepare meals during the trek)
• Summit support: Trekking guides with selected porters
• Permits and fees: Conservation and National Park fees

Exclusions

• International air tickets, airline taxes and fuel surcharge
• Visa fee (if any)
• Single supplement
• Meals not indicated in itinerary
• All tipping
• Personal porter
• Personal travel insurance (mandatory to cover travel agent insolvency and trekking up to 4000m)
• Personal expenses like shopping, laundry, etc.
• Personal travel and trekking gear
• Compensation for damaged or lost of personal items (e.g. climbing/trekking gear and equipment, cameras, and any valuable items, etc.)
• Emergency evacuation and medical expenses
• Any expenses including accommodation, meals & transfer outside the stipulated trek/climb itinerary – i.e. any person leaving the group for personal travel, illness/injury or any form of extension of stay

Pre-trip Support

1. Trip briefing and information kit
2. Gear list
3. Complimentary group training sessions

Local Support

We work closely with our trusted local partners on Mt Kerinci to provide a safe and reliable trekking experience. While the support infrastructure on Mt Kerinci is more basic compared to other popular peaks, our local guides are familiar with the mountain, the surrounding environment and the trail conditions, and are able to provide assistance in the event of an emergency.

Visa

Nationals of 169 countries may enter Indonesia visa free for up to 30 days stay that cannot be extended.

For countries not listed above, or you require a longer stay, please check eligibility for Visa On Arrival at http://www.imigrasi.go.id/apply_ri/tourism/visaonarrival/.

For latest updates and details of visa application, please visit http://www.imigrasi.go.id

Money

In Lombok, there are moneychangers located in the tourist areas of Sengiggi, Mataram and Gili Islands. The rates at the moneychangers tend to be better than those offered in the hotels and banks. Double count your money before leaving the moneychangers to make sure the accurate amount is given.

ATM machines are available in the same tourist areas of Sengiggi, Mataram and Gili Islands, and work with the international network such as Cirrus, Maestro, Plus. It is advisable to take cash with you when travelling to the more remote areas such as Sembalun and Senaru, as the nearest ATM can be a few hours’ drive away.

Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard, are accepted mainly by the larger hotels, major stores and some restaurants in the major tourist areas. The smaller and local establishments in these tourist areas and most places outside the major tourist areas accept only cash payment in Indonesian Rupiah.

Electricity

Indonesia’s electricity is 230 Volt and 50 MHZ. The electric plug is the two round pins plug, Types C and F, commonly used in Europe.

Language 

The official language of Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia. Most Indonesians also have their own ethnic language or dialect. In Lombok, many of the more traditional and/or remote locals speak Sasak. English is not widely spoken but an acceptable level can be understood in the major cities. Hotel and tourist service staff has at least a basic level of English.

Drinking Water

It is strictly not recommended to drink water straight from the tap. Bottles of mineral water can be easily purchased in hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. Many hotels also provide a small bottle of complimentary mineral water per day to each guest.

Tipping

Giving a tip to tour guides is a common practice in Indonesia but other service staff in hotels, restaurants and taxi drivers in general do not expect a tip from tourists. Service charge of 11% is included in hotels and some restaurants include 5-10%.

Travel Safety Advice

With evolving world situations that may occur unexpectedly due to natural disasters, pandemics/epidemics, conflicts and unrests, it is best to read up and keep tabs on news and developments at your destination country and region before the trip. Check on the country’s official website and/or your own foreign ministry website for any travel advisory or safety precautions to be taken while abroad.

As with traveling in anywhere in the world, regardless of the local crime rate, stay vigilant and take care of personal safety. Good to read up on any possible exposure in the country prior to departure.

It is a good practice to register with your respective foreign ministry if there is such a service provided to citizens, to contact you in order to make sure that you are safe and, if need be, assist you should an emergency (e.g. natural disasters, civil unrest, etc.) occur when you are overseas.

For Singaporeans, this is the link to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ eRegister:
https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/preLoginEregisterView.action

Travel Insurance

It is highly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance(s), upon payment of your trip, to cover adverse situations that may occur while you are overseas or even before departure. Ensure that the coverage is suitable for your destination and the activities that you are participating in. Be familiar with the terms and conditions before purchasing and travelling abroad.

Travel Immunization Advice

There is no compulsory vaccine to be taken to enter Indonesia. You should, however, be up to date on routine vaccinations, especially vaccines against water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (examples: hepatitis, typhoid and tuberculosis) while traveling to any destination. You are encouraged to consider having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition.

Recommended routine vaccinations for travellers in general:

For more information and professional advice on travel vaccinations, please consult your doctor or travel clinic.

For people residing in Singapore, you may visit The Travellers’ Health and Vaccination Clinic (THVC) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital:

Travellers’ Health & Vaccination Clinic
Address: Level 4, Clinic 4B, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Medical Centre
Contact number: 6357 2222
Website : https://www.ttsh.com.sg/Patients-and-Visitors/Medical-Services/Travellers-Health-and-Vaccination-Clinic/Pages/default.aspx

General Health Advice for Indonesia

Indonesia’s climate is entirely tropical, meaning it is generally hot and sunny all year round. Mosquito & insect bites and sunburn are typical health concerns in such a tropical place, particularly for those who stay outdoors for long hours.

Mosquito and insect bites are common in the lowland areas in Indonesia, especially in the jungle or on the beach. Apart from acting as carriers of disease, mosquito & insect bites can result in unpleasant and occasionally serious skin reactions. You are advised to take measures to avoid mosquito and insect bites, including using an insect repellent at all times and wearing long, loose fitting, light coloured clothing in the evenings. Some simple ways to minimisation of exposure to mosquitoes:

• Avoid dark coloured clothing as it attracts mosquitoes as do perfume, cologne & after-shave.
• Clothing to cover arms and legs in the evenings.  It is common for mosquitoes to attack leg/ankle region.
• Apply mosquito / insect repellents diligently.