Showing posts with label Trek. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trek. Show all posts
3:38:00 PM

Danau Kaco Hiking & Swimming

Enjoy a day trip through the rainforest that will take you to a pristine lake teeming with fish. Fed by underground springs, the water in Danau Kaco is crystal clear, and incredibly blue. The lake is a place of mystery, shrouded in local legend and myth. Rumor has it that no one has yet been able to discover its true depth, despite numerous attempts. After a swim, you can choose to camp for the night or head back to Lempur.

Danau Kaco Lempur
To the Lake
Drive from Sungaipenuh to Lempur, about an hour and 15 minutes. Walk through the rainforest for about 3-4 hours, crossing a creek along the way. Once you reach the lake, enjoy a swim in the cool, perfectly clear waters. When you’re satisfied, return to Lempur for a ride home.


 Optional Day 2
Spend the night at the lake, which can cast an eerily blue glow if the conditions are right. Make sure to take a night walk to try and spot eye shine in the surrounding forests. In the morning, return to Lempur and see the Waterfall.


Summary
Difficulty: Moderate
Activities: Hiking, Swimming
Terrain: Forest Trails, Hutan Adat (customary production forests)
Duration: 1 Day (Optional overnight)
Months of Operation: Year Round, but usually somewhat drier from May - September

 Travel
Location: Danau Kaco
Nearest Town: Lempur

 Conditions: The trail to the lake is pretty flat, but especially muddy in wetter seasons. Also be prepared for land leeches, which can be abundant here. Leech socks (gators) can help, but you will still be tagged a few times. The ick-factor is high at first, but you get used to them pretty quickly.

 Price includes a local guide, permits, lunch, and transport within Kerinci to and from the trail head. Price per person reduced with more than two travelers, but usually limited to a max of four people to lessen the impact on the environment.

 BOOK HERE
explorekerinci@gmail.com
Watsapp : +6281366319255
Read more
Posted by
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,
2:22:00 PM

Danau Gunung (Mt.) Tujuh

This mountain is just across from Mt. Kerinci, but is a much easier (3-4 hour) hike. At about 2,000 meters you will find a large, pristine crater lake surrounded by virgin rainforest and seven mountain peaks that rise for another 800 meters or so. It’s the highest volcanic crater lake in SE Asia. At the top, if your guide has arranged for it ahead of time, you can rent some of the local fisherman’s dugout canoes and paddle across the lake to set up camp.



Gunung Tujuh is a massive, extinct volcano whose eruption in ancient times blew apart the top of the mountain, eventually forming a large, 4.5 km long lake in the crater left behind. Being completely within the Kerinci Seblat National Park, the surrounding peaks (of which there are 7 – hence the name “Tujuh” in Indonesian), are covered in primary rainforest, and home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife. Supposedly, the lake, at around 2000 meters, is the highest in Southeast Asia. Being up there, with the clouds clinging to the primeval forests all around, it truly feels like you’ve stepped into a prehistoric lost world.
Read more
Posted by
Labels: , , , , , , , ,
2:13:00 PM

Ladeh Panjang : The highest wetlands in Southeast Asia



The Ladeh Panjang Wetlands, at the western foot of Mt. Kerinci and deep within the Kerinci Seblat National Park, is the highest wetlands in Southeast Asia at over 2000 meters in elevation. The trail there takes about 6 hours or less of fairly easy hiking, with four of those hours through primary rain forest of the Kerinci Seblat National Park. Two lakes can be found within the 150 hectares of wetlands, Danau Singkarak and Danau Sakti, the latter of which takes a further three hours to reach. The marshlands and the primary forest surrounding it are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including barking deer, tapir, and tigers. 
Read more
Posted by
Labels: , , , , , ,
5:13:00 PM

Sungai Penuh & Kerinci Village Close Up

Looking to really delve deep into the local culture? This itinerary takes you through the valley from north to south, and everywhere in between, to discover what daily life is really like in the villages of Kerinci. From rice fields to cinnamon forests, fishing boats to bee hives, get an authentic taste of the real Sumatra. A perfect itinerary especially for those interested in photography.


Day 1 - Sungai Penuh
Arrive in Sungai Penuh and head straight to your homestay to meet the family and drop off your things.
Some activities to do in town:
  • Walk through the old neighborhood of Pondok Tinggi filled with traditional Kerinci longhouses. Head to the nearby Mesjid Agung. Built in the traditional style in 1874, it’s the oldest mosque in town, and still actively used.
  • Visit the lively Pasar, or wet/dry market, in the center of town. Get some Sarabi and other goodies for breakfast.
  • From the Pasar, grab a Bendi (horse drawn carriage) to some of the nearby batik workshops where you can watch the creation process (and maybe even participate!).
  • Take a motorcycle ride up to Bukit Khayangan or hike up the hill behind Sungai Penuh to get a beautiful view of the Kerinci valley from Mt. Kerinci in the north, to Lake Kerinci in the south.
  • In the late afternoon, head to Bukit Sentiong on the edge of town for the grilled corn stands and a nice view of Sungai Penuh and the Kerinci valley at sunset.
  • In the evening, visit Pasar Malam, the carnival-like night market, to eat Martabak, Sate, and other lovely street foods.
  • Drive up to Bukit Tapan at night for some wildlife spotlighting (an additional cost for renting a vehicle and driver).
Day 2 - Danau Kerinci and Lempur
  • In the morning, head to the village of Pulau Tengah on the edge of Kerinci Lake. Meet up with some fisherman there for some canoe rides and to watch/participate with them as they fish.
  • Visit an English class at the local high school in the village.
  • Stop for lunch at one of the restaurants that sits atop or next to the lake.
  • Head further south to the hills around Lempur to see cinnamon farmers at work.
  • Explore the village of Lempur and the nearby lake of Danau Lingkat to take a ride on the bamboo rafts and enjoy the scenery.
  • In the evening, follow a local honey hunter as they harvest honey from wild Indonesian honeybees.
  • Meet up with your host family in Lempur and turn in for the night.
Day 3 - Lempur to Kayu Aro
  • After breakfast, head to the rice fields to watch the farmers plant and harvest the Lempur heirloom rice Beras Payo. Participate if you want to get your hands dirty!
  • Say goodbye to Lempur and head up to the Kayu Aro area. Don’t forget to pick up some Dendeng Batokok, grilled beef strips from heaven native to the area, in the town of Siulak Deras on the way up.
  • Walk through the endless green tea fields and take a tour of the old tea factory in village of Bedeng VIII (Delapan).
  • Eat lunch in Aroma Pecco, a small pond and oasis in the middle of the largest tea plantation in the world.
  • Visit the sugar processing ‘factory’ (really just some people in a shed pressing and boiling raw sugar cane juice).
  • Explore the coffee farms that are switching over to organic Arabica coffee with the help of a local NGO.
  • Head to the village of Pelompek and meet your host family.
  • Explore the village and check out the other highland farms in the area that produce cabbage, potatoes, chilis, etc.
  • Head back to your homestay for dinner and turn in for the night.
Summary
Difficulty: Easy
Activities: Walking, Canoeing
Duration: 3 Days/ 3 Nights
Months of Operation: Year Round

 Travel
Location: Villages throughout the valley

 Cost
Total Cost: 4,500,000 IDR for two people.
Conditions: Price includes all transport within the valley, lodging with local families, guides, and any token payments to farmers/fisherman for the use of their time/dugout canoes. Remember, you’ll be staying in the homes of rural Sumatran farmers and fisherman, so expect conditions to be very, very basic – you’ll definitely be stretched outside of your comfort zone! This itinerary is also jam-packed – we’re happy to tailor it to your travel style, or adjust it on the fly.
BOOK HERE
Wat'saap : +6281366319255
UNTUK WISATAWAN NUSANTARA ( Indonesia ) BEDA HARGA
HUBUNGI KAMI : Wat'saap : +6281366319255
Read more
Posted by
Labels: , , , , , , ,
5:07:00 PM

Bukit Tapan Trecking & Camping

A one night exploration of the famous Bukit Tapan road. Walk the trail during the twilight and dawn hours when many of the island’s most interesting creatures are active.
Day 1
From Sungai Penuh, drive up to Bukit Tapan in the afternoon. Set up camp, and then walk or drive along the road in the late afternoon hours and into early evening (best time for crepuscular wildlife). On your way down the mountain, you could explore the little forest trails that lead off from the main road – at the end of one of them, you’ll see a 15+ meter tall waterfall. Eat dinner at the small warung (road-side restaurant) near the top of the mountain. Continue walking/driving after dinner, using powerful flashlights to spot wildlife. When you’re ready to turn in, head back to camp.

 Alternatively, this trip can be done in one afternoon/evening if you don’t wish to camp. After these Day 1 activities, you would just head back to your accommodations in Sungai Penuh for the night. (Price reduced.)

 Day 2
In the morning, have some breakfast at the warung and continue walking or driving along the trail. Check out the old Japanese cave and the guard post near the river that have been colonized by swiftlets and bats. Head back to Sungai Penuh before noon to continue your adventures in Kerinci.

 Summary
Difficulty: Easy
Activities: Walking, Camping
Terrain: Forest Trails, Roads
Duration: 1 Day/ 1 Night
Months of Operation: Year Round

 Travel
Location: Bukit Tapan
Nearest Town: Sungaipenuh

 Cost
Total Cost: 1,900,000 IDR for two people. 1,200,000 IDR if not camping.
Conditions: Easy walking along a paved mountain road that cuts through the National Park. It can get a bit chilly at night, so bring a jacket or enough clothes to layer up. You’ll appreciate having a beanie to keep your ears warm.

 Price includes a local guide/driver, a rental car, transport within Kerinci to and from the trail head, flashlights, and all food and equipment. Price per person reduced with more than two travelers, but usually limited to a max of four people to lessen the impact on the environment.
BOOK HERE
Wat'saap : +6281366319255
UNTUK WISATAWAN NUSANTARA ( Indonesia ) BEDA HARGA
HUBUNGI KAMI : Wat'saap : +6281366319255

Read more
Posted by
Labels: , , , , , ,
3:30:00 PM

Renah Kemumu Forest Trek

This is a long and moderately challenging trip through the jungle to the forest enclave of Renah Kemumu, an ancient community of about 100 homes completely within the boundaries of the Kerinci Seblat National Park. You’ll camp one night in the rainforest on the way there, stay two nights with a local family in the village, and two more nights in the forest on the return. As you trek and camp along this traditional forest path, you’ll experience Sumatran wildlife and culture up close, enjoy relaxing in a natural hot tub by some active hot springs, and swim and dive with the fishes in a refreshing, spring-fed swimming hole whose azure-blue color has to be seen to be believed. There’s even a fair chance you’ll come across signs of tigers and bears along the way.


Day 1 - Into the Wild
From Sungaipenuh, get up early and travel one hour south to Lempur. Meet your guide there, and begin the trek to Renah Kemumu. As you keep an eye out for wildlife and their tracks, the guides will point out edible forest fruits and greens, and offer a few survival skill tips. Make camp along a cool mountain stream in the middle of the rainforest as the evening begins to creep in. Other options if arranged ahead of time could be to take our trail camera to set up along the trail and take a night walk with flashlights.

Day 2 - Arrival in Renah Kemumu
After an early breakfast, pack up camp in the cool of the morning, and set off for the village. If your using the camera trap and set it up the night before, pick it up on the way (or, leave it a few nights for pick up when you return). Continue your trek to the village. After your arrival, spend what’s left of the day checking out the village, fields, or maybe playing football with the kids. Spend the night in a local family’s home in Renah Kemumu.

Day 3 -Enjoying Nature's Hot Tub and Village Life
Spend the day in Renah Kemumu exploring the surrounding area and/or involving yourself in village life. An impressive hot spring is located about 1.5-2 hours outside of the village, and is an idyllic place to spend a few hours refreshing from the long hike of the previous day. The boiling hot water from the hot spring mixes with the cool mountain water of a passing river, creating a kind of warm hot tub in the middle of the rainforest, perfect for resting your aching bones while you consider that you are now, very very likely, further off the beaten path than any other traveler on Sumatra. 
Also near the village are remnants of older, abandoned villages, grave sites, an ancient, carved, megalithic stone, and even their mini hydroelectric generator. Additionally you could hang out with your host family around the village, optionally visit the local school, participate in agricultural work or other village tasks, prep and cook traditional dishes, and learn about the history and culture of this unique community.

Day 4 - Back to the Forest
Say good bye to the village and head back into the rainforest early in the morning for your return trek. The goal is to make it back to the jungle stream where you camped the first night.

Day 5 - Lake Kaco - Coolest Swimming Hole in the World
From the jungle stream, continue hiking to Lake Kaco, the brilliantly blue swimming hole and natural aquarium deep in the forest, arriving in the afternoon. Jump off the tree hanging over the crystal clear waters, and swim around with the abundant fish. The refreshingly cool, spring-fed natural pool makes for a rejuvenating break after so many days of trekking. Set up camp in the forests by the lake.

Day 6 - Out of the Wilderness
Wake up next to Lake Kaco and enjoy a leisurely morning swimming and relaxing in the lake. Eventually, pull yourself away and continue roughly three hours along forest trails looking for birds, wildlife and signs of other animals as you make your way back to civilization. Don’t forget to stop by a little waterfall on the way out. You’ll arrive back in Lempur generally by late afternoon or early evening. Stay in a homestay in Lempur, or continue an hour’s drive back to Sungai Penuh to a hotel.
Optionally you could cut out Day 3 and Day 5 activities and make this a 4 day trek. However you will not have time to visit the hot springs or rest up in the village, nor visit Lake Kaco. So on the 3rd day you leave the village heading back to the forest and the campsite of the first night. On Day 4 you would exit the forest and do a homestay in Lempur or travel back to Sungai Penuh for the night.
Cut out one of the two days above to make it a five day trek, deciding to visit just the hot springs or just lake Kaco. FYI, cutting out the hot springs and extra day in the village increases the difficulty of the trek significantly.



Summary
Difficulty: Challenging
Activities: Hiking, Camping, Bird Watching, Wildlife, Cultural 
Terrain: Forest, Village, Hot Springs, Swimming Hole
Duration: 6 day/5 nights, 5 days/4 nights or 4 days/3 nights
Months of Operation: Year Round
Travel
Location: Renah Kemumu
Nearest Town: Lempur

Cost
Total Cost: Total for two people:
10,600,000 IDR 6-day option. 
9,300,000 IDR for 5-day option. 
8,000,000 IDR for 4-day option.
Price per-person decreases with more people.

Conditions: 
No comfy accommodations here! You’ll be sleeping rough in tents under the forest canopy for three nights, and two nights with a local family in an extremely remote Sumatran rainforest community – expect a thin mat on the floor of a very basic room, and a cold bucket of cold water to bathe with (if you’re not bathing in the river with locals)! But you’ll be having an experience of a lifetime.

Also, as it is a rainforest, expect and prepare for rain at some point during your trek, no matter what season you’re travelling in.
Price includes a local guide and porters, transport within Kerinci to and from the trail head, all food while you’re on the trek, tents and sleeping bags, homestays for you and the guides in the village, National Park ranger fees and permits, a donation to the Renah Kemumu village fund, and a donation to Pencagura (Nature Lovers of Gunung Raya Sub-district) to support their garbage collection and forest/wildlife protection activities in the area. Price per person reduced with more than two travelers, but usually limited to a max of six people to lessen the impact on the environment and village.
Read more
Posted by
Labels: , , , , ,