Mount Kerinci is in Province of Jambi, the west central part of the island, in the Pegunungan/Bukit Barisan, near the west coast, and is about 130 km (81 mi) south of Padang. This place has a lower trees, which are covered in mush and sub-alpine meadows, gradually replace high trees. You can also find red flower of the parasite Rafflesia arnoldi and the two-meters-high flower-flames of Amorphophallus titanum here.
Kerinci is an active volcano, with nearly annual phreatic eruptions. Kerinci last erupted in 2004, and continues to spew clouds of sulphurous smoke, with plumes reaching as high as 1,000 m (3,281 ft) above the summit. It is surrounded with farmland area and tea plantation.
Kerinci can be climbed from the village of Kersik Tuo, 6 or 7 hours away from Padang by car or bus. The climb and descent normally takes 3 days and 2 nights, if you choose to go to the summit. You may also choose to go up only till Camp 2 or 2.5, skipping the summit attempt which is a night climb; and take 2 days and 1 night instead.
Kerinci’s terrain consists of thick jungle, it can get muddy and slippery in rainy season. To climb this mountain, be sure to bring a proffesional guide, for there have been rare cases of people disappearing after attempting to trek alone. Don’t forget to bring good and comfortable trekking shoes, comfortable suits and T – Shirt, sandals/slippers, warm cloth, rain coats, day pack, flash light, binocular, camera, personal medicine and first aid kit and other personal things.