MEET THE TEAM

Our team understands the interests and needs of travelers, how to help them engage with the local culture, and how to make their trip as exciting and meaningful as possible. We are deeply committed to responsible travel in Sumatra, and have the passion, relationships, knowledge, and sustainable ethic that will set your mind at ease as you plan your next adventure. Below are just a few of the folks we’re lucky to be working alongside. Kerinci is one of the best kept secrets in Southeast Asia – come discover it with us!

Zacky Zaid

Zacky Zaid

Zacky is a leader in a local nature lover’s non-profit “Pencinta Alam Gunung Raya.” From the village of Lempur in southern Kerinci, his favorite treks are to the many lakes surrounding Lempur, especially the lovely blue Lake Kaco, and to the active volcano Gunung Kunyit that towers over his village. Members of Pencinta Alam actively patrol the forests in their areas in their free time, looking to discourage bird hunters, poachers, and encroachers, and clean up any rubbish that they may come across. Very knowledgeable about the forest, Pencinta Alam members look forward to showing you their piece of heaven.

Mai

Mai is our resident expert in logistics and communication – we would fall apart without her! She’ll most likely be your point of first contact with us, working with you to organize your trip to this beautiful area, and coordinating with the guides, porters, drivers, and accommodations to make sure things run as smoothly as possible. Mai also runs a small guesthouse in her native village of Lempur, in the southern part of the Kerinci valley, where she lives with her family. In her free time, she enjoys going on hikes into the surrounding forests with her husband, Zacky, and their vivacious daughters.

Een Endatno E'en

Pak Een

From the village of Kersik Tuo, Pak E’en has been guiding visitors for over 20 years. He easily holds the record for the most summits of Mt. Kerinci – over 650 times and counting! He has excellent knowledge of local birdlife, and often leads parts of our Kerinci Bird Tour. He has a deep knowledge of the area’s ecology and has an infectious enthusiasm to match. With his seniority and expertise, he continues to organize, train, and advocate for guides throughout the region. Pak E’en also recently opened a small, simple homestay to accommodate visiting explorers. Besides the birdwatching expeditions, Endatno Een’s favorite treks are to the Ladeh Panjang Wetlands and, of course, to the peak of Mt. Kerinci.

Sandra

One of our most experienced guides, Sandra is an expert in the forest, adept at identifying a host of edibles for foraging, animal tracks, bird songs, and all things wild and wonderful. Starting out with almost zero English and no guiding experience just a few years ago, it’s been amazing to watch his incredible progression – quickly becoming one of our top guys, with his natural passion for and knowledge of the natural world.

Sandra’s favorite trek is the long Sumatran Tiger Trek in the rainforest south of his village of Selampaung, although he finds great joy anytime he’s under the forest canopy.

Boby

Boby also originates from the picturesque village of Selampaung, nestled in the southern regions of the Kerinci valley. With his keen eye and love for nature, Boby takes delight in patiently observing the diverse fauna and flora that inhabit the rainforest. He invites guests to share in his sense of wonder.

Boby specializes in the Sumatran Tiger Trek, an adventure that offers a glimpse into the natural habitat of these majestic creatures. Additionally, he is adept at navigating the lush forests surrounding Mt. Tujuh, revealing the hidden beauty of ancient trees, unique plant species, and elusive wildlife. If you see him, don’t forget to congratulate him on his recent marriage!

Ricky

Ricky is another who hails from the village of Kersik Tuo, at the foot of the towering Mt. Kerinci. He enjoys taking trips all around the Kayu Aro and Gunung Tujuh area of Kerinci – from the Pauh Tinggi waterfalls to the Goa Kasah caves, up to the cloudy and mysterious Mt. Tujuh, and of course to the top of Sumatra – the steaming peak of the mighty Mt. Kerinci itself. Ricky is skilled beyond his years, and has seemingly limitless potential with his ability to quickly learn and continuously grow. You can tell he loves to be in the forest by his huge smile, and the sense of bliss and good humor that emanates off of him even after a long day of hiking.

Bayu

Hailing from the serene village of Lempur, Bayu’s genuine love for the natural world serves as the driving force behind his exploration of the enchanting rainforests surrounding his hometown. With a budding interest in photography, Bayu is eager to capture the beauty of nature as he embarks on his journey as a guide.

Bayu finds inspiration in the lush forests of Lempur, where he immerses himself in its wonders – from swimming in the impossibly blue Lake Kaco and tracing the footsteps of the majestic Sumatran tiger on the Sumatran Tiger Trek, to climbing the active Mt. Kunyit volcano and taking a dip in her rejuvenating hot springs. Bayu is eager to share the beauty of the Kerinci Seblat National Park with visitors from all over the world.

Luke Mackin

Luke Mackin

Luke grew up in SE Asia, but in the huge mega city of Manila. From the moment he moved to his passport country of the US, he always yearned to return to Asia – but to a more natural, wild setting. For him, Kerinci fits the bill. One certainly can’t get much more natural than an isolated valley completely surrounded on all sides by one of the largest protected areas in Asia, where tigers, bears, and gibbons still roam. Luke hopes that in some small way Wild Sumatra can contribute to the conservation of the enchanting and magnificent forests in the area, and to the prosperity of the wonderful Kerinci people. He lives in Sungaipenuh with his family.

Come discover Kerinci for yourself! Learn about the region, visit our itineraries page, or view additional points of interest around Kerinci to create your own custom trip. Be sure to check out our travel tips when you’re ready to start planning.

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