We believe strongly that ecotourism and responsible travel in Sumatra can help safeguard the still-untouched forests deep within the Kerinci Seblat National Park. With a growing population within a valley completely surrounded by protected land, and a severe lack of reliable employment opportunities, ecotourism goes a long way in giving people alternate means of income without further encroaching into the National Park.
Protecting the rainforest is not just about wildlife and the environment. Over 7 million people (about 15% of the total population of Sumatra) and 10 million hectares of agricultural land rely directly on waters that these forests provide – including the cities of Padang, Palembang, Jambi, and Bengkulu. Primary forests help to reduce flooding in the rainy season and reduce drought in the dry season – vitally important for people who live and work so closely with the land. They also capture millions of tons of carbon every year, and likewise produce oxygen. Consequently, they’re a major contributor in helping to slow climate change and giving us all a breath of fresh air. When you travel with us, you are providing much needed alternative income sources to the region, and providing tangible proof that the jungle and wildlife within are more valuable preserved as they are rather than when exploited into oblivion.
Our treks are all small-group, low-impact hiking and camping expeditions that provide sustainable livelihoods to forest-edge communities. As a social enterprise fed up with tourism leakage, we are committed to keeping 100% of money spent on our trips within the Kerinci region (with the possible exception of Indonesian taxes and government fees – it’s not always clear where those end up). We’re proud that 100% of our profits goes directly to Pencinta Alam Gunung Raya (Pencagura), a grassroots conservation and community development organization in support of their work in and around the Kerinci Seblat National Park. After all, healthy communities and a healthy tiger population means a healthy forest.
Travelling in rural Sumatra can be tough— even for the adventurous. There is very little infrastructure and few English speakers ready on the ground. This can make visits, especially to the most wild places of Kerinci, challenging without prior planning and connections.
We know it’s popular among backpackers and independent travelers to try to do everything on their own for a more “authentic” experience, and many believe that they’ll see more if they strike out on their own. However, in our time here, we’ve seen that many who travel to Southeast Asia with this idea usually end up trapped in the same touristy areas as everyone else, as it’s the path of least resistance. This is one reason why places like Bali, Phuket, and even Bukit Lawang are beginning to exceed their carrying capacity, if not already far beyond it. If a traveller does get off the banana pancake trail, they often end up frustrated that things didn’t go quite as smoothly as expected, or that they weren’t able to find that rumored hidden gem. Don’t underestimate the importance of a knowledgeable insider!
For the people of Kerinci, despite their eagerness to show the world their piece of heaven, they often need support in connecting and communicating with travelers abroad. That’s where we come in. Since we live and work in Kerinci 24/7, we know the area and the people here on the ground on a personal level. For visitors interested in really exploring off the beaten path Sumatra, trying new experiences, making friends, and escaping the tired tourist trail, Wild Sumatra is here to help. And in doing so, it’s creating a fine alternative means of income to support Kerinci families and protect these beautiful forests.
We believe strongly that forest conservation through ecotourism is most effective when local community members are directly involved and empowered in their roles. This is why we spend significant time working with villages to learn together about conservation and sustainable tourism practices, and identify and work in partnership with growing local leaders. This is also why we are committed to working solely with people from Kerinci. We also strive to continuously raise up and develop new members of the team, and equip and upskill them to potentially find work in different fields if they so choose. Let’s be realistic – guiding is mostly a young man’s game. It takes incredible physical strength and stamina, requires weeks out of every month deep in the rainforest away from families, and especially in a far off the path place like ours, doesn’t have consistency with income all throughout the year, especially in times of low season (or global pandemics!). Most of those we work with, while passionate and knowledgeable about the forest, have zero English skills when starting out. Over time, starting as porters, they eventually gain the language, customer service, and logistics skills to become lead guides themselves. And for many, after a few years as they’re able to save money and develop abilities, they’re able to pay for university, find work as teachers, or begin a host of other professions. So, while they are experienced in the forest, skills like English are always in development, especially in such a remote area as ours -many guides are still in the process of learning, and may not be 100% proficient. Thank you for supporting and encouraging them in this learning and growth process!
To be clear: as advocates of community-based ecotourism, only local guides accompany visitors on trips with Wild Sumatra unless it’s an exploratory or training trip. We also believe in the importance of guests having an authentically local experience, and for local communities to have full ownership – as such, you will likely not interact with anyone but them during your trip – there are no foreigners inserting themselves. Our guides are all independent—we simply work together with them in equal partnership behind the scenes to support their goals and assist them in areas like training and development, marketing their services, networking, email communication, logistics and planning. Wild Sumatra in Kerinci is not a tour operator, but rather a platform to assist local guides, consulting with them in how best to promote the Kerinci region and their services to a wider global audience.
When you book a tour on this website you are booking a tour directly with the local guide, with all money spent staying in the Kerinci region. In this way, it is the locals at the grassroots who have full autonomy and control, with any non-locals only in a supporting, consulting, partnership, and advocacy role. After all, they will be here long after we have gone.
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 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.
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 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.
