Rising early, I savored a traditional Indonesian breakfast in anticipation of my journey from Bukittinggi to Kersik Tuo, the gateway to Gunung Kerinci. My uncertainty about what awaited me there fueled a sense of nervousness. Google Maps offered no visible insights into Kersik Tuo, leaving me with just one accommodation option from my Lonely Planet guide. If that fell through, my backup plan involved navigating through the village, seeking assistance from locals who likely didn’t speak English. Up to this point, I had solely relied on WiFi from hostels and hotels, preventing me from accessing Google for real-time guidance.
Ayu Transport
The breakfast at Hello Guesthouse was a delightful experience. Post-meal, I headed to Ayu Transport and arrived promptly. However, upon reaching the shop, I observed that the staff was still in the midst of morning routines, including washing and having breakfast. Yesterday, I secured transportation from Bukittinggi to Kersik Tuo through Ayu Transport. While communication presented a bit of a challenge, the ensuing experience, with the driver guiding me by hand to navigate the streets and ensure my safety, was rather amusing.
Smiling at the relaxed atmosphere, I patiently waited, noting that business in Indonesia operated with a different set of rules. By around 9 am, we departed the travel shop and embarked on a tour around Bukittinggi. Eventually, I switched to another minivan, and additional travelers joined our journey. The minivan set off at 10 am, and the anticipated 7-hour ride unfolded with ease and comfort as I listened to music. Though I attempted to capture the scenery through photos, the pictures inevitably turned out a bit blurry.
Throughout our trip from Bukittinggi to Kersik Tuo, I indulged in frequent naps. Yet, during my waking moments, I marveled at the scenic landscapes adorned with diverse agriculture, tea plantations, and quaint villages. At a gas station, I snapped a photo of the gasoline price, a mere 6500 IDR per liter—a stark contrast to the approximately 35000 IDR per liter you’d pay in the Netherlands, quite amusing, I must say.
Arrival at Subandi Homestay
Arriving at Subandi Homestay in the evening without a prior reservation, I was fortunate to find an available room. Mr. Subandi informed me about the room’s availability and graciously guided me to it. The room, while clean, had a slightly smelly toilet. Nonetheless, I accepted the accommodation for the rate of 120,000 IDR.
At approximately 6 pm, I strolled along the main stree of Kersik Tuot to purchase some snacks and beverages. Subandi Homestay, along with the entire village of Kersik Tuo, is situated directly facing Gunung Kerinci. Currently, the weather is cloudy; fingers crossed for clearer skies tomorrow.
During the evening, Mr. Subandi treated me to a generous spread of Indonesian delicacies, including fried chicken, vegetables, homemade chocolate brownies, krupuk, and various other treats. Engaging in a pleasant conversation, I ultimately opted to book the trekking experience with him. His son would serve as my guide, leading me to the base camp of Gunung Kerinci tomorrow.
Standing tall at 3805 meters, Gunung Kerinci reigns as the highest peak in Sumatra and the loftiest volcano in Indonesia. The impending adventure required an overnight stay on the mountainside. Anticipating an early start to our hike, I set my alarm for 7 am, preparing for a challenging 7-hour ascent. To ensure I was well-rested and ready to face the journey, I retired to bed early.
