Climb Mt. Dempo | Gunung Dempo -The 3rd Highest Volcano in Southeast Asia

Towering over the Sumatran landscape, Mt. Dempo demands respect. At 3142 meters tall, Gunung Dempo is the 3rd highest active volcano in Southeast Asia. Trekking up its forested slopes is quite challenging as there are no switchbacks – it’s just straight up to the top along a ridge trail. But the views at the top are truly unbeatable, making the struggle and sweat to the summit more than worth it.

Day One

Begin your adventure early in the morning, making your way past the starting post and out of the tea and coffee plantations. Venture into the jungle with small shelters every 2-3 hours for a break and a snack.

On average it takes 8-10 hours to reach the summit, so prepare yourself for a grueling day of hiking. But it’s all worth it when you look behind you near the summit and see some extraordinary views.

Day Two

After a warm breakfast, hike the 30-45 minutes to the highest peak and explore a little, taking in the beauty of the crater.

Take time to explore around the camp area and bring a good book to read or a frisbee to throw with a friend. It’s a great place to spend a few hours and unplug from regular life.

Day Three

To savor the hike (and make it a little easier), spend an extra night on the slopes of the volcano either going up or coming down.

Slow and steady wins the race (and usually results in more wildlife spotting).

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Summary

Difficulty: Extreme if done as a 2 day trek. Challenging if done in 3 days.

Activities: Hiking

Elevation: Up to 3142m

Terrain: Plantations, Jungles, Volcano

Duration: 2-3 Days (not including travel to area)

Months of Operation: Year Round Travel

Location: Mt Dempo

Nearest Town: Pagar Alam, South Sumatra

Closest Airport: Pagar Alam (PXA) with limited options; Bengkulu (BKS) more options

What to Bring

A quality pair of hiking shoes – preferably waterproof – are essential.
Comfortable trekking socks are also highly recommended – possibly the most important item.
Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Preferably made from quick-dry material.
Your own water bottle, to cut down on single-use plastics.
A headlamp, as you’ll be scrambling up the mountain in the dark for the final ascent.
A waterproof jacket in case it rains, and for the almost-freezing temperatures at the top.
A beanie and gloves, plus a warmer hooded sweatshirt or something similar to layer with can also help with the cold for the pre-dawn climb to the summit.
Sunscreen could be useful. Being so close to the equator, it’s easy to burn quickly-especially when the air is so deceptively cool. However, you will be under the rainforest canopy the majority of the time, with your time spent above the tree line mostly being in the early morning and late afternoon.
Optionally, trekking poles can be useful – especially with reducing knee pain on the descent if you’re prone to that.

Conditions

It’s close to freezing at the top, so make sure you dress in layers and bring a warm beanie and gloves if you can. Best to avoid times of extended rain, but, as Mt. Kerinci sits within a tropical rainforest, be prepared for it. Also best to avoid weekends and public holidays, as local students can crowd the campsites and are prone to being disruptively loud.

Most treks up the mountain start after an overnight in the village of Kersik Tuo, but it’s also possible to begin from Sungai Penuh.

As an active volcano, caution needs to be taken, and you climb Mt. Kerinci at your own risk. When on the mountain, guides will judge whether they feel it’s safe to try to reach the summit, depending on weather and current volcanic activity levels, with guests expected to follow their lead. Conditions can be unpredictable.

Like all of our trips, you travel at your own risk. Keep in mind that you are visiting a wild and extremely remote area of rural Sumatra, far from quality medical care. It’s your responsibility to make sure you are covered with valid travel and medical insurance.