This is a complete tourist attraction for those fans of lake and mountains. In one visit, tourists can enjoy one lake and seven mountains. It is rightly named Lake Gunung Tujuh (Seven Mountains Lake), located in Kerinci regency, Jambi. It is a spectacular caldera lake, which is also the highest lake in Southeast Asia (1996 meters above sea level). Fog always covers this lake area of approximately 960 hectares.
The seven mountains are Mount Hulu Tebo (2525 m), Mount Hulu Sangir (2330 m), Mount Madura Besi (2418 m), Mount Lumut (2350 m), Mount Selasih (2230 m), Mount Jar Panggang (2469 m), and Mount Tujuh (2735 m). Among these seven mountains, the most unique is Mount Lumut. Its slopes are covered with various types of moss.
Lake Gunung Tujuh fit for those who prefer adventure travel. It is convenient for tourists who like to stay in tents. Many camping ground provided there. The pristine area around the lake is known as the habitat of Sumatran Tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrensis), Sumatran Elephants, primates, endemic birds of Sumatra. The lake is probably one of the few remaining large, undisturbed lake in Sumatra.
To reach the lake, visitors have to travel about 56 kilometers inland from Sungai Penuh (Penuh River) to the District of Kayu Aro. Travel with a vehicle must stop at Pelompek Village. From the village, we have to continue the journey on foot for about 2-3 hours. No need to be afraid of getting lost, because the trail is clearly visible and directly leads to the lake. We can also ask local citizens to escort us to the lake, with negotiable costs. The Kerinci District Tourism Board would be pleased to assign its employees to drive visitors to the lake. Officials from the Department of Tourism can be also be our guide of Lake Gunung Tujuh.
Among the local people, the lake is also known as Sacred Lake. They claimed of often found strange phenomenas, such as sudden changes in weather. They believe the lake is inhabited by spirits in form of human named Lbei Sakti and Saleh Sri Menanti. These spirits have a few followers in form of tigers.
There is also a mystery story related to "short people". It is said, the short people are only half a meter high. Their shapes are mix between humans and orangutans. Oddly, the soles of their feet are facing backwards, and believed to be moving fast like lightning. Various official studies have not managed to reveal the existence of these creatures.
Sunset at Second Largest Lake
At the Kerinci Regency, there is another unique lake, Lake Kerinci, which is the second largest lake in Sumatra, after Lake Toba. One of the best place to view this lake is Cape Hatta. It is named after Mohammad Hatta, Indonesia's first vice president.
This 5000 square meters Lake Kerinci can be reached through three alternative routes. First, from Jambi to the Penuh River. Second route, from Padang to Tapan. And third, from Padang to Muaralabuh.
Evening time is most convenient to visit Cape Hatta. From the heights of the cape, we can view the exquisite scenery as the sun set on the Lake Kerinci. Cape Hatta is located in Sangaran Agung Village, approximately 18 kilometers from Penuh River.
