Kayu Aro Tea Plantation

Exploring the Charm of Kayu Aro Tea Plantation: Green Expanse on Sumatra's Roof

Kayu Aro Tea Plantation is not just an ordinary tourist destination. Located at the foot of Mount Kerinci, Jambi Province, this plantation holds the title of the second highest tea plantation in the world after Darjeeling Tea Plantation in the Himalayas, India. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,600 to 1,650 meters above sea level, Kayu Aro offers a rare combination of colonial history, pristine mountain ecosystems, and eye-pleasing agro-tourism landscapes.

#

Visual Grandeur at the Foot of Sumatra's Roof

The main attraction of Kayu Aro Tea Plantation is its dramatic landscape. As far as the eye can see, visitors are treated to a green carpet undulating along the contours of the hills. What makes it unique compared to other tea plantations in Indonesia is its majestic backdrop: Mount Kerinci, the highest volcano in Indonesia.

On a clear morning, the peak of Kerinci is clearly visible, emitting a bluish-gray hue that contrasts with the green of the tea shoots. Thin mist often descends, enveloping the plantation area, creating a mystical yet calming atmosphere. The air here is very clean and cold, with average temperatures ranging between 17 to 22 degrees Celsius, providing instant refreshment for anyone coming from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

#

Ecosystem and Organic Tea Quality

Ecologically, Kayu Aro Tea Plantation is located in the buffer zone of the Kerinci Seblat National Park (TNKS). This makes the biodiversity around the plantation very rich. It is not uncommon for visitors to see various endemic Sumatran bird species flying by or hear the calls of siamangs from the distant TNKS forest.

One thing that distinguishes Kayu Aro from other plantations is its commitment to quality. Since its opening by the Dutch company, Namlodse Vennotchap Handle Vereniging Amsterdam (NV HVA) in 1925, the tea here has been processed without the use of preservatives or artificial coloring. The fertile volcanic soil from the historical eruptions of Mount Kerinci provides exceptional natural nutrients for the Camellia sinensis tea plants. Kayu Aro tea is known as a high-quality black tea that was a favorite consumption of European nobility, including the royal families of Britain and the Netherlands.

#

Tourist Experience and Outdoor Activities

Kayu Aro Tea Plantation offers a variety of experiences that engage all the senses. The most popular activity is the "Tea Walk," a leisurely stroll along pathways amidst rows of tea plants. Visitors can interact directly with tea pickers who still use traditional methods. Witnessing the dexterity of their hands picking "peko" shoots (the youngest shoots) is an authentic cultural spectacle.

For photography enthusiasts, every corner of Kayu Aro is a perfect backdrop. Besides taking photos with Mount Kerinci as a backdrop, visitors can explore old Dutch colonial buildings that still function as offices or tea processing factories.

For those who prefer a challenge, the plantation serves as a starting point or trail for climbing Mount Kerinci. Camping around the plantation area is also an attractive option to enjoy the star-studded night sky (Milky Way), which is clearly visible due to the minimal light pollution in the Kerinci region.

#

Best Time to Visit

To get the maximum visual experience, the best time to visit Kayu Aro is during the dry season, between May and September. During this period, the sky tends to be clear, so the grandeur of Mount Kerinci is not obscured by clouds.

It is highly recommended to arrive at the location before sunrise. The sunrise moment at Kayu Aro is one of the best in Sumatra. The streaks of orange light breaking through the morning mist over the tea expanse provide a magical sensation that is hard to forget. However, if you visit during the rainy season, the atmosphere will feel more melancholic with thicker fog, which also has its own charm for those seeking tranquility.

#

Conservation and Environmental Protection

As an area directly bordering a UNESCO World Heritage site (TNKS), environmental preservation in Kayu Aro is highly prioritized. The management (PT Perkebunan Nusantara) implements sustainable agricultural practices to maintain the quality of the volcanic soil.

Tourists are strongly urged to maintain cleanliness by not littering in the plantation area. Protection of this ecosystem is crucial as the Kayu Aro region functions as an important water catchment area for Kerinci Regency and its surroundings. Protective trees around the plantation are also maintained to preserve air humidity and prevent soil erosion on sloping land.

#

Accessibility and Supporting Facilities

Reaching Kayu Aro Tea Plantation requires a long journey but is very worthwhile. From Jambi City, the land journey takes about 10 to 12 hours. A faster alternative is through Padang City, West Sumatra, with a travel time of about 7 to 8 hours via winding land routes with tropical forest scenery.

Facilities around Kayu Aro are quite adequate to support tourist comfort. Around the plantation area, there are various accommodation options, ranging from friendly local homestays to guesthouses with colonial architectural styles. Local eateries serving typical Kerinci cuisine, such as Dendeng Batokok and the renowned Kerinci Coffee, are widely available along the Kayu Aro highway.

Basic facilities such as ample parking areas, clean toilets, and mosques can be easily found. For those who wish to bring souvenirs, there is a sales center for authentic Kayu Aro packaged tea, directly sourced from the local processing factory.

#

Conclusion: A Green Heritage in the Heart of Sumatra

Kayu Aro Tea Plantation is not just an economic commodity, but a living heritage of nature and history. Its existence proves that the interaction between humans and nature can produce beautiful harmony. Standing amidst the green expanse of Kayu Aro, with the cool wind blowing and the towering shadow of Mount Kerinci, will make us realize the magnificence of Indonesia's nature. This destination is a place where time seems to slow down, giving every visitor space to absorb pure tranquility and beauty.