Bukit Kaba

Exploring the Charm of Bukit Kaba: A Volcanic Gem in the Heart of Rejang Lebong

Bengkulu Province not only offers the beauty of its coastline stretching along the Indian Ocean but also holds captivating highland treasures. One of the most iconic natural tourist destinations and a prime choice for adventure lovers is Bukit Kaba. Located in Sumber Urip Village, Selupu Rejang District, Rejang Lebong Regency, Bukit Kaba is an active volcano offering dramatic landscapes, bone-chilling mountain air, and geological phenomena rarely found elsewhere.

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Geological Characteristics and the Wonder of Double Craters

Technically, Bukit Kaba is a Type A (active) volcano with an elevation of approximately 1,938 meters above sea level (mdpl). Although its peak is not as high as Mount Dempo or Mount Kerinci, Bukit Kaba's main attraction lies in its summit morphology, which features eight volcanic craters, three of which are highly active main craters.

Visitors will be treated to contrasting crater views. There are craters with a turquoise green color due to high sulfur content, and there are also craters with a brownish-white hue. The distinctive sulfurous smell and plumes of white smoke emerging from rock crevices provide a pure atmosphere of Earth's volcanic power. Another unique feature is the "Dead Crater" which is no longer active, where pioneer vegetation has grown at its base, creating a surreal landscape for anyone standing on its rim.

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Biodiversity and Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem

The journey to the summit of Bukit Kaba is an expedition across diverse ecosystem zones. At the foot of the hill, visitors will pass through fertile vegetable plantations belonging to local residents, thanks to the volcanic soil. As you ascend, the vegetation changes into a dense tropical rainforest.

This area is part of the Bukit Kaba Nature Tourism Park (TWA) overseen by the BKSDA Bengkulu. The forest here is home to various endemic flora and fauna. If lucky, hikers may hear the screeching calls of Siamangs (Symphalangus syndactylus) or catch a glimpse of brightly colored forest birds. Plants like pitcher plants and various types of ancient ferns can also be found along the hiking trails, adding to the botanical educational value for visitors.

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Outdoor Activities and Hiking Experience

Bukit Kaba is known as a "beginner-friendly mountain" due to its relatively easy accessibility compared to other volcanoes in Sumatra. However, this does not diminish the excitement of the activities available:

1. Forest Trail and Asphalt Trail Hiking: There are two trail options to the summit. The forest trail offers a challenge for hikers who want to experience pushing through bushes and tree roots. Meanwhile, there is an asphalt road (now largely damaged but still passable by motorcycle or on foot) which is gentler for those who want to reach the summit more leisurely.

2. Camping on the Summit: The camping ground is located slightly below the rim of the main crater. Camping here provides an extraordinary experience, especially in clear weather. Visitors can enjoy the clear view of the Milky Way due to minimal light pollution.

3. Enjoying the Sunrise: The sunrise moment at Bukit Kaba is one of the best in Bengkulu. As dawn breaks, a sea of white clouds often covers the distant city of Curup, creating an illusion of a "land above the clouds." The golden light reflecting on the crater's surface provides a magical view.

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bukit Kaba is during the dry season, between May and September. During this period, the hiking trails tend to be dry and not slippery, and visitors are most likely to have clear skies to see the craters in their entirety.

Conversely, during the rainy season (October - March), the forest trails can become very muddy, and leeches often appear. Furthermore, thick fog frequently covers the craters during the rainy season, limiting visibility. Temperatures at the summit can drop to 10-15 degrees Celsius at night, making warm clothing essential year-round.

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Conservation Efforts and Environmental Protection

As a Nature Tourism Park area, the protection of Bukit Kaba's ecosystem is crucial. The main problems often faced are plastic waste from hikers and vandalism on the crater rocks. Currently, local communities and management (BKSDA and Pokdarwis of Sumber Urip Village) enforce strict rules.

Every hiker is required to register at the hiking post and report any items that could become waste. The "Leave No Trace" principle is strongly emphasized. Additionally, its status as an active volcano means the management continuously coordinates with PVMBG (Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation) to monitor volcanic activity for tourist safety.

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Accessibility and Supporting Facilities

Bukit Kaba is located about 90 kilometers from Bengkulu City, which can be reached in about 2.5 to 3 hours by land to Curup City, the capital of Rejang Lebong. From the center of Curup City, the journey continues towards Sumber Urip Village for about 30 minutes.

The facilities at the foot of Bukit Kaba (Sumber Urip Village) are quite adequate, including:

• Hiking Post: Registration area and information provision.
• Homestays: Many local residents rent out their homes for tourists who wish to rest before hiking.
• Local Guides: Guide services are available for those who have never hiked before.
• Summit Ojek (Motorcycle Taxi): For those with physical limitations or time constraints, motorcycle taxis are available to take you close to the crater area via the uphill asphalt path.
• Food Stalls: In the tourist village of Sumber Urip, visitors can sample local dishes and the distinctive Rejang Lebong coffee, known for its strong aroma.

Bukit Kaba is not just a tourist destination but a natural laboratory offering a harmony between geological power and biodiversity. With sustainable management and environmental awareness from visitors, Bukit Kaba will continue to be a proud natural heritage for the people of Rejang Lebong and a must-visit destination for adventurers setting foot on Bumi Rafflesia.