Bento Swamp, Sumatra's Highest and Exotic Swamp

Kerinci is an area surrounded by the Bukit Barisan mountain range, a highland area with a cold climate. This region, famous for its natural beauty, never fails to enchant visitors who stay long or just stop by.

As a highland and hilly area, it's no wonder that we are constantly amazed by the natural wealth of Kerinci, which has the highest waterfalls, hills, and lakes in Southeast Asia, the largest tea plantation in Indonesia, and unique language diversity. Not only that, but Kerinci also has one of the most beautiful and highest swamps in Sumatra, the Bento Swamp.

The Bento Swamp is located in Gunung Tujuh District, Kerinci Regency, Jambi Province. It can be reached from Sungai Penuh City with an estimated travel time of around 1.5 hours. On the way to this place, we can see the largest tea plantation in Indonesia, the Kayu Aro tea plantation.

The Bento Swamp is located at an altitude of more than 1,300 meters above sea level and is the highest swamp in Indonesia, filled with freshwater and a habitat for migratory birds.

One of the favorite spots in the Bento Swamp is a large green area usually used as a picnic spot. To reach this spot, we have to use a wooden boat rented by the Bumdes for Rp. 500,000 round trip with a capacity of 8 people.

The journey to the picnic spot in the Bento Swamp will comb the Batang Sangir River, a small river whose water flow comes from small rivers at the foot of Mount Tujuh. At the beginning of the journey, we will be presented with views of water hyacinths, apu wood, and bento grass, which inhabit most of this swamp.

Occasionally, we can see water hyacinth plants drifting or gathering in the middle of the river. This is very common because water hyacinth plants only attach to fragile swamp soil, and it's not uncommon for water hyacinths here to cover the entire river.

Entering the middle of the journey, we will be presented with views of buffalo owned by farmers deliberately released there, and groups of white herons, and if lucky, we may see whistling ducks.

As we go deeper, the river will get wider, and the view will be no less amazing. Thick forests, migratory birds, and cool air really make us unable to stop being amazed. If the weather is clear, the blue sky and white clouds will add to the beauty of the Bento Swamp.