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Silence It is not a hike or a tour. It is an expedition to the soul a confrontation with fear and an encounter with silence with a much larger story. A trek into the Kerinci wilderness that changed my mode of observing nature, the world, and myself.
Preparation and Willpower
It all began with monotony in city life. A life with routines, deadlines, and constant din had drained me out. My friend introduced me to a band of nature enthusiasts at that time.
They were planning a small trek into the heart of Central Kerinci. The goal was to visit a virgin tropical rainforest that could be accessed only after a day’s journey.
Preparation took close to two months. In addition to the ordinary gear tents, outdoor equipment, cooking equipment, and provisions we also took a brief survival course. We learned how to use a compass, how to handle wild animals, how to make fires, and first aid.
We were also taught the ethics of jungle trekking: remove nothing but memories, leave nothing behind, and treat all living creatures with respect. There were four of us who had experience with jungle trekking.
Stepping into Another World
We began in a small village. We then rode motorbikes along a muddy road to the final village at the edge of the forest. After that, we traveled by boat on the river for nearly an hour.
Entering the edge of the forest was like stepping into another world. There was no cellular reception, no glimpse of civilization, nothing but the pure, uninterrupted sounds of nature.
We set our first camp on the riverbank. Night fell swiftly. And the blackness? It wasn’t city darkness—it was deep and consuming. There were crickets, frogs, and the occasional howl of unfamiliar animals.
Sleeping in a tent, far out in the boonies, forced me to confront my deepest fears: fear of wild animals, fear of getting lost, fear of noises whose reasoning is unfathomable. But in that silence, I was certain that most of my fears lay within.
Days in the Jungle
Jungle days were drowsy but hard-hitting. We were constantly on guard against every step on slippery roots, muddy trails, thorny thickets, and insects that tested our patience. We walked six to eight hours daily, often along thin, hardly visible tracks.
It was always an individual who led the group with a machete. She broke open the path and made sure we didn’t intrude into the territory of deadly creatures like sun bears or pythons.
We strolled beneath towering trees, so wide that five individuals would have to embrace one of them in order to squeeze through. The canopy above the forest was thick, admitting very little light. Here and there was a glimpse of orangutan nest or a shout of eagles and gibbons echoing across the woods.
Nature uttered its language. The longer I remained, the more clearly I could listen to it differently.
Our meals were simple: instant rice, freshly caught fish by the day, and jungle greens good for eating. We also drank from springs or streams, after filtering then boiling the water. Nothing was easy. Each drop and each bite was something to be savored.
In that simplicity, appreciation was more real.
Coming Home with a New Soul
Seven days in the jungle and we were back in the village where it had all begun. The revving of motorcycle engines and the return of cell signal were oddly foreign. I was glad, yes, but also somewhat melancholic. I had departed a place that had quietly reshaped me.
This journey was not just about beautiful landscapes or thrilling challenges. It was a return to something essential. The forest did not just introduce me to nature it revealed truths about fear, simplicity, gratitude, and presence. Lessons that no classroom or screen could teach.
Why We Need to Reconnect with Nature
Silence, not everyone needs to disappear into a jungle. But in today’s world, overflowing with distractions and demands, we all need moments of silence. Nature provides that. It humbles us, grounds us, and invites us to remember what it means to be fully human.
Because sometimes, walking into the forest is also a journey inward, back to our truest selves.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Is this kind of jungle trip safe for beginners?
A: Not without guidance. The Kerinci jungle is wild and remote, with harsh conditions and no cell reception. However, with proper survival training and experienced guides, it can be safe and deeply rewarding.
Q: When is the best time to go trekking in Kerinci?
A: The dry sea, from May to September, is ideal. Trails are less slippery, and river crossings are safer due to lower water levels.
Q: What are the must-have items to bring?
A: Essentials include: a tent, quick-dry field clothes, rain gear, compass, flashlight, multi-tool, portable cooking gear, food rations, water filters, and a basic first aid kit. And don’t forget a trash bag—leave no trace behind.
Q: Is there a phone signal in the jungle?
A: No. After leaving the last village, there’s no signal at all. But that’s part of the magic, disconnecting from noise to reconnect with yourself.
Q: What’s the biggest benefit of a journey like this?
A: Besides building physical and mental endurance, it offers something rare: perspective. You learn to appreciate simplicity, honor the wild, and listen to your inner voice. Many people come home changed, not just in body, but in spirit.
