The regional capital of the Kerinci valley is a sprawling small town set in a perfect circular plain ringed by mountains. It is the practical base for visits to the southern sector of the national park, the place to find ATMs, decent accommodation, and a connection back to the wider road network. The bus station for Padang and Jambi is here.
The most distinctive sight is Masjid Agung Pondok Tinggi, an old wooden mosque from the early 19th century with carved beams and a tiered roof — a survival from the pre-concrete era. The morning market on Jalan Sentral is good for fresh produce, kayu manis bark (Kerinci is one of the world's main sources of cinnamon), and roasted Kerinci coffee.