How long is Kelok 9 road in Indonesia?
Indonesia, asia
2.7 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Get ready for Kelok 9, a legendary stretch connecting Central and Eastern Sumatra! This 2.7 km ribbon of road, nestled in West Sumatra's Riau province, winds its way from the Central Trans-Sumatra Highway to the East Trans-Sumatra Highway, near the city of Payakumbuh.
Originally built between 1908 and 1914, Kelok 9 was infamous for its nine super-steep, winding climbs that could cause major traffic jams. But don't worry, it got a $49.6 million upgrade in 2013! Six shiny new bridges replaced the old climbs, easing congestion and offering killer views. "Kelok" means curve, and this road lives up to its name, delivering nine adrenaline-pumping hairpin turns. And get this: it was built over the old Kelok 44 road, so you know it's got a wild history. The flyover structure was a game-changer, turning what used to be a 5-6 hour crawl into a much shorter cruise.
But it's not just about the thrills, the road cuts through two stunning nature reserves, showcasing lush green hills. You’ll find both the White Water Reservation and the Harau Nature Reserve along the way. Kelok 9 has turned into a full-blown tourist attraction, boasting plenty of spots to pull over, snap photos, and admire Indonesia's incredible engineering.
Road Details
- Country
- Indonesia
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 2.7 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in asia
moderateDriving on water surface through the Shiziguan floating bridge
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: You're in Xuan'en County, deep in the gorgeous southwestern Hubei province of China, ready for an adventure. Get ready to experience the Shiziguan floating bridge, seriously one of the coolest bridges EVER! Hidden inside the Shiziguan scenic area, this wooden wonder, aka the Shiziguan water highway, puts you practically *on* the river. Seriously, you'll feel like you're gliding across the water as you walk or drive. They call it the "Long Bridge Of Dreams," and it's easy to see why. This 1,640-foot-long (500 meters) beauty winds its way over the dazzling turquoise Qingjiang River, which is a whopping 60 meters deep! It's only 4.5 meters wide, so keep an eye out for other travelers! There's a speed limit too, so keep it slow and steady to keep those big waves down. This unforgettable experience opened up to the public on May 1st, 2016. Get ready to have your mind blown!
moderateDriving the defiant road to Atash Sang Peak
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to check out Atash Sang Peak in Iran. This beast clocks in at a whopping 3,460m (11,351ft), making it one of the highest roads you'll find in the country. Nestled on the border of Alborz and Mazandaran provinces, just east of the famous Kandovan Pass, this area is pure magic. Think mind-blowing caves and intriguing mines dotting the landscape. Now, about that road... Get ready for a wild ride! It's completely unpaved, and the climb is intense. Expect curve after curve, especially near the summit where hairpin turns become your new best friend. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. Oh, and did I mention the heart-stopping drops along the way? Definitely not for the faint of heart! The adventure kicks off in Pol-e Zanguleh (also known as Pole Zangoole), and from there, it's a 23.49km (14.6 miles) journey to the top. The views? Totally worth every white-knuckle moment!
hardHow to get by car to Diyaluma Falls in Sri Lanka?
🌍 Sri Lanka
Okay, picture this: You're in Sri Lanka's Badulla District, heading towards the legendary Diyaluma Falls, also known as Diya Haluma, the country's second-highest waterfall, cascading down a staggering 220 meters! You'll find yourself in the heart of Uva Province, about 6 km from Koslanda, at a cool 694 meters above sea level. The falls are fed by the Poonagala Oya, making it the perfect destination for an epic day trip. The journey there is part of the A4 highway (the Colombo-Badulla highway). The last leg gets pretty interesting. It's all uphill from here, and the road gets a little rough around the edges. It's paved, but seriously steep, with some super-narrow stretches and a few bridges to navigate. Forget those neat lane markings; it's a squeeze for two cars to pass, and some parts have zero guardrails! Keep your eyes peeled for a sharp turn near the waterfall, where everyone tends to park haphazardly around the bridge. The road itself? About 35.3 km (21.93 miles) of winding fun, taking you from Beragala in the west to Wellawaya in the east. Along the way, you'll find a cool little visitor platform. Here, locals sling souvenirs, yummy food, and ice cream—the perfect pit stop! Watch out for the monkeys; they're always on the lookout for a snack. Many people take a dip at the base of the falls, though heads up, it's not quite as pristine as up top.
extremeCan you drive to Jalori Pass?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Jalori Pass in Himachal Pradesh is calling your name! Just 600km from Delhi, this high-altitude beauty sits at a cool 3,134m (10,282ft). The road, NH305, stretches for 43.1 km (26.78 miles) from Jibhi to Anni, and let me tell you, it's an experience. Think mostly paved, but also narrow, steep, uneven, and riddled with potholes – so buckle up for a bumpy, scenic ride. This is a mountain pass after all, so expect some serious climbs! Heads up: winter closes it down, usually from mid-December until around the second week of March, depending on the snow. Word on the street is Jalori Pass is often the first Indian pass to open each year, so keep an eye out! Winter can be fierce, so watch out for frost and black ice – those sneaky hazards can cause slips. But is it worth it? Absolutely! At the summit, you'll find local restaurants dishing out lunch and the Jalori Mata temple, also known as Mahakali temple, buzzing with devotees. The drive? Challenging but doable. From Ghayagi to the pass, it’s a mix of mud and pebbles, slowing you down to about 20 kmph. After Shoja, the climb gets steeper. The last 3 km are particularly rough – narrow, steep, and testing your first-gear skills. The road is narrow, with steep gradients and those winding curves, but if you're an experienced driver comfortable with hill driving and you drive sensibly, you'll be fine.