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
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