Sitinjau Lauik, an extreme route in Padang, offers a driving challenge with steep bends and captivating panoramic views of the mountains and sea.
Sitinjau Lauik, a trans-Sumatra route in Padang City, West Sumatra, is famous for its sharp bends, steep slopes, and extraordinary natural scenery.
Stretching 15 kilometers, this route connects Padang and Solok, making it an important route connecting West Sumatra with other regions.
Built by the Dutch colonial government in the early 20th century, Sitinjau Lauik initially functioned as a transportation route for agricultural products between regions.
Today, this route is not only a vital economic link, but also a challenging tourist destination for drivers and tourists who want to enjoy its natural beauty.
Knowing the History and Origin of the Name Sitinjau Lauik
The name “Sitinjau Lauik” means “seeing the sea” in Minangkabau language, because this route offers a view of the Indian Ocean that can be enjoyed from a height.
The line was first built in 1904 by the Dutch East Indies government to facilitate trade routes, and took ten years to complete in 1914. Since then, the Sitinjau Lauik line has become the main link between various cities in West Sumatra and its neighboring provinces.
Sitinjau Lauik Extreme Bends: A Thrilling Driving Challenge
Administratively, Sitinjau Lauik is located in Lubuk Kilangan District, Padang, and the first climb starts from the Lubuk Paraku Bridge.
The extreme U-shaped bends with a gradient of up to 45 degrees make this route known as one of the most dangerous routes in Indonesia. The steep and winding shape of the road means drivers have to be very careful, especially when passing through steep U-bends.
Not only that, this route is also narrow and often crowded with various types of vehicles, from small cars to large trucks.
Drivers who want to cross Sitinjau Lauik must have good driving skills and extra patience, because the challenging road conditions and heavy traffic flow often cause this route to be congested, especially during rush hour.
The Natural Charm of Sitinjau Lauik: Beauty Amidst Challenges
1. Panorama of Sea and Mountains
Situated at an altitude of around 220 meters above sea level, the Sitinjau Lauik route offers stunning views of the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding green hills.
Along the way, drivers and tourists can stop for a moment to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery, especially on sunny days when the sea and mountains are clearly visible and beautiful.
2. Padang Scenic Point
One of the favorite resting places along this route is Padang Scenic Point, a typical Minang gazebo that offers views of Padang City and the surrounding hills.
Padang Scenic Point is an ideal place for tourists to rest while enjoying the beauty of the city from a height. This gazebo is also a popular photo spot, especially towards dusk when the city lights start to come on, creating a romantic and calming view.
3. Charming Morning Dew and Twilight
In the morning, a thin mist often covers Sitinjau Lauik, providing a magical nuance that seems to welcome the sun slowly rising on the eastern horizon. In the afternoon, this path is also crowded with couples or tourists who want to enjoy the sunset from a height.
The night is no less interesting, where the view of the city lights seen from the hillsides creates a stunning and unforgettable atmosphere.
Interesting Facts About Siinjau Lauik
1. Crowded Extreme Route
Even though this route is quite dangerous, Sitinjau Lauik is still crowded with various types of vehicles every day, making it one of the busiest routes in West Sumatra.
The large number of vehicles passing by, including large trucks carrying heavy loads, often causes traffic jams, especially when heavy vehicles have difficulty climbing or stopping suddenly.
2. Lane Expansion to Reduce Congestion
The government has widened the Sitinjau Lauik route to reduce congestion. However, the heavy traffic and steep terrain still cause frequent congestion, especially on sharp bends. This effort at least provides more space for larger vehicles so they can pass through this route safely.
3. High Risk of Accidents
Sitinjau Lauik’s extreme bends make it a route with a high accident risk, especially when it rains or palm oil spills from trucks make the road slippery.
The large number of accidents on this route has prompted drivers to be more careful and ensure their vehicles are in prime condition before crossing this route.
4. National Routes and Main Connecting Routes
Sitinjau Lauik is the only national route connecting West Sumatra with other provinces, making it a very important route for the transportation of goods and trade.
This strategic position makes the Sitinjau Lauik route always busy and becomes a link between cities and provinces on the island of Sumatra.
Safe Driving Tips in Sitinjau Lauik
1. Vehicle Preparation
Make sure the vehicle is in good condition, especially the brakes and engine. This track requires excellent vehicle performance to be able to safely navigate extreme bends and high slopes.
2. Drive Carefully
Driving in Sitinjau Lauik requires alertness and good driving skills. Try not to go too fast or too slow, especially on sharp turns.
3. Pay attention to weather conditions
This route is often slippery when it rains, so it is important to always pay attention to weather conditions and avoid traveling during heavy rain.
4. Rest at Scenic Point
Take advantage of Padang Scenic Point to take a break and enjoy the natural scenery, and reduce fatigue before continuing the journey.
Sitinjau Lauik is one of the extreme routes that not only challenges driving skills, but also presents extraordinary natural beauty. This route functions as a vital link between cities and provinces, as well as being a tourist destination because of its stunning views.
For those who love challenges who want to enjoy the panorama of mountains and sea in one trip, Sianok Canyon in Padang is a destination that offers a unique and unforgettable driving experience.
