Kelok 9, Mountain road in Lima Puluh Kota Regency, Indonesia
Kelok 9 is a mountain road in Lima Puluh Kota that stretches for just under 3 kilometers and features nine sharp turns. The structure consists of multiple bridges spanning deep valleys, elevated up to 80 meters above ground.
The original route was built between 1908 and 1914 by the Dutch East Indies government. The modern overpass that exists today was opened in 2013, replacing the older alignment.
The road connects communities across West Sumatra, with locals using it daily for commerce and family visits. It serves as a vital social and economic link that brings together people from different regions of the island.
The route is open daily and requires attentiveness due to the many turns, which can be demanding for inexperienced drivers. It is advisable to travel during daylight hours and adjust speed to the tightest sections.
The name Kelok means curve in Sundanese, and the nine turns gave this route its distinctive name. Travelers often drive this course specifically to experience navigating through the dramatic turns as part of their journey.
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