The Sitinjau Lauik route is one of the extreme roads across Sumatra with the Padang-Arosuka-Solok City route.
Sitinjau Lauik is also one of the routes that connects the Province of West Sumatra with other provinces in Indonesia.
However, it should be noted that road users, both two-wheeled and four-wheeled, who want to pass through Silihat Lauik must be careful. because along approximately 15 km is famous for its extreme bends. Not just cornering, but there are inclines that drivers or road users need to conquer. It is said to be extreme, a bend that resembles a 45 degree angle, it does not allow 2 large cars to pass. As a result, the driver had to take turns, while crossing in order to conquer the Sitinjau Lauik bend.
It is no longer common knowledge, among truck and bus drivers, that the Sitinjau Lauik route is a scourge because of its extreme incline, sharp descents, gaping ravines on the side of the road, and the threat of landslides from the hills.
Based on the records of the National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC), last year there were 36 accidents at this location. With a length of 15 kilometers, this track really tests the adrenaline and becomes a challenge that must be conquered by the steering wheel. From Padang, the first challenge that must be conquered by the driver is the incline of Panorama I Sitinjau Lauik. This incline is U-shaped with steep terrain and on the left side of the slope of about 30 degrees.
Although the road is wide enough to reach 16 meters, for those who are not used to this road, the vehicle might run out of breath or die in the middle of the trip. Even more extreme, sometimes in Panorama I there are also trucks carrying palm oil or bulk cement whose cargo spills onto the road. As a result, the road becomes slippery and not infrequently passing vehicles cannot climb this incline.
After Panorama I, the next incline that must also be conquered is Panorama II with a long incline route. Like a street hell, if your driving skills are inadequate or the vehicle is unfit, there is only one risk, which is accident.
"The extreme incline of Sitinjau lauik has become global, because of the scenery and as an adrenaline booster for car or motorcycle riders.
Many foreign tourists also visit this bend, out of curiosity about this steep bend. besides that, there are also many who take the moment when going through this extreme path.