What are the best 5 roads in Malaysia?
Malaysia is endowed with a multitude of road types, ranging from city streets and trunk roads (B-roads) to village roads and highways. Each type of road offers a distinct driving experience, with some proving to be more exhilarating than others. The quality and layout of the road significantly influence the overall driving experience.
Karak Highway to Genting Highlands to Bukit Tinggi
Extending across Banjaran Titiwangsa and traversing ravines, highlands, and mountains, Karak Highway offers an exhilarating driving experience that continually captivates enthusiasts. Covering a total distance of 60 km (37.28 miles), the winding tarmac, varying in elevation, provides an engaging and swift drive. The highway's dual to three-lane configuration for most of its stretch contributes to the rapid and dynamic nature of the journey. Renowned as a sought-after destination for Malaysian petrolheads, the adventure typically commences from Gombak toll. Exiting the toll en route to Karak town marks the initiation of an adrenaline-pumping experience. Negotiating such expansive lanes poses a considerable challenge for those inclined towards a heavier right foot. Throughout the excursion, numerous opportunities arise to exit the highway and explore the B-roads. Whether opting for the Bukit Tinggi route leading to Tropicale Cormar, the Genting Highlands route up to the peak, or just as far as Gohtong Jaya, these alternatives demand heightened focus and concentration compared to the highway. However, the sense of accomplishment and joy intensify if you successfully navigate each twist and turn along these routes.
Bukit Putus
Situated in the Negeri Sembilan state, Bukit Putus stands as an ancient trunk or federal road, gaining notoriety for its perilous corners and sharp bends. Covering a relatively short distance of approximately 7 km (4.35 miles), this track-like route imposes a legal speed limit of 90 km/h (55.92 mph). Surrounded by lush greenery, embarking on a drive during the early morning offers a rejuvenating and cool experience. The road often exudes an eerie quietness, with occasional traffic encounters. It is strongly recommended not to venture alone but to opt for a convoy of at least two cars or a group drive. With its road layout and traffic conditions, Bukit Putus emerges as an ideal touge path, providing driving enthusiasts with the perfect terrain to test their skills and assess their car handling capabilities.
Hulu Langat to Kuala Klawang
This route is situated in both the state of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, making the Kuala Klawang route a well-known destination for weekend convoy drives among petrolheads. Offering a picturesque drive, this route leads you to Semenyih Dam along the way, presenting a breathtaking landscape to enjoy during your journey. In comparison to Bukit Putus, the Kuala Klawang route boasts a steeper elevation, featuring approximately 400 corners and covering a stretch of 50 km (31.07 miles) with smooth tarmac. If you wish to test your driving skills, this is the ideal location. The road tends to be bustling with car clubs, superbikes, and cyclists during weekends, with occasional reports of road accidents involving cars and motorbikes. Therefore, it's crucial to drive safely and remain vigilant.
Simpang Pulai to Cameron Highlands
This route from Simpang Pulai to Cameron Highlands offers an alternative for car enthusiasts in search of a scenic mountain pass, providing a different experience from the commonly used Genting pass. It is particularly popular among drivers from the Northern region. However, groups from the Central region also choose this route to escape the often crowded Genting drive. Being relatively newer compared to Genting, this route features a landscape that is more spacious and less claustrophobic, with two-lane paths resembling highways and a sense of distance from the surrounding greenery. Covering a distance of approximately 80 km (49.71 miles), the drive from the foothill to Cameron Highlands takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes. This route is gaining popularity for its reputation as a safer road to Cameron Highlands compared to the old Tapah route. While weekend traffic may increase due to tourists heading to Cameron Highlands, the wider lanes and highway-like road designs contribute to a safer driving experience.
Ulu Yam to Sungai Selangor Dam (aka KKB Dam)
No list of the best roads to drive in Malaysia would be complete without highlighting the renowned Ulu Yam route. A must-visit for petrolheads, this route shares similarities with the aforementioned B-roads. Its popularity is further enhanced by its location in the Klang Valley, making it a convenient weekend drive right in your own backyard, eliminating the need to travel interstate. Typically commencing at Batu Caves heading into Ulu Yam, the drive kicks off with fast sweeping corners, steep elevations, and blind spots that pose challenges for overtaking. With undivided attention focused on the drive, drivers are treated to a picturesque landscape right from the beginning. The Batu Dam serves as a delightful break, providing a contrast to the prevalent greenery on both sides of the road. After 15 to 20 minutes of driving amidst nature, you'll reach Ulu Yam town. Following another 15 minutes of town driving, the journey immerses you back into the natural landscape, featuring continuous sweeping bends and elevations. Ultimately, this beloved road for petrolheads concludes at a location overlooking the dam on a 150-meter bridge. Here, you can park on the side for photo opportunities and enjoy the scenic views. Continue traveling for another 5 minutes, and you'll arrive at a lookout point offering panoramic views of the entire dam. These two spots mark the ultimate destinations for the famous Ulu Yam drive!