Tips for Driving the Winding Roads to Lake Toba and Berastagi

The roads to Berastagi, Merek, Tongging and Tarutung are full of long climbs, steep descents and sharp bends. The right driving technique makes all the difference to safety.

Climbing

• Use a low gear (L or S mode on an automatic) for long climbs.
• Avoid stopping halfway up a steep climb unless necessary.
• Keep your distance from slow-moving trucks.

Descending

• Use engine braking in a low gear; do not rely only on the brakes.
• If the brakes feel hot or smell, stop somewhere safe and let them cool.
• Never shift into neutral on a descent.

On bends

• Slow down before the bend, not in the middle of it.
• Stay in your lane, especially on blind bends.
• Give a short horn signal on sharp bends with no visibility.

In fog

• Switch on your headlights and fog lights if fitted.
• Reduce your speed sharply.
• If the fog is very thick, pull over somewhere safe and wait.

Recommendation

For these routes, powerful vehicles such as the Innova Reborn Diesel and Fortuner are safer. If you are not used to mountain roads, use an experienced driver.

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