The steep incline of Goa Gong Road in Jimbaran, Bali, is known as one of the most challenging routes for drivers, especially for heavy vehicles.
Located in Jimbaran Village, South Kuta District, Badung Regency, this road is often used as an alternative route to popular tourist destinations such as Pandawa Beach and Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK).
However, its steep and winding terrain makes it highly prone to accidents, particularly for vehicles that disregard the traffic signs installed along the road.
Goa Gong Road features an extreme landscape with sharp curves and steep inclines.
The narrow width of the road adds to the difficulty, especially for large vehicles such as trucks and buses.
Despite clear prohibitory signs warning heavy vehicles against using this route, many drivers ignore them, leading to frequent incidents where trucks fail to ascend or even overturn.
Several accidents have occurred on this incline. For instance, on January 4, 2025, a truck carrying limestone overturned due to slippery road conditions after heavy rainfall.
Fortunately, there were no casualties. Earlier, on September 23, 2024, a truck loaded with scaffolding failed to climb the incline, rolled backward, and crashed into a roadside barrier before getting stuck in a banyan tree.
Another incident on August 30, 2024, involved a truck carrying bottled water that got stuck on the incline after ignoring the traffic restriction signs.
To avoid the risks of accidents on the Goa Gong incline, particularly for heavy vehicles, it is recommended to use alternative routes such as the South Ring Road in Nusa Dua.
Although longer, this route is much safer and more suitable for large vehicles.
For those who still choose to traverse the Goa Gong incline, it is crucial to ensure that their vehicle is in optimal condition, be familiar with the road’s terrain, and strictly follow the traffic regulations.
Compliance with restrictions on heavy vehicles is essential to prevent unwanted accidents.
Authorities have installed restriction signs prohibiting buses and trucks from entering Goa Gong Road.
However, the effectiveness of these signs depends on driver awareness and adherence.
Additionally, regular evaluations of road conditions and the enhancement of supporting infrastructure, such as stronger barriers, could improve safety.
Educating drivers—particularly those using navigation apps—is also important to prevent them from being directed onto this hazardous route.
Beyond its reputation as a steep and dangerous incline, the area around Goa Gong Road is also home to the sacred Goa Gong Temple, known for its mysterious phenomenon of an unseen gong sound echoing from within the cave.
This phenomenon adds to the mystical ambiance of the region.
However, specific myths or folklore directly related to the Goa Gong incline itself are not well-documented in available sources.
Most references focus on the challenging physical conditions of the road and the frequent accidents that occur there.
Thus, while the area has a mystical element associated with Goa Gong Temple, there is no clear information regarding any legends specifically tied to the incline of Goa Gong Road.
By understanding the conditions and risks of the Goa Gong incline, drivers are encouraged to be more cautious and follow traffic regulations for the safety of all road users. (BT)
