EPIC DRIVE: Ulu Yam
MONDAY MAY 22, 2017
The last time I was awake this early was to catch a plane to the other side of the planet. Truth be told, there wasn’t much sleep either in the wee hours owing to the pleasure of pure excitement since it has been way too long since the last Epic Drive. So, what’s in the equation this time? Two 208 GTIs and a couple of STs.
Having the windows down, the smell of greens, fertile soil zing memories from yesterdays. Just as I was admiring a soon to be sunrise, these cheeky hatches have pulled ferry-length distances, my admiration had to come to a premature end as every bit of attention was very much required to keep up. The road surface was glossy littered with opulent bends, a handful of long straights as well as inviting undulations.
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Call it rusty or being on unfamiliar turf, poor clipping of one apex will lead to an embarrassing next. So, getting your lines bulls eyed from the beginning is vital because before you know it, the run is already over. Being in hot hatch territory, it was evident all four of them were having a good time slaying corners on the limit which begs the question, which one is best?
Ford’s ST won our hearts two years back and is still a giggle to drive but if you must have a one-car garage, the GTI does a better job. It is for one, airier on the inside, seats four comfortably and looks nicer on the inside. Also cheaper to buy. Should you want the best driving hatch, look no further because it’s the Fiesta. Despite that, both will happily shift into second to cog a wheel in the bends.
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Nestled in the heart of Malaysia, Ulu Yam offers a driving experience that's not for the faint of heart. Known for its jaw-dropping scenery and devilishly challenging roads, it's a magnet for touge enthusiasts craving the raw thrill of mountain pass driving. In this article, we dive deep into what makes Ulu Yam an unmissable destination for touge drivers and how to squeeze every ounce of excitement from your drive through this picturesque, adrenaline-fueled region.
Ulu Yam’s allure lies in its serpentine roads that snake through lush, verdant forests and offer vistas that could make a grown man weep. The mix of tight, heart-pounding corners, stomach-churning elevation changes, and unpredictable road conditions form the ultimate playground for touge drivers. Each twist and turn of the road is a new puzzle, testing your mettle and the limits of your machine.
The atmosphere was filled with a combination of turbo hisses and a howling flat six which left more than a few more tattoos along B56. Unlike Klawang, Ulu Yam is nearer which makes it delightful for times in need of that speed fix.
Ulu Yam
Length: 50 kilometres
Address: Hulu Yam, Selangor – Genting Highlands, Pahang
GPS: 3.272922, 101.690845 - 3.424253, 101.792459
Key Routes and Highlights
Several routes in Ulu Yam stand out, each one a siren call to different individuals. Here are the highlights:
Ulu Yam - Genting Route: This route is infamous for its razor-sharp hairpins and punishing inclines. It’s a cocktail of blistering straights and intricate technical corners, a favorite haunt for those eager to push their driving precision to the edge.
Batang Kali - Gohtong Jaya: Renowned for its silky-smooth tarmac and panoramic views, this route offers a gentler, but no less exhilarating, drive. The sweeping curves and moderate traffic make it a fantastic choice for both rookies and seasoned drivers looking for a more relaxed pace.
Sungai Tua - Ulu Yam Baru: This path plunges you into dense forests and winds along rivers, delivering a tranquil yet electrifying drive. The tight corners and narrow lanes demand sharp navigation, adding a dash of danger to the serene backdrop.