The Dieng Plateau is an upland volcanic plain in Central Java, famous for its scenery and ancient Hindu temples.

Hindu temples dating back to the 8th century

Understand

The Dieng Plateau is a caldera complex formed by the ancient eruption of Mount Prau. The caldera was once filled with water and dried up over time. Volcanic activity continues to this day, with sulphuric fumes and poisonous lakes. At an altitude of 2,000 m (6,600 ft), it's much cooler than the surrounding lowlands. It is located in the regencies of Wonosobo and Banjarnegara.

History

The ancient Javanese Hindus built temples on the plateau, considering it a sacred place. The word Dieng is from the Sanskrit di (abode) and hyang (gods), and so means Abode of the Gods. Hundreds of temples were built between the 8th and 13th centuries by the Sanjaya dynasty, but only eight are left. They resemble those of Prambanan, but on a smaller scale. Local people refer to the temples according to the characters in ancient Javanese Hindu legends based on the Mahabharata and Ramayana stories.

Natural environment

The hills around Dieng are intensively farmed.

Dieng is growing rich on agriculture. Its cool climate allows carrots, cabbages and potatoes to be grown. But the demand is so strong that farming is moving up onto steeper and steeper slopes, large sheets of plastic swathe the fields to keep down weeds and water pipes snake across the landscape draining the lakes for irrigation.

Get in

The only way to get in is overland. The main gateway to the plateau, Wonosobo, can be reached by public bus from Yogyakarta, changing in Magelang. Yogayakarta to Magelang costs Rp15,000. In Magelang, take another bus to Wonosobo. Magelang to Wonosobo takes two hours, and costs Rp14,000. Wonosobo can also be reached from Purwokerto by bus. There are frequent trains from Jakarta to Purwokerto, as well as night buses. There is only one bus direct from Jakarta to Wonosobo, costing Rp75,000.

Mount Sindoro at the Dieng Plateau

Get around

A minibus from Wonosobo to the temples costs Rp20,000 and takes an hour.

See

Steaming fumarole at Sikidang

Sightseeing here includes a hot spring, a so-called multi-colored lake, and some impressive scenery from the peaks. The different sights all charge a small entrance fee upon entry. The fresh air, beautiful greenery and quiet make the plateau an enjoyable place to stay.

The Dieng Temples are a group of 7th-century Hindu temples that are among the oldest surviving religious structures built in Java.

• 1 Arjuna temple group (Hindu Arjuna Cinca). Four aligned and well-preserved Hindu temples within a well-kept scented garden. Can be very crowded on week-ends and public holidays, so visit it at sunrise when the view is eye-catching. Some hotels organise sunrise tours. The entrance fee allows you to visit a volcanic fumarole. Combined ticket Rp25,000. 
• 2 Gatotkaca temple. A square temple situated near the Arjuna group. Free. 
• 3 Pengilon & Warna Lakes. Twin lakes, one green and the other emerald, offer great scenery at sunrise. Best seen from the Pakuwojo viewpoint 
• 4 Sikidang crater (Kawah Sikidang). A volcanic crater. A nearby small hill provides a good viewpoint. Combined ticket Rp25,000. 

Do

• Motorbike trips — to geothermal sites and temples can be arranged for about Rp60,000 per person. Sunrise is beautiful from up the mountain.
• Light trekking — with its hills, fields and villages offers a chance to explore it on foot. Trekking can be arranged from the nearest local accommodation or losmens. Sikunir and Gunung Perahu are two popular spots for trekking. More information for trekking trip arrangement around Dieng contact +6285876186269 or visit

Buy

Carica is a dwarf variety of papaya. Normally sold bottled in sweet syrup.

Eat

• 1 Bu Djono Losmen & Restaurant (at the corner of Jl Dieng and the circular road when entering Dieng Kulon). A cheap restaurant with friendly staff. Doubles as a guest house and provides excellent advice about the sightseeing in the area. It’s also possible to book tours and rent vehicles. Traditional dishes: Rp 10,000–25,000. 

Sleep

• Homestay Dieng, Dieng Plateau. Km. 01, ☏ +62 852 9324-7232, marketing@diengbackpacker.com. This simple, friendly place has been hosting backpackers for years and has a certain ramshackle charm with basic, clean, economy rooms and better options with hot-water private bathrooms and TV. Good tours are offered. It's very close to the turn-off for Wonosobo. 
• 1 Nusa Indah Homestay, Jl Telaga Warna, Dieng Wetan, ☏ +62 858 7848-6669, +62 852 9282-3636, +62 286 330-1246, +62 812 2691-8123, +62 286 330-1430, nusaindahdieng@gmail.com. Close to the temples, very clean with hot water in the rooms. TV. For a family there is a small apartment with two rooms and a beautiful view over the mountains. The family that runs this place is very friendly. No breakfast. Rp250,000. 
• Penginapan Dieng, Jl Dieng Wonosobo, ☏ +62 856 0006-6106. An agency specialising in cheap alternative lodging options around Wonosobo and Dieng, with pictures and reviews. 

Stay safe

This is an active volcanic region and all visitors are urged to regularly check geological reports.

Go next

• Purwokerto - gateway to some great trekking including mighty Mount Slamet.
• Semarang - the modern day capital of Central Java and an ancient port city.
• Yogyakarta - and the far grander temples of Prambanan and Borobudur.