Dieng Plateau
The Dieng Plateau is an upland volcanic plain in Central Java, famous for its scenery and ancient Hindu temples.
Understand
The Dieng Plateau is a caldera complex formed by the eruption of ancient Mountain Prau. The caldera was once filled up with water and over time dried up, but volcanic activity continues to this day, with sulphuric fumes and poisonous lakes. Located at an altitude of 2,000 metres, it's also much cooler than the surrounding lowlands.
History
The ancient Javanese Hindus built up temples and made Dieng Plateau as a sacred place. The word Dieng was formed from Sanskrit words Di (Abode) and Hyang (Gods), so Dieng means Abode of the Gods. The Javanese Hindus built hundreds of temples in this place, but only eight are left. The temples were built from 8th century to 13th century by Sanjaya Dynasty and resemble those of Prambanan, but on a smaller scale. The local people named the temples based on the characters in the ancient Javanese Hindu legend which has similarity to famous Hindu story Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Get in
The only way to reach the Dieng Plateau [1] is by land. The main town on the plateau, Wonosobo, can be reached from Yogyakarta by stopping in Magelang. Yogayakarta to Magelang cost Rupiah 15,000. In Magelang, take another bus to Wonosobo. Magelang to Wonosobo takes 2 hours journey cost only Rp 14,000. Wonosobo can also be reached from Purwokerto by bus. There are frequent train schedule from Jakarta to Purwokerto. There are also night buses from Jakarta to Purwokerto. There is only one bus direct to Wonosobo cost Rp 75,000.
Get around
A minibus from Wonosobo to the temples costs Rp 20,000 and takes 1 hour.
See
Sightseeing here includes a hot spring, a multi-colored lake (a misnomer), and some impressive top-down scenery from the peaks. The different sights all require a small entrance fee which is collected before entry. The fresh air, beautiful greenery and quiet make the plateau an enjoyable place to stay around.
The Dieng Temples are a group of 7th-century Hindu temples that are among the oldest surviving religious structures ever built in Java.
- 1 Arjuna group (Hindu Arjuna Cinca). Four aligned well-preserved Hindu temples are located within a well-groomed scent garden. Could be very crowded on week-ends and public holidays, so prefer to visit it at sunrise, when the view is eye-catching. Some hotels organise sunrise tours as well. The entrance fee also allows you to visit the sulphur crater. Combined ticket Rp 25,000.
- 2 Gatotkaca Temple. A lone square temple near the Arjuna group. Free.
- 3 Sikidang sulfur crater (Kawah Sikidang). A naturally-formed sulphur crater, boiling and smoking night and day. A small hill provides a nice view on the natural and exploited sources and the surrounding terraced reliefs. Combined ticket Rp 25,000.
- 4 Pengilon & Warna Lakes. Two twin lakes, one green and the other emerald, offer a great scenery at sunrise. Better seen from the Pakuwojo viewpoint.
Do
Motorbike trips to a bunch of the geothermal sites and temples can be arranged for about US$6/person. Sunrise is beautiful from up the mountain. see Dieng Plateau picture [2]
Light trekking. Dieng plateau with hills, local plantation, villages also offers visitors a chance to explore it by foot. Light trekking can be arranged from the nearest local accommodation or losmens. Sikunir and Gunung Perahu are two popular spots for trekking site. More information for trekking trip arrangement around Dieng contact +6285876186269 or visit [3]
Buy
Eat
- 1 Bu Djono Losmen & Restaurant (at the corner of Jalan Dieng and the circular road when entering Dieng Kulon). A cheap restaurant with a 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.
Try the banana sweets at one of the street stalls.
Also try carica, a locally cultivated fruit that's from the same family as the carica papaya, commonly served in a jar with sweet water.
Drink
Sleep
- Homestay Dieng, Dieng Plateau. Km. 01, ☏ +62 85293247232, 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.
- Hotel Nusa indah. Close to the temples, very clean and hot water in the room. Not bad because it]s very cold on the plateau. TV. For a family there is a small apartment with two rooms and a beautiful view on the mountains. The family that runs this place is very friendly. No breakfast. 250.000.
- Penginapan Dieng, Jl Dieng Wonosobo, ☏ +6285600066106. Providing cheap alternative lodging options near Wonosobo Dieng , such as Homestay , Home daily rent to tourists equipped with the latest pictures and interesting review of various types of lodging near Dieng .
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.