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 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, 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.

Landscape
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.

Climate
Dieng is located at an altitude of ±2,100 meters (6,900 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by mountainous areas. Decorated with plants, bushes and cold air, Dieng is an area with natural scenery that gives a feeling of serenity.

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.

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

See
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.

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

Do

 * Motorbike trips &mdash; to geothermal sites and temples can be arranged for about Rp60,000 per person. Sunrise is beautiful from up the mountain.
 * Light trekking &mdash; 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 are two popular spots for trekking.

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

Drink
Bring your own beer because it is so difficult to find alcoholic drinks in Dieng.

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

Go next

 * Banjarnegara
 * Batang
 * 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.
 * Wonosobo