Dieng Plateau: Wonosobo Central Java, Indonesia

Dieng Plateau: Wonosobo Central Java, Indonesia

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The Dieng Plateau is an upland volcanic plain in Central Java, famous for its scenery and ancient Hindu temples. The Dieng Plateau is a caldera complex formed by the eruption of ancient Mountain Prau. The caldera was once filled up water and then dried up, but volcanic activity continues to this day, with sulphuric fumes and poisonous lakes. Located at an altitude of 2000m, it's also much cooler than the surrounding lowlands. 

The ancient Javanese Hindus built up temples and made Dieng Plateau as a sacred place. The word Dieng word 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.  

The only way to reach the Dieng Plateau 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.From Semarang and Yogyakarta you can go by tourist car/rent car with 7 seaters vehicle.

Sight seeing here includes a hot spring, a multi-colored lake (a misnomer), candis 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 makes the plateau an enjoyable place to stay around.

Dieng is an active volcanic region and can be regarded as a giant volcano. Plains formed from volcanic crater that has died. Crater shape can be seen obviously from the plain with mountains cluster surrounding. Yet despite this volcano has been dead for centuries, some volcanic craters are still active until now. Among these is Kawah Sikidang (Sikidang Crater), which is always on the move and jumping like a "kidang" or deer. The uniqueness of the formation process produced an exotic landscape. Telaga Warna (Colorful Lake) that reflects the color green, blue and purple and enchanting the beauty of sunrise from the summit of Gunung Sikunir (Mount Sikunir) is the places that should not be passed just like that. 

Motorbike trips to a bunch of the geothermal sites and temples can be arranged for about $6/person. Sunrise is beautiful from up the mountain.

Light trekking. Dieng plateau with hills, local plantation, villages also offers travelers a chance to explore it by foot. Light trekking can be arranged from the nearest local accommodation or Homestay. Sikunir and Gunung Perahu are two popular spots for trekking site. 

Source: wikitravel.org