Dieng Plateau was initially not one of the places I thought to travel but stumble upon it by sheer chance and it became part of the must visit for me as I make my way from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, making pit stops along the way. You see I was hoping to get a good slice of Java itself, taking it slow, knowing the people and understanding the place.
Lucky for me or not, I was there during the rainy season of December in Indonesia, therefore I find myself in quite a number of rainfall especially in the evenings, but boy in Dieng Plateau, it is another league of its own. It rained practically the whole day from morning to sundown. It was raining when I reached at night and by noon the next day it started to rain again till I leave, I don’t know when did it stop.
Arjuna Temples, Dieng Plateau, Java, Indonesia
Where is it
Dieng Plateau is situated in Central Java, nearby Wonosobo. Most people in Indonesia calls it Dieng. It is a highland of 2,000 m. Even though nearby to Wonosobo, it is actually located in the regency of Banjarnegara.
Map of Dieng Plateau in Central Java, Indonesia
Why go
If you want to see something different from the rest of Java in Indonesia, here is the place. It is almost somewhat existing on its own up here in the highlands. If you explore around you will betrekking through rolling hills of plantations and mountains flanking from all sides in the horizon. A fellow traveler whom I met there commented “At this view (while looking from the road a vast rolling hills of vegetables fields), it almost seem like I am back in France.” And if you are here during off peak season, you will find yourself one of the only handful of travelers wandering around, making this place exclusive and off your usual beaten path.
Dieng Plateau, Java, Indonesia
When is the best time to go
Definitely not during the wet season like me but during the dry season of April to October, though you may find that during the peak season of June-August there might be more people than the usual sparse crowd.
Also be warned that the temperatures in Dieng can be quite cold being in the highlands, therefore remember to pack proper clothing. The guesthouses here are bare and minimal, therefore do not expect any kind of heating, a sleeping bag of your own would help tremendously in your sleep.
What to see
Arjuna Temples Complex – Candi-candi (ancient temples) dotted around, the most famous being the Arjuna complex not because of its magnificence, what not with the likes of Borobudur andPrambanan not too far off but for its really old age. Here you can find Candi Arjuna, Candi Setiyaki and Candi Bima. They are one of the oldest temples in Indonesia, dating back to 8th century built by the Sanjaya dynasty. It can be a bit disheartening to see the remaining small temples around the complex but keep in mind that it had stood the test of time for a long, long time.
Telaga Warna (colored lake) – not to be mistaken for it’s name for it is only in hues of blue and maybe some slight green. Try to walk up the hill beside it to catch a top view of the lake which can be quite beautiful if you caught it during the right light of day.
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Telaga Warna, Dieng Plateau, Java, Indonesia
What to do
Catch the sunrise at Sikunir Hill – rent a car or motorbike to the foothill of sekunir, then it is about another 30-40 minutes hike up (good workout to wake you up) in time for the sunrise. here you can see the sun slowly lit up the hills of terraced rice fields with dark mountains as backdropDefinitely trek and walk around Dieng Plateau highlands. We were being adventurous and thought to walk to all the places on the map for exploration, and it took us a good walk along the main road and then up the hills of houses and then deep into the vegetables fields and plantations. Along these treks you will find yourself surrounded by rolling fields of greens, hardworking locals smiling at you, local houses and kids running around and also other ancient structures dotted around.
Or catch the sunrise at Perahu Hill – This one you have to start earlier about 3 am and rent a vehicle to the foothill and hike up for about 2 hours. The view here is of course more magnificent as it takes more energy and effort.
How to get there
From Jakarta to Dieng
Get a train from Jakarta to Purwokerto and then take a bus to Wonosobo. At nearing Wonosobo, ask to be drop off at a junction near Klenteng whree you will catch another public mini bus to Dieng.
Get a train from Jakarta to Purwokerto and then take a bus to Wonosobo. At nearing Wonosobo, ask to be drop off at a junction near Klenteng whree you will catch another public mini bus to Dieng.
From Yogyakarta (Jogja) to Dieng
Get a bus to Magelang and then switch to another bus to Wonosobo. Then at Wonosobo, also catch a minibus to go up to Dieng.
Get a bus to Magelang and then switch to another bus to Wonosobo. Then at Wonosobo, also catch a minibus to go up to Dieng.
You may find a handful of homestays, hotels or guesthouses by the road side once you reach Dieng Plateau by bus as it will drop you at the main road. I chose to stay near Dieng Plateau for easy access to the trekking and sites but you may also stay in Wonosobo and take the minibus up when you want.
How to get around
Dieng can be small and big depending where you want to explore. The usual tourist circuit is doable by foot if you want to take a loop around and stop by at those places to visit. If you want to go a little further, catch a local minibus and stop off at junctions that you need and cover the rest with trekking on hills and plantations.
Where to go nearby
Purwokerto – what a real city would be like in Java before it get over-saturated as a jaded city, with its little park (alun-alun), good food, laid-back atmosphere, surrounded by many natural wonders and most of all the fun and friendly people.
Wonosobo – To catch more of village lives in the heart of Java.
Yogyakarta– for the grander temples of Central Java – Borobudur and Prambanan. It is also a place for food and shopping and other tourist attractions.
Semarang – another modern city of Central Java with ancient port.
Wonosobo – To catch more of village lives in the heart of Java.
Yogyakarta– for the grander temples of Central Java – Borobudur and Prambanan. It is also a place for food and shopping and other tourist attractions.
Semarang – another modern city of Central Java with ancient port.
