Dieng is a plateau that located at Central Java, Indonesia. To be more precise, Dieng is a caldera complex at Banjarnegara Regency, near Wonosobo. It has an altitude of 2.000 meters above sea levels. Dieng Plateau formed due to the eruption of volcanoes around that area such as Mount Dieng, Mount Sindoro and Mount Sumbing.

The name Dieng originally came from an ancient Javanese word “Dihyang”. Di means a place or mountain and Hyang means ancestral spirits or Gods. So, Dieng can be interpreted as  a gathering place of ancestral spirits and the Gods.  Another theory stated that Dihyang came from Sundanese word because of the influence from Galuh Kingdom, an ancient kingdom from West Java. From it’s name, this plateau create a mystical and magical feelings. Are you ready to feel the magical Dieng? Let’s go!!

What is in Dieng?

Dieng as a vacation place offers its uniqueness from cultural heritage, historical places, and the beautiful scenic view. 

Arjuna Temple

Unfortunately, I only had a chance to visit Arjuna Temple because the other temple was restored and renovated at that time. Actually, there are so many temple complexes at Dieng. Arjuna temple is one of the temple at Arjuna enshrinement complex. Another temples include Semar temple, Srikandi temple, Puntadewa temple, and Sembrada temple. The name Arjuna came from one of Mahabarata’s figure.

Sikunir Hill

Sikunir Hill is a must visit place when you travelling to Dieng. This hill located at Sembungan Village, the highest village in the entire Java Island with an altitude of 2.263 meters above sea level. Sikunir is very famous for its golden sunrise spot. Not only attract local tourist but also international tourist. When the sun is rising, you can see a majestic view from the top. The line of volcanic mountains will make you gasped.

Sikidang Crater

Another unique attraction for tourist at Dieng is Sikidang Crater. It was formed by the volcanic activities around that area. People can see this crater very closely but becareful of its dangerous high sulphur content. For safety, they provide a gas mask and wood fence around the crater. The uniqueness of this crater is it always moving from place to place. Because of that, this crater named as sikidang that means a moving deer.

Warna Lake

Warna Lake is also one of the famous tourist attraction at Dieng. This lake is very unique because it can change colour. Sometimes its green, sometimes its yellow or even rainbow colour. It happens because of the high sulphur content in the lake. When the sunlight goes above it, the lake will change its colour. There are also some small caves around this lake that really interesting for its history.

Pengilon Lake

Still in Warna Lake area, at the southern side, there is another lake called Pengilon. Although Pengilon Lake is not as large as Warna Lake, this lake has its own charm. Pengilon is from Javanese word that means reflecting. As the water in this lake is very clear that you can mirroring yourself there. Different from Warna Lake, Pengilon doesn’t have any sulphur content in its water eventhough these two lakes are side by side.

Dringo Lake

Another pretty lake at Dieng is called Dringo Lake. Its famous because of its similarity with Ranu Kumbolo at Mount Semeru, East Java. The access to go there is still a little bit hard, the road really steep and only enough for one car size. However, it was all worth it. The lake is surrounded by greeneries and really beautiful to be photographed.

Dieng Culture Festival

At Dieng, there is a culture festival to be held every once a year. The main event is Rambut Gimbal Ritual. Rambut Gimbal is a hair that look like dreadlock. There is one phemonenon happens at Dieng. It called Anak Rambut Gembel. These kids with special hair believed to be the surrogate child from Eyang Agung Kaladate and Nini Ronce, the ancestors of Dieng. If the hair is not cut by a ritual, it will always growing like a dreadlock hair. To be included in the ritual, the parent have to grant their kids wishes.

What to do at Dieng?

For me, Dieng is a really must visit place in Indonesia. There are many things that you can do and enjoy here. First, the panoramic view is so majestic. Surrounded by mountains, the scenery is really pretty to be photographed also. There are many photographers came to Dieng and portray the nature, sunrise, and sunset moment. Not only about nature, you can also take a picture of their social and cultural life. When you visit Dieng, I recommend to stay for a few days at local house. You can experience living and socialize with locals there. For you who interested in Indonesia’s history and culture, you can also learn it here. There are many temples that taking a part of Indonesia’s History.

The best time to visit Dieng is summer season! April to October. It is when the festival is held too. It is very cold there because Dieng’s high altitude. Prepare your warm clothes and lipbalm. For culinary lovers, you have to try their local food, Mie Ongklok and Carica Syrup.

How to Get There:

1. By Car (local guide)

When you booked a local guide, usually they will pick you up. For example, last time I went to Dieng, I booked a local guide tour and they pick us at Yogyakarta.

2. By Train

The nearest station is at Purwokerto. Then, take a bus to Wonosobo and take off at a junction near Klenteng. From there, take a public mini bus to Dieng.