Dieng Plateau, Indonesia: The Highlands Of Central Java, A Travel Guide

Dieng Plateau, Central Java, Indonesia — There are two things I did not expect when I booked a tour to Dieng Plateau, its cool climate and breathtaking farmlands and sceneries. The photos I saw before the trip don’t do it justice. But make no mistake, beneath the lush exterior and divine origins are dangerous volcanic structures that could potentially harm life. It’s a rare find and I love finding surprises on my travels.

It was nothing short of bliss. I knew exactly at that moment, Dieng is something special.

Dieng Plateau Overview

Dieng Plateau, unlike its neighbor Yogyakarta, is a lesser-known tourist destination. Possibly a result of the lack of a major airport, which makes it less accessible to visitors. Arguably, Dieng Plateau has more to offer in terms of natural sceneries and attractions. With its unique landscape formed by volcanic activities, farmlands, and a much cooler climate, I won’t be surprised if Dieng Plateau’s tourist industry will boom in the future.

The name ‘Dieng’ comes from ‘Di Hyang’ which means ‘Abode of the Gods’

Volcano World

• Geography: Dieng Plateau is located in the regencies of Wonosobo and Banjarnegara, Central Java. It forms the floor of a caldera complex on the Dieng Volcanic Complex. It is 2,000 meters or 6,600 feet above sea level, giving the region a cool climate with an average temperature of 14 °C and may even drop to 2 °C.
• Culture: Although Dieng Plateau has its origins from Hinduism, majority of the present day population are Muslim and practice Islamic culture and traditions (Bali is the only Hindu-majority province of Indonesia). One unique event is the annual hair shaving ritual of kids born in Dieng Plateau. Children in the region are born with a “dreadlocked” or “matted” hair. The ceremony is known as Ruwatan Anak Gimbal.
• Language: Most locals speak Bahasa Indonesia, their national language. I’m not sure if the locals understand and speak simple English since I had a tour guide from Yogyakarta.
• Transportation: Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach Dieng. Other options include riding a bus (connecting from Jogja to Magelang) and renting a motorcycle. It’s a three-hour drive from Jogja.
• Activities & Attractions: The natural topography of Dieng Plateau includes farmlands, volcanoes, sulfuric fumes, and poisonous lakes. There are also ancient Hindu temples in the area.
• Food: One local delicacy I liked is called “Tempeh Kemul” (deep fried fermented soy beans served with chili). Carica, a fruit bearing plant which is endemic to the highlands of Dieng, is also worth trying. It’s a mini version of papaya and are usually sold in sweet syrup.
• Hotel & Accommodation: Majority of accommodations in Dieng are budget homestay.
• Tourists & Locals: One of the things I love about Dieng is that there are fewer tourists compared to Jogja and are mostly locals!
• Cellular Network: I always buy an international SIM (Travel SIM PH) from the Philippines and test on the day before my departure. If not, you can buy at stalls before the airport arrival exit. I personally use Telkomsel.

Best Time To Visit Dieng Plateau

• Peak Season: June to September, dry and clear weather. These are the best months to do tours and hikes.
• Off-Peak Season: From October to May, wet and rainy season. Average rainfall almost quadruples during these months.

Dieng Plateau Map & Location

Things To Do & Places To Visit

You can book the Dieng Plateau Day Trip from Klook (use this link to get a discount upon signing up) if you are staying in Yogyakarta to check first and then decide later on if you want a longer vacation in Dieng. During the drive from Jogja, you’ll see a lot of breathtaking sceneries so try not to sleep.

Dieng Plateau View Point

The first stop is Dieng View Point. It is where tourists usually get some coffee and admire the amazing view of the town below. To my surprise, the temperature outside is colder than the car air conditioner (which reminded me that I am in the highlands). The coffee I had was cheap but tasted good and to add to an already great start, there were only less than ten tourists. It was nothing short of bliss; the warm sunrise against the cool air, the peaceful ambiance, the coffee, the majestic views — I knew exactly at that moment, Dieng is something special.

Arjuna Temple Complex

Arjuna Temple is a well-preserved Hindu temple built around the 7th century, which makes it older than both Prambanan and Borobodur. It’s not as big as Prambanan but visiting a Hindu temple thousands of feet above sea level is quite a unique experience. The walkways are adorned with lush conifers. It was near noontime and the moon was still visible.

Kawah Sikidang

Sikidang Crater is a sulfur fumarole, an opening in the earth’s crust that emits steam and gases. You have to climb a rocky landscape before you reach the fenced lake. It looks otherworldly but because of the sulfur, the smell is a little unpleasant (bringing a face mask might help). This was my first time seeing a boiling lake up close. There are several volcanic craters all over Dieng but are not open to public tours since they are considered hazardous to humans.

Telaga Warna & Telaga Pengilon

Telaga Warna and Telaga Pengilon (Color Lake and Mirror Lake) are the iconic landscapes in the postcard photo of Dieng. Warna has a deeper shade of blue or green, while Pengilon is clearer. The waters between the two lakes don’t mix.

Other Places & Activities

Other places that you can visit are the Tambi Tea Plantation and sunrise at Bukit Sikunir. Dieng also celebrates the annual Dieng Culture Festival. It is held to celebrate a special ceremony or ritual to shave kids with dreadlocks (many children in Dieng are born with it). During the festival, there are several events and performances such as Lantern Festival, Tumpeng Festival, and Jazz Above The Clouds.

Itinerary & Budget

This day tour can be booked from Klook, which includes the tour guide and vehicle rental. This will be updated with a more immersive travel guide on my next Dieng Plateau vacation.

Itinerary For Dieng Plateau

The destinations are fixed since this is an organized tour. The tour guide usually gives a reminder on how many hours you can spend per attraction. Based on my experience, the pacing is very relaxed. We had enough time to check and appreciate each location.

Day	Activities
Day 1: Dieng Plateau Day Trip	Dieng View Point
	Arjuna Temple Complex
	Sikidang Crater
	Telaga Warna & Telaga Pengilon

Budget For Dieng Plateau

The cost of the tour and vehicle rental is fixed. Bring extra cash for food, drinks, souvenirs, and entrance fees.

1-Day Budget	USD	PHP	IDR
Food, Drinks, & Alcohol	20	1,000	300,000
Entrance & Activity Fees	10	500	150,000
Tour Guide & Vehicle Rental	50	2,500	750,000
Random Costs & Souvenirs	20	1,000	300,000
Total	100	5,000	1,500,000

Final Thoughts

Dieng Plateau is my favorite place in Indonesia in terms of pure, untouched natural beauty.

★★☆☆☆ Food
There are regional delicacies but not a gastronomic destination, and very limited choices. The coffee and tea are worth checking though.

★★★☆☆ Culture
Some interesting cultural activities and landmarks.

★★★★★ Nature
Dieng is all about connecting with nature.

☆☆☆☆☆ Beach, Surfing, & Underwater
No.

☆☆☆☆☆ Nightlife
Not that I know.

★★★★★ Relaxation
In my opinion, Dieng is a place to recharge and reconnect with nature.

★★★☆☆ Activities
More on nature-related activities and some cultural immersion, less on food, shopping, and nightlife.

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