Located in the center of Java island, Dieng Plateau is an essential destination during your stay in Indonésie. Between its smoking craters, its turquoise lakes and its historic monuments, your visit to Dieng Plateau promises an exhilarating adventure and unforgettable moments.

History

The word "Dieng" has two distinct origins. The first derives from Sanskrit: "di" meaning "place or dwelling" and "Hyang" meaning "the gods." Dieng can therefore be translated as "the dwelling of the Gods."

The second has Javanese origins. For the locals, Dieng derives from the word "edi" meaning "beautiful," and "aeng" meaning "strange." In other words, Dieng is a beautiful place harboring strange things.

The history of Dieng Plateau is linked to its ancient Hindu temples, all built to honor ancestral divinities. Among these sites, one can point to Candi Arjuna (Arjuna Temple) as a prime example. It is the oldest Hindu temple present on the island of Java. This monument, several centuries old, still stands after numerous natural disasters (earthquakes among others) and weathering.

Today

Visiting Dieng Plateau appeals to adventurers at heart, to those with an irresistible hunger to discover a remote and pristine site. Nestled at 2,093 meters above sea level, Dieng Plateau is a spectacular place where vast rice paddies stretch beneath towering volcanoes. The landscapes formed by tea and coffee plantations create a verdant setting for the Arjuna Temple complex. These eight Hindu structures date from the 7th and 9th centuries and are Java's oldest temples.

Another must-see on Dieng Plateau is the smoking crater of Sikidang volcano, which last erupted in 1981. This site attracts numerous tourists despite the sulfurous odors emanating from the crater being nearly unbearable. And don't miss the Telaga Warna lake with its ever-changing colors. A true feast for the eyes.

That said, expect to reach the crater and temples via a small paved road. This was built to facilitate access, though it somewhat diminishes the plateau's character—stripping away its wild essence that makes it so precious.

Temperatures during the day vary between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius, while at night the thermometer can dip below 10 degrees. Be sure to pack windbreakers and warm clothing for the evenings.

To reach Dieng Plateau, your best option remains renting a car with an English-speaking driver.

It's also possible to get there by bus, though the journey will be longer and require a few transfers. Take a first bus to Wonosobo village then another to reach Dieng village. The route is magnificent and well worth the journey.