The moody expanse of the Dieng Plateau northwest of Yogya lies in a volcanic caldera 2093m above sea level and holds a rewarding mix of multicoloured sulphurous lakes, craters that spew pungent sulphuric gases, and some of the oldest Hindu temples in Java. The volcano is still active – in 1979, more than 150 people died after a cloud of poisonous gas bled into the atmosphere – and the landscape up on this misty, frigid plain is terraced on nearly every surface with cabbage and potato plantations that hang off the edge of impossible slopes. More than forty homestay accommodations have sprung up in Dieng village and there is an increasing number of multilingual guides in Dieng and nearby Wonosobo. Though many travellers arrive on day-trips from Yogya, it is worthy of an overnight visit (not least because of the four-hour journey from Yogya). The temples here are interesting and the plateau is a worthwhile destination for those seeking a different, more temperate side to Java.
There are numerous trekking options available on the plateau and further afield, as well as sunrise trips to Sikunir Hill and Cebong Lake. All the main attractions can be reached from the village of Dieng, just across the fields from the plateau’s main temple complex.
THE LAKES
From Candi Bima, you can continue down the road on foot for a kilometre or so to Telaga Warna (Coloured Lake), the best example of Dieng’s coloured lakes, where sulphurous deposits shade the water blue, from turquoise to azure. Adjacent to the lake is crystal-clear Telaga Pengilon, which makes for beautiful photos in nice weather.
There are numerous trekking options available on the plateau and further afield, as well as sunrise trips to Sikunir Hill and Cebong Lake. All the main attractions can be reached from the village of Dieng, just across the fields from the plateau’s main temple complex.
THE LAKES
From Candi Bima, you can continue down the road on foot for a kilometre or so to Telaga Warna (Coloured Lake), the best example of Dieng’s coloured lakes, where sulphurous deposits shade the water blue, from turquoise to azure. Adjacent to the lake is crystal-clear Telaga Pengilon, which makes for beautiful photos in nice weather.
Lake Colors will welcome the tourists who visit this tourist area. Colored lake called unique because it is associated with the color of the lake. Sometimes green and yellow, blue and yellow, or colorful like a rainbow. This color variation is influenced weather, time and place to see it.
HISTORY
"IN" and "HYANG", two words forming the name Dieng. In the mean Well, pretty or nice or attributes associated with either height or figure of speech literally, and Hyang means god. If the word is combined there appears a new meaning mountainous area where the gods dwell. Dieng name comes from Sundanese language as estimated in the pre-Medang around the year 600 AD, the area was located in the Kingdom of Galuh political influence. 'Heaven Dieng' which at the time of Chandra Gupta empire Sidhapala, by Hindus, believed to be the axis of the world. When it is, Sang Hyang Jagadnata move 'cosmic mountain' Mount Meru of India to Dieng. As the capital of the kingdom, when it, Dieng (paradise hyang) is not only the center of government, but also centers of spirituality and civilization. estimated there were once more than 150 temples of Dieng Area. But because of natural factors both natural disasters and Abrasion Process rocks, now only eight left temple. These temples founded by the Kingdom of Kalinga of the Sanjaya dynasty. In the book of King Sanjaya is no mention of the word 'Dieng' which is said to be the best place to worship Lord Shiva. So the temples were made to worship Lord Shiva. Shiva is the god of destruction. Adored so he does not destroy human life. In the midst of the Dieng plateau before there is a place of worship and a center of Indonesia's oldest Hindu teachings. As the sacred building until now can we see with the debris of the temple and its former monastery.
"IN" and "HYANG", two words forming the name Dieng. In the mean Well, pretty or nice or attributes associated with either height or figure of speech literally, and Hyang means god. If the word is combined there appears a new meaning mountainous area where the gods dwell. Dieng name comes from Sundanese language as estimated in the pre-Medang around the year 600 AD, the area was located in the Kingdom of Galuh political influence. 'Heaven Dieng' which at the time of Chandra Gupta empire Sidhapala, by Hindus, believed to be the axis of the world. When it is, Sang Hyang Jagadnata move 'cosmic mountain' Mount Meru of India to Dieng. As the capital of the kingdom, when it, Dieng (paradise hyang) is not only the center of government, but also centers of spirituality and civilization. estimated there were once more than 150 temples of Dieng Area. But because of natural factors both natural disasters and Abrasion Process rocks, now only eight left temple. These temples founded by the Kingdom of Kalinga of the Sanjaya dynasty. In the book of King Sanjaya is no mention of the word 'Dieng' which is said to be the best place to worship Lord Shiva. So the temples were made to worship Lord Shiva. Shiva is the god of destruction. Adored so he does not destroy human life. In the midst of the Dieng plateau before there is a place of worship and a center of Indonesia's oldest Hindu teachings. As the sacred building until now can we see with the debris of the temple and its former monastery.