I had been dreaming of visiting Dieng Plateau during my visit to Central Java this time in 2009. Few days before the scheduled time to go to this place, there was a shooting of a suspected terrorist Noordin M. Top in the area. Some members of my family told us to cancel the trip, but I had my mind made up and the more I determined to go. Somehow, I wanted to prove that Indonesia was still safe for tourists to come. Later I was right that the travel was completely safe and all of us really enjoyed the trip.
The newest and the best hotel in Wonosobo (Kresna Gallery Hotel) was booked-up so we stayed in Surya Asia Hotel instead. Although it had only 3 stars rating, we were so surprised that the hotel has international standards. Our 2 deluxe rooms each has a nice bathroom with hot shower and bath tub, a TV, a mini bar with a fridge to make coffee and tea. It is located in the middle of the Wonosobo shopping area which is really handy for us. The free breakfast in the Hotel Restaurant was also satisfying. There was a big group of tourists from Europe also stayed here that night.
After one night stay in Wonosobo ( a good place to spend before going to Dieng), we checked out early in the morning to start the short journey to Dieng Plateau. As soon as we were out of the city, the road were climbing and our eyes were greeted by many golden orange Angels Trumpet’s blooms (I think it is Brugmansia sanguinea) that grew along the road. I noticed that in Dieng and Wonosobo most farmers grew potatoes. The picturesque mountainous plains had the appearance of being carved by rows and rows of terraced potatoes fields.
There are many things to see in Dieng Plateau. The area which is about 2093 m above sea level is cold and it is loaded with active volcanos. There are some cracks of the earth where the steam of hot lava can be seen from kilometres away. Although the volcanos around this area are not likely to explode, but it is obvious that they still have highly thermal activities. In some area there is still a danger of deadly carbon dioxide gas emission. On Sikidang crater, we could see bubbly volcanic mud and thick white steam cloud which seemed to cloud the area. Everywhere the strong sulphuric fume dominated our sense of smell.
The large multi coloured volcanic lake (Telaga Warna) was so panoramic and beautiful. The lake looked like a large mirror with green, blue, silver and black colour formation. It was surrounded by luscious green shrubs and trees.
Dieng Hindu Temples:
The name Dieng was originated from a complex of old stone Hindu Temples in the area. It was from the Sanskrit words Di Hyang which means The Mountain where Gods dwell. This Hindu site was built during the years of 600 – 800 AD and it was the home of Hindu priests (vihara) which consist of 400 small temples. Today it is only 8 temples left due to the volcanic destruction in the past. All the remaining temples are named by using the name of local Mahabarata characters (Arjuna, Bima, Gatutkaca, Dwarawati, Srikandi, Semar, Sembadra, Puntadewa).
The beauty of Dieng Plateau which strongly shows picturesque mountainous plain and its power in the form of volcanic activities is really a suitable place for all the mighty Gods to dwell. For those who visit central Java, I truly recommend you to spend a day or two here.
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