Java Island in Indonesia is full of interesting places, and one of the best is the Dieng Plateau in Wonosobo, Central Java. This highland area is famous for its cool climate and beautiful views. At 2,000-2,500 meters above sea level (masl), Dieng is ideal for agriculture, where many plant species can grow. You’ll notice bunches of fields of vegetables and flowers everywhere.
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Dieng is also known for its rich history, unique culture, and delicious local food. There are plenty of fun things to do there. For those who didn’t know, Dieng is close to Yogyakarta, Magelang, and Semarang. If you’re looking for a holiday that’s a little different, Dieng is a great choice. We’ll give you the latest information and useful tips for visiting Dieng Plateau, especially if it’s your first time. Let’s get started!
Get to Know Dieng Plateau
People have lived in Dieng since the 8th century. The name “Dieng” comes from the Sanskrit words “Di Hyang,” which means the abode of the Gods. Since Dieng is high in the mountains, Indonesians often call it the land above the clouds.
The Dieng Plateau lies between Mount Sindoro, Mount Prau, and Mount Sumbing. The weather is always cold there. At night in the dry season, temperatures can drop to 10-15 degrees Celsius. During the rainy season, it can even fall below 0 degrees Celsius.
Here are some interesting facts about the Dieng Plateau that you may want to know before you visit:
| Geological | Dieng was once a caldera and is now surrounded by some of the tallest mountains in Java, including Mount Prau (2,565 masl), Mount Pakuwaja (2,585 masl), Mount Bismo (2,365 masl), Mount Sumbing (3,371 masl), and Mount Sindoro (3,153 masl). Because of this, the area still has many craters and vents from ongoing geological activity, such as fumaroles, solfataras, CO2 and CO gas sources, hot springs, and volcanic lakes. |
| Crater in Dieng | The Dieng Plateau is home to more than 15 active craters. These craters release gas or water vapor, and sometimes even erupt. Here is a complete list of the craters found in Dieng: Sileri Crater Pagerkandang Crater Sipandu Crater Sibanteng Crater Sikendang Crater Sikidang Crater Upas-Luwuk Crater Pakuwaja Crater Pulosari Crater Candradimuka Crater Jalatunda Crater Sidongkal Crater Siglagah Crater Sigluduk Crater Timbang Crater Not all of these craters are open to visitors. Many are too dangerous because they contain poisonous gas. |
| Volcanic Lake in Dieng | Dieng is also known for its many volcanic lakes, which were formed by past geological and volcanic activity. Here is a detailed list of the lakes: Warna Lake Pengilon Lake Cebong Lake Merdada Lake Dringo Lake Nila Lake |
| Carica Fruit | Carica is a fruit you’ll often see in Dieng, also known as Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis. Dieng is famous for its Carica fruit. It’s part of the mountain papaya family and is smaller than the usual papaya. Carica has bright yellow skin and a sweet, slightly tangy taste. You can find it all over Dieng, and it also makes a great souvenir to take home. |
Transportation and Access
Most people start their journey from Yogyakarta, Jakarta, or Semarang, as these cities have international airports and train stations, making them easy to access. You can begin your trip from any of these cities. Because the Dieng Plateau doesn’t have its own train station or airport, you will need to travel the rest of the way by road. The easiest way to reach Dieng is by bus or shuttle. Below is a quick guide to getting there from Yogyakarta, Jakarta, or Semarang:
Open Trip
Many local and international travel agents offer open trip packages to Dieng. You can look for a trip that fits your schedule and budget. Be sure to check reviews from other travelers to help make your trip to Dieng go smoothly.
DAMRI Bus
DAMRI Bus is a public transportation service in Indonesia that connects cities, provinces, airports, tourist spots, and even remote areas. One of the places you can visit with DAMRI is Wonosobo. A round-trip from Jakarta to Wonosobo costs IDR 190,000 per person and takes about 12 hours.
| City | Jakarta |
| Meeting Point | Stasiun Damri Kemayoran |
| Destination | Terminal Wonosobo |
| Duration | 12 Hours |
Public Bus
Another way to reach Dieng is to take a public bus from Yogyakarta. You can buy tickets in person at the ticket offices in Giwangan Station or Jombor Station, or book online through Traveloka, Tiket.com, or redBus. Prices start at IDR 100,000, depending on availability and bus type.
Car Rent
If you want a more personal trip to Dieng, consider renting a car or a motorbike. The drive from Yogyakarta takes around four hours. With your own vehicle, you can explore the whole area more easily than if you use public transportation. Be sure your car or motorbike is in good shape, since the roads can be tough.
Where to Stay in Dieng
There’s so much to see in Dieng that one day just isn’t enough. To really explore the city, plan to stay for two or three days. If you need somewhere to stay, check out our list of the best hotels and villas in Dieng.
| Hotel | Location | Price Range (May vary depending on availability and peak seasons) |
| DAFAM Wonosobo | Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro No.38, Rowopeni, Kalianget, Kec. Wonosobo | Start from IDR500.000/night |
| Front One Harvest Hotel Wonosobo | Jl. A. Yani No.98, Sumberan Selatan, Wonosobo Bar., Wonosobo | Start from IDR450.000/night |
| Kresna Hotel Wonosobo | Jl. Pasukan Ronggolawe No.30, Wonosobo Timur, Wonosobo | Start from IDR350.000/night |
| Eagle Hotel Wonosobo, Azana Hotels Collection | Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro No.72-90, Argopeni, Kalianget, Wonosobo | Start from IDR500.000/night |
Best Time to Visit Dieng
| Season | Period | What to Expect |
| Dry Season | May – September | Discover the best of Dieng Plateau, where you’ll find stunning views all around. If you’re lucky, you might catch a beautiful golden sunrise at Sikunir. |
| Rainy Season | October – April | During the rainy season in Dieng, the temperature can get quite cool, and the area is often cloudy and foggy. This means you may not be able to explore as much as you’d like. While Dieng remains beautiful, thick fog can cover the views, and there’s usually plenty of rain. |
5 Fun Things to Do in Dieng Plateau
Let’s find out what the best things are to do in Dieng Plateau for a holiday!
1. Enjoy the Majestic Scenery in Telaga Warna and Telaga Pengilon
Telaga Warna is a lake created by ancient volcanic eruptions. Its high sulfur content causes the water to change color: green, yellow, or blue when sunlight hits it. Sitting at 2,000 masl, the lake is surrounded by hills that look beautiful at sunrise.
Only five minutes by car from Telaga Warna, you can visit Telaga Pengilon. This impressive lake is another highlight of Dieng. From a distance, its water looks dark, but as you get closer, it becomes clearer. The best part of visiting these two lakes is watching the sunrise. On a clear morning, you might catch a beautiful golden sunrise.
2. Discover Arjuna Temple Complex
The Arjuna Temple Complex is a Hindu temple built by the Sanjaya Dynasty of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom in 8 AD. Inside the complex, you can also see other temples, including Semar, Srikandi, Puntadewa, and Sembadra Temples. This is the largest temple complex in Dieng, covering more than 1 hectare. The area is surrounded by hills and is often shrouded in fog and frost. Nearby, there is a flower garden where the flowers bloom beautifully.
3. Explore Kawah Sikidang Dieng
Kawah Sikidang Dieng is the largest active crater on the Dieng Plateau. The area has several pools, each covering more than 4 hectares. Formed by a volcanic eruption long ago, Sikidang Crater sits on flat ground, making it easy for visitors to watch hot mud bubbling and thick white smoke rising into the air. One of the highlights is a wooden bridge, a popular spot for taking photos.
4. 360 View in Batu Pandang View Point
Take in the full view of Dieng Plateau from Batu Pandang Ratapan Angin. From here, you can see both Telaga Pengilon and Telaga Warna, each with its own beautiful scenery. Batu Pandang is a unique cliff that overlooks the green landscape of Dieng, making it a truly refreshing sight.
5. Tambi Tea Plantation
A wide stretch of green fields gives visitors beautiful views. This tea plantation is more than 1,300 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mount Sindoro. You can find several interesting places here, like a wooden bridge that runs through the tea fields.
6. Hike Mount Prau
If you want a bit more adventure in Dieng Plateau, try hiking Mount Prau. Its peak reaches 2,590 meters above sea level, offering stunning savannahs and wildflower gardens. There are several popular routes to climb Mount Prau, such as:
- You can reach Kejajar, Wonosobo, from the southwest or south by taking the Dieng, Kalilembu, or Patakbanteng routes.
- The Igirmranak route is another way to get to Kejajar, Wonosobo, if you are coming from the southeast.
- If you are traveling from the east, you can use the Kenjuran route via Sukorejo and Kendal.
- The Pranten route in Bawang, Batang Regency, is available for those coming from the northwest.
- Wates Route, Temanggung (from the southeast).
- If you are coming from the north, the Ngelak route in Batang is an option.
Dieng is one of Indonesia’s most underrated travel destinations. This tropical highland offers a unique experience you should see for yourself. Plan your itinerary in advance for a smooth, organized trip. We’re happy to share more travel tips to help you explore Yogyakarta and the rest of Indonesia!