Sunday, October 21, 2012

Dieng Plateau, Abode of the Gods

Dieng Plateau sitting up in the mountains about 150 kilometers northwest of Yogyakarta, around 150 kilometers southwest of Semarang, and 26 kilometers north of Wonosobo. With 2,093 above sea level, average temperature ranging from 10 degrees Celcius to 15 degrees Celcius. The name of Dieng which is literally derived from sansekerta word: "Di" means highland or mountain and "Hyang" means Heaven. Therefore, Dieng can be interpreted as a mountain range where god and goddess resides, or "Abode of the Gods". Dieng Plateau is a misty location that consists of small ancient temples set in the remarkable volcanic landscape, colored lakes, "mirror" lake, craters, sulphurous springs, and geothermal activities.

Colored Lake at Dieng Plateau
Old Hindu's Temples at Dieng Plateau

If you want to transport back to ancient times, Dieng Plateau is the right place. The temples in Dieng Plateau are the oldest Hindu's temples in Indonesia. The temples are remnants from the glorious period of the Hindu empire in Java dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. From the bubbling mud holes, brightly colored sulphur lakes and thick mist surrounding the plateau, visitors will easily understand why the ancient Javanese considered this place to be the seat of supernatural powers.

The Beauty of Colored Lake at Dieng Plateau

Each of the temple is named with epic tale figures of the Mahabarata such as Bima, Gatotkaca, Arjuna, and Srikandi. It is believed that these temples used to serve as residences of Hindu priests who would spread Hindu teachings.
Beautiful Sky at Dieng Plateau

Dieng Plateau is the largest vegetable producer in Central Java. Potatoes are the main commodity as well as carrots, cabbage, tobacco, mushroom, purwaceng and also carica or mountain papaya.

Beautiful Panorama at Dieng Plateau
Unique Sky at Dieng Plateau
Sikidang Crater at Dieng Plateau

Some tips and information about hotels near to Dieng Plateau:
Kresna Gallery Hotel Wonosobo
Surya Asia Hotel Wonosobo
Pondok Bamboo Sendangsari Wonosobo

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