Stunning Dieng plateau, tranquil atmosphere of heaven
By R. Agus Bakti
WONOSOBO, Central Java (JP): Dieng in Central Java is known for its plateau, the tourist attraction famed for its cool weather and magnificent views of mountains hugging its flanks.
Stunning panoramas are not the only attractions. Temples, with cultural and historic legacies, are also found in the area.
According to legend, Dieng plateau -- located 26 kms north of Wonosobo and 2,093 meters above sea level -- was named from the Javanese adi, meaning beautiful, and aeng, or impressive.
But Hindus say Dieng is from the word Dihyang, meaning heaven, and cite the presence of temples in the area. The temples are still used as places of worship, evident from the remains of candles and flowers scattered in them.
Dieng, which has an average temperature ranging from 10 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius, is located in Wonosobo and Banjarnegara regencies in Central Java. In the south, Perahu mountain is part of the Wonosobo area while Bandongan village at the foot of Sumbing mountain is in Magelang regency. The plateau is also surrounded by other mountains, including Bismo and Rogojembangan, in Banjarnegara.
The temples, one of the main tourist attractions, are popularly known as Pendawa Lima. The temples, found on the slope of the mountain, are also said to be major evidence of the dawning of civilization in Java.
The temples were built in about the 8th century during the Sanjaya era. Their reliefs and structures are almost the same as others found in Java, such as the Mendut temple.
The flow of water separates temples; according to the Manasara Silpasastra manuscript, water is one of the requirements to build temples. Water, or tirta, represents nature.
Besides temples, Dieng plateau craters also serve as a tourist attractions and provide geothermal energy although they emit a strong sulfur odor.
Steam wafts from some of Dieng's craters, such as Sikidang, Sileri and Condrodimuka.
Emission of the gases is funny to observe but it can be dangerous; the gases have been known to spew hectares away and stick to plants' leaves. The temperature of the exploding gases can reach well over 100 degrees Celsius.
"It's hard to predict when the gases will explode. So we advise visitors to be careful when getting close to the craters for their own safety," said Pudjangga Kristiawan from Wonosobo's tourism office.
Locals continue to depend on their livelihood from the agricultural sector, mainly in the cultivation of potatoes and cabbage.
The area looks like a wide green carpet, providing a great view, especially in the morning when it is covered by a light mist.
Some children in the area have unique tangled hair, said to be a blessing from God and sign of good fortune. The scientific explanation is the presence of a high percentage of chlorine in the area, the climate and genetic factors. The hair is only cut upon the request of the child and lucky visitors may witness the procession which precedes the auspicious event.
Other attractions are Lake Warna and Lake Balaikambang. Located side by side, they are different in color. Lake Warna's water is green, while Lake Balaikambang is clear. A park between the ponds allows tourists to relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Dieng, located on the border of Magelang and Purwokerto, can be reached by using public or private transportation either through Yogyakarta or Semarang, Central Java's capital. After reaching Wonosobo, visitors can use motorized vehicles or horses to reach the plateau.
More events are in the offing. A cultural festival, known as a sunset party, will be organized for visitors to greet the new millennium.