Stunning Dieng plateau, tranquil atmosphere of heaven
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.