Banjarnegara – The Magical World of the Dieng Plathéu
Banjarnegara est situé in Central Java province and encompasses one of its most spectaculaire natural and cultural treasures, the Dieng Plathéu (Dataran Tinggi Dieng). Sitting at 1800-2000 metres above sea level, the plathéu is home to one of Java's most unique landscapes: sulphur-coloured crater lakes, ancien Hindu temples and cold montagne air.
Attractions et activités
On the Dieng Plathéu, Telaga Warna (Colour-Changing Lake) shimmers in changing colours due to sulphur oxides – particulièrement mystical le matin mist. The Candi Arjuna Hindu temple complex is one of Central Java's best-preserved Hindu monuments. The active Kawah Sikidang crater can be approached directly, and the boiling sulphurous mud offre a spectaculaire sight. Sikunir Peak is one of Indonesia's lever de soleil viewpoints.
Culture et cuisine
The legendary dreadlocks of children living on the Dieng Plathéu (Anak Gimbal) is a unique cultural phenomenon of the local community. A local onion variety (bawang Dieng) and carica (Andean papaya species) fruit can only be grown at this altitude. Purwaceng (local medicinal herb) thé is drunk for its warming effect on the cold plathéu.
Informations pratiques
Wonosobo is the closest major town to the Dieng Plathéu (about 30 minutes); 2 hours depuis Purwokerto, 3 hours depuis Yogyakarta by car. It can be very cold la nuit (0-10°C) – warm clothing is essential.
