Dieng Plateau Sunrise: Guide to Indonesia’s Dazzling Sunrise Tourism
Dieng Plateau Sunrise
Indonesia boasts some of the most alluring natural tourism attractions in the world, and the island of Java is no exception. Nestled right in the heart of Central Java lies Dieng Plateau, surrounded by active volcanoes, colorful lakes, smokey craters, and ancient temples. Referred to by locals as “the land above the clouds,” Dieng is most notably famous for its sunrise tourism among the locals. Every day, natives from every corner of Indonesia gather early in the morning at the top of the plateau to experience the wonder of the sunrise.
How to Get There
Due to its remote location, I can’t say Dieng Plateau is the simplest destination for foreigners to travel to. But I do not want this to deter potential travelers. This area is still easily accessible- and it’s worth it because the stunning alchemy of the Dieng Plateau sunrise is truly unmatched!
If you are coming from a major city such as Jakarta, Semarang, Yogyakarta, or Surabaya- you will not have trouble finding a bus or train into Wonosobo. But you will likely be the only foreigner on the transport- so brush up on your bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian language) skills!
From Wonosobo Mendolo Bus Terminal, there is a minibus running every day to Dieng with Mikromini minibus company. The bus trip lasts around one and a half hours.
Once in Dieng, there are plenty of bike rental places for you to explore the area by bike! Or, if you have a larger budget, you can rent a car for a more comfortable experience.
There are also many tours available online for day trips from Yogyakarta to Dieng with GetYourGuide. Your tour guide picks you up very late at night and drives the four hours to Dieng. You can camp out in the van until the sunrise, and then spend the day exploring the nearby surrounding area!
However, I personally recommend bike/ car rental for those wishing to get off the beaten path. If you choose to take yourself on a self-guided tour, I recommend spending around 2 days in Dieng to see much more than just the sunrise and basic attractions.
Lucky for me, I did not have to drive because I had the unique experience of taking this trip with Indonesian vlogger WarjoExplore and my friend, Sara. The whole trip is captured on YouTube for those wishing to have a look at what exactly Dieng looks like!
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Dieng Plateau is June- September, if you wish to avoid the heavy rainfall season.
High above the clouds, the temperature in Dieng Plateau does not wobble much year-round. You can expect an average daily temperature of around 56.8F, or 13.2C. However, if you plan to camp out for the sunrise, the mornings are a bit chilly, with the average low temperature dropping to 47.7F, or 8.7C. You will definitely need to bundle up for the sunrise!
What to Bring
As mentioned previously, the mornings and nights in Dieng can be quite chilly. I thought my hosts were being dramatic when they told me to pack socks and a sweatshirt. Grandma even wrapped me up in a sarong (traditional skirt) before I departed.
To dress appropriately for the weather, I recommend packing:
- Pants
- Sweatshirt/ Jacket
- Socks
- Close-toed shoes
- Warm Hat
You will even see other Indonesians out there wearing gloves and scarves for the sunrise. I don’t think the weather calls for gear quite that intense, but if you are cold easily then I recommend packing a tad extra cozy.
**Please note that this area is primarily Islam, and modesty is required anyways- even as a foreigner. If you have any questions or concerns about potential cultural differences in Indonesia, you can read my article about things to know before traveling to Indonesia.
Accommodation
Accommodations in Dieng Plateau are thrilling because of the endless “glamping” stays and homestays available- most of which offer their own view of the sunrise! This is also why I recommend more than just a day trip. Keep in mind there are a number of points to view the sunrise from in the Dieng Plateau, so each accommodation may offer a slightly different angle/ view of the sunrise!
I stayed at the Glamping Dieng Sunrise Point which can be booked via WhatsApp! This luxury camping offers a great view of the sunrise, as well as breakfast. You can stay here to view the sunrise from the community area or cross the street and walk up Sikapuk Hill for a slightly higher view with public seating.
Most accommodations at Dieng Plateau average between 160,000- 325,000 IDR Rp ($10-20 USD) in price on Booking.com. These are very affordable prices, as these are private and not shared rooms.
Popular Sunrise Viewing Points
Popular viewing points to watch the Dieng Plateau sunrise include:
- Dieng Plateau viewpoint (Sikunir Hill) 10,000 IDR Rp ($0.61 USD)
- Bukit Cinta (Love Hill) 10,000 IDR Rp ($0.61 USD)
- Maybe- View from accommodation
I enjoyed the sunrise view from my accommodation at Sikapuk Hill! Many of the homestays on the plateau are built for you to comfortably view the sunrise. It was a very relaxing and cozy experience. I sipped hot locally grown coffee and swung around on a swing set while watching the sun come up.
However, if you are doing only a day trip or prefer a more granola experience, I recommend going to the Dieng Plateau viewpoint. From the parking lot, it is about a 30-minute walk to the main rest area, and another 10-minute walk to the very top viewpoint!
My Sunrise Experience
Watching the sunrise in Dieng was pure magic.
Some people wake up extra early to travel to the Dieng Plateau, but seemingly most tourists choose to stay at a hotel or homestay in the area for convenience. I stayed in the plateau and woke up around 4:30 am. I was shocked at how cold it was at this altitude because I was accustomed to the rest of Indonesia being so warm (despite it being “winter”). I had a hot cup of coffee to wake me up and walked up the steps of Sikapuk Hill in the pitch-black darkness. Sara, Warjo, and I sat silently in the dark for maybe 15 minutes, still groggy from waking up so early.
Slowly, the glowing sun began to creep up over the volcanic horizon, turning shades of pink, then bright orange and yellow. It felt spiritual. Just as quickly as it started, it was seemingly over. The sunrise had captivated all of my attention and put me into a dreamlike state. All of my morning grumpiness about waking up so early dissipated.
Once the sun was up and the other Indonesian tourists could see me and Sara’s foreign faces, we began posing for pictures with them. It also probably didn’t help us stay incognito because our every-moves were being filmed on multiple cameras by Warjo. Regardless, it is still not common to see foreigners at this famous tourist attraction, despite tours being available, because it is primarily only famous among Indonesians. This location is still quite undiscovered by outsiders.
Other Attractions in Dieng Plateau
Bried Overview: Other attractions in the Dieng Plateau area include:
- Telaga Warna Lake
- Arjuna Temple
- Sikidang Crater
Telaga Warna Lake
Price- 30,000 IDR Rp ($1.85 USD) or 117,000 IDR Rp ($7.20 USD) for lower deck view
Dieng’s Telaga Warna Lake, literally translating to “colorful lake”, is famous for its ever-changing colors of green, yellow, purple- and even reports of a rainbow appearance at times. This can be explained by science, as the lake contains high concentrations of sulfur and algae, giving it a varying appearance. Who knows what color the lake will be when you view it!
Arjuna Temple
Price- 30,000 IDR Rp ($1.85 USD)
Situated 2,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by a variety of lush flora, Arjuna Temple is quite literally known as “The house of God.” What it lacks in size it makes up for in history and beauty, as this stone temple complex is thought to be among the oldest temples in Java. The temple here varies dramatically from the familiar appearance of the mosques that fill the surrounding area. To take a trip here is a look into the past. There are local guides available, but for me there was already plenty of information available for tourists at the temple without a guide!
Sikidang Crater
Price- 30,000 IDR Rp ($1.85 USD)
Interestingly, this natural attraction can be smelled before it is even seen. Swirling at the center of many ancient mythical legends, Sikidang Craters are a series of active craters that release thick sulfuric smoke. Right off of the parking area the main craters, but you can also choose to go on a short 1km walk to the more active craters. Please keep in mind that the fumes can be dangerous due to the high levels of sulfur. However, it is no problem because many locals sell protective masks all around this area. Just make sure to mask-up!
Off The Beaten Path: Pekalongan River
After a long morning of enjoying all of the classic sights in the Dieng Plateau area, Warjo drove Sara and I to the Pekalongan river. Tucked away in Java’s very secluded misty forest, the Pekalongan river was around an hour and a half drive from Dieng Plateau.
The drive alone is absolutely stunning, with endless views of rolling hills, tea and potato plantations, volcanos, forests, and farm animals. When we were nearing the river, the roads began to sharply wind even more and became wooded and misty.
Finally, we arrived at the Pekalongan river. We took the car, although every single other person there had driven a bike. I took a moment to take in the calming scene. Surrounded by nature, Indonesian woman perched on top of rocks and shared meals of noodles and tempeh, while men stripped off their clothes and bathed in the river.
The river itself is surrounded by rolling hills and deep forest, with many large rocks scattered throughout. The current can be forceful in some places, creating mini waterfalls. Me and Sara wore shorts and big T-shirts to play in the water, as a bikini or swimsuit would not have been culturally appropriate here. We sat quietly in the water, stacking rocks meditation style and enjoying the peace.
However, we were still being approached every other minute to take pictures. We politely accept all with a smile, as this area especially never sees outsiders. I took it as my opportunity to practice speaking my limited Indonesian language. We made many friends with all of the smiling locals who shared small gifts of beaded rings and snacks. After while, Sara and I walked to a small restaurant on the edge of the river. We ordered nasi goreng (fried rice) and hot chocolate. It was truly the perfect day.
TikTok Famous?
As it goes, due to the sheer number of videos and pictures taken of Sara and I… Some made their way onto TikTok and went locally viral in Indonesia, racking up half of a million views. I did not know about this until the video was shown to me a few days later back in my homebase village.
The comments being translated for me by my local friend were even crazier. People were very happy to see that foreigners are starting to visit areas such as Dieng plateau and Pekalongan river. The Indonesian users commented how they hope for more outsiders to come see the beauty of the area in the future. However, some of the comments of the video were also about me and Sara’s whereabouts. TikTok users commented the names of the noodle shops where we had been seen, while others wanted to know what homestay we were using. Some of the information about us came off as slightly invasive.
Although our situation was not dangerous, it is worth noticing that sometimes this is the reality of traveling to off the beaten path locations. People as friendly as the Javanese are thrilled about the possibilities of becoming a more global society, and do not consider the fact that sharing such personal information could be a safety risk for foreign tourists, especially as a woman. It is important to always take precautionary measures when traveling abroad.
Guided Tour Vs. Self-Guided Tour
Here are some factors to consider if you are deciding between a guided tour or self-guided tour.
I recommend a guided tour if you have limited time! The guided tour zips you around and is very time efficient. You do not have to think or plan anything, just ride in the van and let the guide do all of the work for you. I like tours like this because it makes the travel experience smooth.
Guided tours are available on GetYourGuide, and cost no less than a total of $110 USD. All of the Dieng Plateau day tours start from the city of Yogyakarta and offer the same package of the sunrise, temples, lake, and craters (including the entrance fees).
However, if you do not have time restraint, I would recommend a self-guided tour. This is my recommended method for Dieng Plateau as the views all along the drive are stunning around the Dieng area. This way, you can stop and investigate anything that interests you! As well, there are currently no tours available to additional attractions such as the Pekalongan river or town. The only way to get there is by renting a bike or car. In the Dieng area, bike rental is around 81,000 IDR Rp ($5 USD) a day and accommodation is on average between 160,000- 325,000 IDR Rp ($10-20 USD) per night.
As far as budgeting, a guided tour vs. self-guided tour will likely end up costing a similar price due to accommodation, rentals, entrance tickets, and meals. The only notable difference is that a guided tour is only 10 hours, while a self-guided tour you can stay as long as you wish (I recommend two days).
Final Thoughts
In all, the Dieng Sunrise is a must-see if your ever find yourself in Java. It is famous among Indonesians for an obvious reason- it is absolutely remarkable! Don’t mind waking up so early for just this once and go experience this ethereal, natural tourism provided by nature. Just remember to pack warm clothes and a thermos of hot coffee- and you will experience the coziest sunrise of your life.
Thank you Warjo for taking Sara and I on this trip and documenting the whole experience.
Stay safe travelers, and best wishes…
…And big love for the Java TikTok community.
