Dieng Plateau
Dieng Plateau
Dieng plateau lies at 2093 m altitude above the sea level, and about 20kmS.W of Wonosobo. It has a cool climate, in the afternoon the climate is fresh and will very cold at the night. The average temperature is 15 C, usually it will turn into 0 C or even lower on July and August. Beside having a beautiful scenery with temples that had built by Caylendra Dynasty in the mid of 8 century. Once can take Tobacco Walk in Sindoro Mountain, Wonosobo or Tea Walk in Teh Tembi Plantation , etc. Where as Wonosobo is a city with a fresh climate in highland which surrounded by four mountains such as M. Sumbing (3.371m), M. Sindoro (3.162 m), M Bisma (2.365 m ) and M . Ragajembangan (2.177m). The nature of beauty can be seen a long the way to the area which has a high frequency of rain, especially to the north side that can reach up to 1.500 mm per year. The beauty of Sindoro and Sumbing can be enjoyed in the early morning from Kledung Pass and Restaurant. Tobacco Walk in Tobacco season or Tea Walk at Tambi tea plantation can be preserved here in any time.
It is the site for eight small Hindu temples from the 7th and 8th centuries, the oldest Hindu temples in Central Java, and the first known standing stone structures in Java. They are originally thought to have numbered 400 but only 8 remain. The Dieng structures were small and relatively plain, but stone architecture developed substantially in only a matter of decades resulting in masterpieces such as the Prambanan complex and Borobudur. The earliest architectural usage of the Javanese demonic masks and marine monsters are exhibited along the niches and doorways of the remaining structures. The name “Dieng” comes from Di Hyang which means “Abode of the Gods”.Its misty location almost 2000 m above sea level, and its mists, poisonous effusions and sulphur-coloured lakes make it a particularly auspicious place for religious tribute. The temples are small shrines built as monuments to the god-ancestors and dedicated to Shiva, rather than acting as a convenience to man.
