Among Java's oldest temples
Eighth century.
Midori — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Midori — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Mjnspt — CC BY-SA 4.0
A group of small Hindu temples from the eighth and ninth centuries, among the oldest stone temples in Java, standing on a grassy plain at the heart of the Dieng Plateau, ringed by green hills, potato fields and mist. They bear the names of heroes of the Mahabharata epic: Arjuna, Semar, Srikandi, Puntadewa and Sembadra. The temples are simple compared with Prambanan, but their high setting and the mist that wraps them give an enchanting, mysterious air. Each year, around August, the complex hosts rites of the Dieng Culture Festival, including cutting the hair of children with naturally matted locks, a unique local tradition. The ticket is usually combined with Sikidang crater, at a modest fee. The Dieng Plateau sits at about two thousand metres, among Java's coldest places, with frost possible on July and August mornings, so bring warm clothes. Come in the morning before the mist, and combine it with Sikidang and Telaga Warna on a day on the plateau.
Eighth century.
Among the hills.
The matted-hair rite.
Dieng Kulon, Dieng Plateau, Wonosobo
Telaga Warna (Coloured Lake)A volcanic lake on the Dieng Plateau whose name means coloured lake, because its17 minutes walk
Sikidang CraterAn active volcanic crater on the Dieng Plateau, a greyish-white ground where thi21 minutes walk
Batu Ratapan AnginA viewpoint on rocky outcrops atop a hill looking straight down on colourful Tel22 minutes walkUsually in July or August, drawing big crowds, so book accommodation early if you want to attend, and prepare for severe cold.