Sikidang Crater

About this place

An active volcanic crater on the Dieng Plateau, a greyish-white ground where thick steam rises from dozens of vents, with a pool of grey mud at its centre that boils and bubbles constantly, and a sulphur smell filling the air. Its name comes from kidang, a small deer, because the main steam vent moves from place to place as if leaping. Visitors walk fenced paths around the crater, watching the boiling mud and steam up close, while locals sell eggs boiled in the hot water, local potatoes and masks. Green hills and farms surround the crater. The ticket is usually combined with the Arjuna temples. The hot steam is dangerous, so do not cross the fences; a mask helps. 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. An hour is enough; combine it with the Arjuna temples and Telaga Warna.