Shifting colours
Green, turquoise, yellow.
A volcanic lake on the Dieng Plateau whose name means coloured lake, because its sulphur-laden water turns green, turquoise, yellow and blue with the sunlight and weather, shifting colour within a single day. Beside it lies Telaga Pengilon, the calm mirror lake that reflects the hills. Visitors walk a path around both lakes among trees and plants, passing small caves some people visit for contemplation. From the nearby high viewpoint of Batu Ratapan Angin, both lakes appear side by side, one of Dieng's best-known views. Tickets are modest. 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. The path is easy but can be muddy after rain. Come at midday on a sunny day, when the colours show most, then climb to Batu Ratapan Angin to see both lakes from above.
Green, turquoise, yellow.
Calm Pengilon.
From Batu Ratapan Angin.
Dieng, on the Wonosobo-Banjarnegara border
Batu Ratapan AnginA viewpoint on rocky outcrops atop a hill looking straight down on colourful Tel5 minutes walk
Sikidang CraterAn active volcanic crater on the Dieng Plateau, a greyish-white ground where thi15 minutes walk
Arjuna Temple ComplexA group of small Hindu temples from the eighth and ninth centuries, among the ol17 minutes walkBecause of sulphur and minerals in the water, which reflect sunlight differently with its angle and the clouds, so the colours look different at each hour.