The View of Strangely Beautiful Mountain Temples from Dieng Kulon
Dieng Kulon Tourism Village is an exceptionally exotic village located in the Dieng Plateau. Situated at an altitude of about 2,000 – 2,500 meters above sea level, this village attracts visitors from all over the world with its fresh air, stunning landscapes, natural environment, and unique culture. Also known as Banjarnegara’s Tourism Village, Dieng Kulon is where various arts and handicrafts from Wonosobo’s shopping centers and galleries are crafted.
The origin of the name “Dieng” is still debatable. Some claim that it comes from two Sanskrit words – “Di” meaning mountain or high place, and “Hyang” meaning heaven. When combined, these words translate to “a mountain where gods and goddesses reside.” Others believe that Dieng comes from an ancient language before Kawi or an old Sundanese language, where “Di” means house and “Hyang” means lords. Another source states that the name comes from Javanese words; “Adi” meaning strangely beautiful and “Aeng” meaning house. Meanwhile, the word “Kulon” is a Javanese term for west since the Dieng Plateau valley contains two villages on the east and west sides: Dieng Wetan (east) Village and Dieng Kulon (west) Village.
How to Get There
To reach Dieng Kulon Village, you need to make your way to Dieng Town, which is accessible from the larger city of Wonosobo. There is no public transportation directly to the town, so it is recommended to rent a 7-seater car from Semarang or Yogyakarta to go straight to Dieng. The cost of renting a car ranges from IDR 250,000 without a driver to IDR 600,000 with a driver for 12 hours. If you choose to go without a driver, the location of the village is also marked on online GPSes with the name “Desa Wisata Dieng Kulon.”
Once you reach the main road of Dieng Town, specifically at the signboard that says, “Welcome to Dieng,” continue straight into town and take the first left. Go past the Arjuna Temple Complex to reach Dieng Kulon Village. It is approximately 750 meters or a 9-minute walk from the signboard to the village.
The best way to explore the village itself is by walking, using a mountain bike, or a motorcycle. If you want to visit places further away such as the Arjuna Temple Complex, Kailasa Museum, Sikidang Crater, Warna Lake, Ratapan Angin Rock Formation, or Sikunir Hill, it is recommended to use a motorcycle or private car.
Where to Stay
There are numerous homestays around the village that cater to all types of travelers. Some are located at the foot of mountains, offering breathtaking views of Dieng. There are also homestays available at modest prices and those that provide luxurious accommodations. In fact, one of the homestays in this area was nominated for ASEAN’s best homestay award in 2017. The prices of these homestays range from approximately IDR 150,000 to IDR 1,000,000 per room.
For more information and bookings:
– Dieng Kulon Tourism Village
– Batur District
– Banjarnegara Regency
– Central Java
– Indonesia
– Phone: +62 852-2720-6009 (Alif)
