A Guide to Hiking the Dieng Plateau: Tips and Tricks

Introduction

Dieng plateau is a beautiful region in Indonesia that belongs to the Central Java province and has a critical historical background. Also called the ‘land of colors,’ this plateau is famous for its volcanic origins, engrossing colors, as well as mythical history. To envision the new destination of Dieng Plateau, hiking will not only the body but also the soul in a realm of graciousness.

For anyone who is interested in visiting the Dieng Plateau, hiking should incorporate the following tips and tricks. Beginning with planning and preparation, packing, the hike, and exploring, this guide also includes advice from those who have been there and done that.

Part 1: Preparation

For any complicated journey like the one to the Dieng Plateau, one is necessarily required to make certain preparations. There are certain factors that you should bear in mind to ensure that your journey will be as smooth and effective as possible.

• Choose your hiking trail: Several hikes can be done in the Dieng Plateau with ease, ranging from easy, and moderate to tough hikes with extremely beautiful scenery. Some of the most sought-after routes include Arjuna-Welirang, the Telaga Biru, and the Sikunir crater. Find information about several trails and choose the one most appropriate for you in terms of difficulty and preferred type of trail.
• Check the weather forecast: The climate of the Dieng Plateau is not stable and can change throughout the day. Make it a point to get to know the weather predictions for the days leading up to the hike and till it is happening. Always expect it to rain and wind at different times of the day, as well as cold fires in the higher grounds.
• Acquire the necessary permits and documents: Dieng plateau belongs to the Dieng Volcanic Tourist Conservation Area. You will also need to buy an entry ticket to view the park, and what is offered for sale can be purchased with this ticket at the entrance. Please make sure to bring your identification card, your driver’s license or your passport.
• Inform others about your plans: Before going hiking, ensure that you have disclosed your planned trekking route, estimated time of arrival, and the means of transport you intend to use to the people close to you like family members, and friends among others. This way, they will know your whereabouts and can take necessary actions when an emergency like this is experienced.

Part 2: Packing

Hiking requires smart packing, and this article aims to ensure hikers have the best times on the Dieng Plateau. Here is a comprehensive list of items you should consider packing:

1. Clothing: 

• Trail-appropriate fabrics – breathable clothing in the form of t-shirts, leggings, and pants for hiking.
• It is advisable to have a waterproof jacket/pants, mostly to keep you dry from the rain and wind.
• Some items include; gloves and a warm hat because of cold weather for those living at higher altitudes.
• Shoes; preferably strong shoes with a closed heel or boots, preferably hiking boots.
• Comfortable socks that can absorb sweat as well as give support

2. Navigation: 

• Road map of the area encompassing the Dieng Plateau, as well as the rest of Central Java.
• A device serving to indicate direction and to show the bearing of an object.
• GPS navigator or a smartphone with a map application that is good when there is no Internet connection

3. Food and water: 

• The selection includes energy bars, trail mix, and dried fruits which can be stored for a long time and do not need a refrigerator, which is important when hiking.
• Much appreciation for the intake of not less than 2 liters of water per day to allow an adequate supply of water in our bodies.
• If you intend to collect water from streams or lakes, then a water filtration or purification system.

4. Emergency gear:

• First aid kit containing some basic items such as adhesive bandages, an antiseptic, aspirin, etc.
• A whistle for help to signal
• A torch, with spare batteries
• An emergency blanket also known as the space blanket

5. Miscellaneous:

• Lip gloss and suntan lotion to prevent skin and lip harm due to sun exposure
• Spectacles may act as a protector of your eyes from the scorching Suns and the glare whether in the car or outside.
• A headlamp or flashlight in case there is a need to cross the trail in the evening or at night.
• A small pack cover or waterproof bag I used to carry cash, documents and my camera to protect them from rain.

Check Out: Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail: A Hiker’s Paradise in Oahu.

Part 3: Hiking

Hiking the Dieng Plateau is a unique experience because of the number of attractions you will come across. It was rather rough with steep and in some places slippy rise, so any movement had to be slow and relegated concerning the surface. Do clear your mind, be patient, stand up tall, and enjoy the stunning view that you are privileged to witness. Here are important tips that will assist you when doing the Dieng Plateau trail physiologically;

• Start early: Hikers should start this early in the morning to avoid the hot sun and in case there is a warning of thunder, the hiker can be caught in this. Hiking in the morning also presents you with an opportunity to get a clear sky and the best conditions for the trail.
• Take your time and stay focused: Take time, give yourself a good steady pace, and keep moving at a measured pace. Don’t run or run quickly – you don’t have to keep up the fast pace constantly. Consciously alert to specific dangers which may lie in the path of the horse or in the terrain itself.
• Rest and hydrate regularly: Pause the workout when necessary to eat, drink or just catch a breather. This is a perfect time for appreciating the views and watching the typical scenery of the Plateau.
• Watch for signs of altitude sickness: There are numerous hiking tracks in the Dieng Plateau and since it is at high altitude, some hikers might be affected by acute mountain sickness. All people can look for possible symptoms such as headache, nausea, or shortness of breath. If you have these signs or anyone in your hiking party is experiencing them, you need to head back to a lower altitude.

Part 4: Exploring

After some dancing, and weaving your way across the Dieng Plateau’s trails, it is time to take on the magic that is Dieng Plateau. Some of the must-see locations include:

• The Dieng Plateau’s volcanic craters: Today there are about 400 volcanic cones distributed throughout the region and 200 out of them contain crystal clear freshwater lakes. It could be the Telaga Warna (Color Lake) and the Sikunir also called Gunung Merapi crater.
• The Arjuna and Welirang mountains: These two volcanoes are lovely to watch, and you’ll be pleased to have a fairly long hike to reach them. Arjuna and Welirang mountain have some breathtaking views of the other topographic features in the environment.
• The Dieng Coffee Plantations: There are several reasons why coffee is grown in the Dieng plateau, such as; the cool climate, and quality coffee timber that is excellent for growing coffee. Call and see for yourself the beauty of coffee plantations in Indonesia and taste the finest coffee.
• The Alas Purwo National Park: This park is in East Java and due to its three different elevation classes; it provides habitats for several flora and fauna. Trek through jungles and along cliffs of the Pacific coast, and take a chance to see what is going on in the local animals’ mecca: elephants, monkeys or some other splendid creatures.
• The Candi (Temples): Candi Arjuna and Candi Semar are the most famous temples which were built on the Dieng plateau as Hindu temples thousands of years ago. These temples present a viewing of the area’s ethnic and religious past worth exploring.

Conclusion

This is to hike around the Dieng Plateau which is such a wonderful experience that gives tourists the idea of traveling, having adventures, and exploring. Basically, providing adequate preparation, adequate packing, as well as adequate respect for this rocky ground, this marvelous place can be enjoyed to the maximum. The following are the tips and tricks to avoid the pitfalls that one would be likely to encounter when visiting Dieng Plateau: Happy hiking!

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