5 Photography Spots on Dieng, Central Java
Have you ever heard about Dieng Plateau in Indonesia?
This place is hosted a highest settlement in Central Java. With the altitude of 2,158 meters, this region is surrounded of many mountains in Central Java, namely: Prau, Sindoro, Sumbing, and others. This place become one of the favourite destination for domestic traveler to spend their weekend or holiday, especially who resides in Java Island. With it’s location and geographical feature, Dieng has a promising natural landscape that may become a heaven of landscape photographer.
In this post, I share 5 photography spots (that I’ve visit so far) that you need to visit if you come to Dieng. Before it I warn you there are several places in Dieng that requires hiking, so I am put a list for the spot that are friendly for beginner to no hiker.
5 Photography Spots in Dieng
Bukit Sikunir (Sikunir Hill)
This spot is a must for first-timer Dieng visitor. Personally, I think I would do it again for my next chance to Dieng as well. Some people mention this place is well-known for its golden sunrise, so as this name said this place is perfect for sunrise photography.
So what you can expect when you come to this Sikunir hill?
Your journey will start on the parking area of Sikunir Hill before you face the slope lane surrounded with local stall, selling warm drinks and foods (you need to try the boiled potato here).
After passing through the end of the stall area, you will find yourself in the forest with a proper staircase to accommodate your hike. Depending at your fitness level, you will reach the top of hill within 30-60 minutes. As the track is already properly built with concrete staircase, this track is really friendly even for those who never hike before (but, please consider your health condition).
If you arrive at the top before sunrise, you can use your time to do astrophotography there. The more early you arrive, you have more freedom to claim your spot to put your tripod for sunrise photography. You can expect that you will get a view of the sunrise with multiple majestic Central Java mountain here.
2. Arjuna Temple (Candi Arjuna)
Located in the heart of Dieng town, this Hindu-temple is already stand for more than two centuries. This 1 hectare-complex of temples becomes one of the iconic landmark of Dieng Plateau, so if you are keen to photograph the historical architecture then you should visit this spot.
Candi Arjuna complex is open from 7 AM to 5 PM, but I have ever see a nightscape photo around this temple complex area as well.
This complex is also well-known for unique natural phenomenon which called “embun es“ or frost. A thin layer of frost can be spotted covering the grass around this complex. This is so special considering Indonesia has a tropical climate and in this area sometimes we can encounter temperature below 0 degree Celsius.
3. Mt. Bismo
Another sunrise spot again. Amongst the hiker, this mountain is mentioned as “Naik Minimal, View Maksimal“ which can be translated as minimum hike but the view is spectacular. To be aligned with this motto, you need to start your journey from Sikunang basecamp, which is not really far before Sikunir.
From there, you can ask local motorcycle taxi to pick you up to the second pos (or shelter). Then, just hiking up for 30 minutes then you will arrive at the summit of the mountain. So, I would say this mountain is really manageable for the beginner to no hiker.
Because of the contour of this mountain top resembling the dragon’s neck, there are multiple summit points (five) that you can take. Starting from the closest one to the furthest one it consist of Tugel, Indraprasta, Nemu-Nemu , Gandhara, Hastinapura. Each of this point will give you a different view and perspective, moreover you may see different other Java mountains (Prau, Sumbing, Sindoro, Merapi, and others). From my personal experience, I just stop at the second summit point, since I was too busy taking a photograph on the first summit point without I realise the sun is already too high and the light is harsher.
Although you may build your camp here, it is not allowed to build your camp in the summit. Some people will build the camp just before the summit. Additional note, I didn’t found any motorcycle that take me back to the basecamp. So it takes around an hour to navigate back to the basecamp from the summit. More additional note, it is safe for solo traveler or hiker since the path, route, and guide is clear enough but you may search the companion once you’re in basecamp.
4. Bukit Skoter
Another viewpoint for photo hunting in Dieng. Different to other hills that I mentioned, this one is not required hiking at all. Well, just need you to take 2-3 minutes staircase walk.
This viewpoint offers the view of Dieng settlement with the background of the Central Java mountain. Most people use this spot for sunset.
There are camp and cabin facility here, so you have option to stay in here as well.
5. Telaga Warna
Telaga Warna is a lake in Dieng plateau which has a uniqueness because of its colour. The colour can be change due to the light, temperature, and algae population there. But the main factor that play the role for this effect is because of its high content of the sulphur. Hence, because of this phenomenon, this lake becomes really interesting to be photographed. But personally, I use the drone rather than my mirrorless camera to capture wider-view of this lake with beautiful surrounding landscapes.
How to Go to and around Dieng?
The first touchpoint you need to be before exploring Dieng is a major city in Java Island. It is better to start your journey from Jakarta or Yogyakarta as they have international and domestic flight connection. From there, you may see a bus that can bring you to Wonosobo, a town which located 25 km from Dieng.
As you arrive in Dieng, you may take a local small business to Dieng. But for my personal preference, I choose to rent motorcycle bike in Wonosobo and drive to and around Dieng with it. When renting motorcycle in Wonosobo, you need to consider the route from Wonosobo to Dieng consists of hilly and windy terrain with a lot of curve and steep road. Moreover, sometimes you need to face a huge truck along the way. So I would not recommend this method for those who have little to no experience driving motorcycle. You can rent the motorcycle to go around once you are already in Dieng.
Some Tips
Don’t forget to bring a thick coat and gloves. If you’re doing sunrise hunting, chance you will encounter a really cold temperature and strong wind. Especially if you wait for sunrise or doing night photograph on the top of the hill, those items are really necessary to protect you from the cold.
Avoid visiting during weekend. Especially on Sikunir, on the weekend the crowd can be really excessive. Hence, it will be a really challenging to put your tripod and take photograph there. Additionally, you may easily bump with other people or you will face a human jam during your descend to the parking area.
Don’t get really disappointed if you don’t get the weather that you want. No matter how advance the weather prediction, we can’t predict weather with 100% accuracy. So, there will be a chance that you will not get a perfect sunrise or sunset view that you already imagine. Moreover, a chance to get perfect sunset is almost no exist as the cloud and mist start to shroud Dieng during the afternoon.
Visit on June to September. That being said, the chance to get the beautiful sunrise is higher when visiting during summer months. Some said, August would be the most perfect month to visit. Not only you get clearer sky but also the frost phenomenon there. However, during this season, you need to also expect the amount of the crowd. And yes, you mustn’t visit Dieng during rainy season, from November to March.
Avoid strolling around during the night. Unless you’re staying at around the point 0 kilometer Dieng, I advice you to come back to your accommodation before sunset time. You will encounter minimal to no road light on the area outside the town centre. This can become a challenge when it comes to drive your way back to your stay.