Dieng, a highland area located in Wonosobo Regency, Central Java, not only offers breathtaking natural beauty but also holds rich historical significance.

It is known that Dieng served as a significant Hindu cultural center in Central Java, with numerous temples constructed during that period, including Arjuna Temple, Gatotkaca Temple, and Bima Temple.

These temples stand as evidence of the past glory of the Hindu kingdom and serve as intriguing historical relics worth visiting.

Despite being a tourist attraction today, Dieng is originally a volcanic mountain that is regularly monitored by the Geological Agency.

Volcanologists note that the Dieng Plateau was formed around 3.6 million years ago, up to approximately 2,500 years ago.

How to Travel from Yogyakarta to Mount Merapi

The journey to Dieng from the city of Yogyakarta covers a distance of approximately 170 km, which is quite far, taking around 4 hours by private vehicle or about 6 hours by public transportation.

Despite its considerable distance from Dieng, Yogyakarta is commonly chosen as the initial stopover city for many tourists, possibly because Yogyakarta is connected by flights from major cities in Indonesia, especially Jakarta.

Additionally, Yogyakarta is a strategically located tourist destination with various attractions, making a visit to Dieng seem like an integral part of Yogyakarta’s tourism, even though the actual distance is quite significant.

There are several transportation alternatives available, ranging from using public transportation, renting a car, or opting for tour packages that are widely available in the city of Yogyakarta.

Mode of Transport	Estimated Time	Cost	Additional Notes
Bus	3 hr	IDR 160k	Budget-friendly
Mini Bus (shuttle)	3 hr	IDR 180k	Budget-friendly, but more convenient than public buses
Motorbike Rental (Scooter)	2 hr 48 min	IDE 60k – 200k / day (not including fuel cost)	Ideal for solo traveler with riding-skill
Car Rental	3 hr 10 min	IDR 80k – 700k / day 4 – 13 seats (not including fuel cost)	Comfort with scenery view

source: Traveloka.com

Note: All costs are approximate and may vary based on specific circumstances and travel conditions.

How to Get There?

Choosing Yogyakarta as a city for a transit to Dieng is not without reason; travelers prefer Yogyakarta as a stopover city because it is connected by flights from major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and others.

Yogyakarta also has a train station near Malioboro, allowing travelers to take the opportunity to stroll, buy snacks, and take photos before continuing their journey to Dieng.

To reach Dieng, there are various transportation options available, including public transportation such as the Big Bus, travel services, car rentals, and tour packages.

The journey from Yogyakarta to Dieng covers a distance of approximately 170 km and takes around 4 hours.

1. Travel from Yogyakarta to Dieng by Big Bus

If you wish to use the services of the Big Bus, you can head to Giwangan terminal by taking a bus bound for Semarang since there is no direct Big Bus service to Dieng/Wonosobo.

Subsequently, alight at Magelang terminal and switch to a Medium Bus heading to Wonosobo.

Upon reaching the Mendolo terminal in Wonosobo, you can utilize the yellow city transport fleet (hijet) to reach Dieng terminal.

From the Dieng terminal, the journey can be continued by taking a microbus bound for Wonosobo-Dieng-Batur.

2. From Yogyakarta to Dieng by Mini Bus/Shuttle

To reach Dieng, you must first head to the town of Wonosobo. To make the journey less cumbersome and time-consuming, we recommend touring Wonosobo using travel services.

You can utilize the services of goajomblang.com to ensure the best service.

From Wonosobo, the journey to Dieng continues using a mini-bus. Request the travel driver to take you to Alun-Alun Wonosobo/Kauman, where the vehicle will head to Dieng.

The driver will be happy to take you there at no additional cost. A tip for finding a minibus to Dieng is to avoid buses that are waiting/empty; walk a bit to intercept a moving bus that is already filled with passengers.

The bus fare to Dieng is Rp. 15,000. Alight at the Dieng intersection, and you will arrive at the Dieng Plateau tourist center.

This journey takes approximately 1 hour. The bus used for this route is a regular bus commonly used by the local community.

3. Car Rental in Yogyakarta

In Yogyakarta, there are various car rental services available for you to hire for a specific period, with various requirements that must be met by the car renter.

Preparations that need to be made include a willingness to be photographed, filling out the provided form, submitting a motorcycle/car driver’s license (SIM C) and/or vehicle registration certificate (STNK), a photocopy of the driver’s license (SIM A), and the obligation to pay the rental fee.

4. Motorbike Rental (Scooter) in Yogyakarta, from Yogyakarta to Dieng

Besides cars, visitors or tourists also use motorcycles to travel to Dieng from Wonosobo Regency. However, using motorcycles like CBR, Ninja, Suzuki GSX, and others is not recommended with automatic scooters.

After carefully considering all her options, she decided to rent a scooter to visit Dieng Plateau. She genuinely feels it’s the best way to explore and provides the freedom and mobility needed to see all the sights.

The optimal place to rent a scooter in Yogyakarta is in front of Lempuyangan Station. There are numerous rental offices offering essentially the same bikes and prices. Expect to pay between 70,000 to 150,000 IDR per day.

The travel route when riding a motorcycle is not significantly different from driving a car.

From Wonosobo Regency, turn left onto Jl. Girimargo, then turn right onto Jl. Beteng Sari, make another left onto Jl. Pemuda, continue straight on Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro, and you will reach Dieng.

The travel time to Dieng Plateau is quite long, so it’s advisable to depart as early as possible to avoid arriving late at night. The road to the Dieng Plateau area still lacks sufficient lighting, making it prone to accidents.

What’s the Fastest Way to Take to Travel from Yogyakarta to Dieng?

The fastest way to get to Dieng from Yogyakarta is typically by private car or taxi. The journey by car allows for more flexibility and can be faster than relying on public transportation.

The approximate distance between Yogyakarta and Dieng is around 170 km, and the journey takes about 4 hours by car, depending on the traffic conditions.

If you prefer not to drive yourself, you can also consider hiring a private car with a driver or taking a taxi. This option provides comfort and convenience, and the driver can navigate the route efficiently.

What’s the Cheapest Way to Take to Travel from Yogyakarta to Dieng?

You can take a bus from Yogyakarta to Wonosobo and then transfer to a local minibus or other public transportation to reach Dieng. Bus fares are generally more affordable than private transportation.

If you’re going in a group, you might try a shared travel services (often called “travel” in Indonesia) offer a more comfortable option than buses.

These are usually minivans that operate on a set schedule. They are more convenient than buses and can be cost-effective.

What’s The Best Way to Take by Using Google Maps

We have already tried the two best round-trip routes from Jogja to Dieng. As for which one is the fastest, it depends on the condition of the vehicle and the driver.

It is advisable not to rush to ensure a safe arrival at your destination. Simply enjoy the journey. The Jogja – Dieng route is a tourist route, so there are many travel agencies offering transportation with drivers, and even guides.

1. Jogja-Dieng Route through Borobudur

From Jogja, you can set Google Maps to Borobudur. You better start the trip very early in the morning to avoid a damaged road at night.

When you’ve turned at the intersection towards Borobudur from the Jogja – Magelang highway, immediately change the destination to Purworejo on Google Maps so that the temples are not missed.

Redirect destination to Dieng

After entering the Magelang – Purworejo highway, redirect the Google Maps destination to Dieng to avoid being continuously directed to the city of Purworejo.

On the Magelang – Purworejo highway, you will be directed to turn right at the Mangklong intersection towards Kaliabu.

The intersection is at a curve, so it might be missed if you’re not prepared. But during the day, if there’s a person assisting the vehicle crossing, it should serve as a sign.

Redirect destination to Wonosobo

Once in Kaliabu, set Google Maps to Wonosobo. Now, the real adventure begins here. The road is neither narrow nor wide, just enough for two private vehicles to pass each other.

The issue is that loaded trucks also pass through here, causing the journey to be slow. The road is winding and has ascents and descents.

Not extreme but tiring because there are many. We traveled during the day and do not recommend traveling at night if you haven’t been here before.

Upon reaching Wonosobo, change the Google Maps destination to Dieng and follow it until you reach your destination.

2. Jogja-Dieng Through Temanggung

The route from Jogja to Dieng via Temanggung is a well-known path.

Direct Google Maps to Temanggung. Google Maps will guide you through an alternative route, turning left before the Secang intersection.

This alternative route was initially a local initiative to alleviate congestion at the traffic light of the Secang intersection during the homecoming season.

In the past, locals would manage the area to direct private cars through this alternative route. Now, the local government has taken over the management, installing traffic lights, and it is listed on Google Maps.

Redirecting to Wonosobo

Once on this alternative road, direct Google Maps to Wonosobo to avoid passing through the city of Temanggung and take the outer road instead. Upon reaching Wonosobo, direct Google Maps to Dieng.

Redirecting to Temanggung

If coming from the opposite direction, from Dieng, direct Google Maps to Wonosobo. Upon reaching Wonosobo, direct Google Maps to Temanggung.

Don’t forget this step! Forgetting it might lead us to the route via Kaliabu and Borobudur mentioned above.

Redirecting to Yogyakarta

Upon reaching the Temanggung border, direct Google Maps to Jogja. Just follow it, including passing through the Secang alternative route.

Before reaching the Temanggung border, don’t change Google Maps because it may insist on redirecting us to the Borobudur route mentioned earlier.

The route through Temanggung may seem longer on the map.

However, it is relatively straightforward, with wide roads as it is a national highway, allowing for optimized vehicle speed.

There are only a few sections with damaged road asphalt due to the passage of large trucks. Traveling this route 24 hours is not a problem

Source: jalansitu.com

Tour Package Service

Tour package services to Dieng are available from various cities.

In Wonosobo, there are numerous local agencies offering tour packages ranging from a one-day Dieng tour to two days and one night packages, as well as three days and two nights packages.

Choose a genuine local agency in Dieng Wonosobo that is well-acquainted with the location, tourist destinations, road conditions, weather, air temperature, and the available restaurants and accommodations in Dieng.

What to do in Dieng?

Dieng, a hidden paradise in the Wonosobo area, offers captivating natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural richness. Explore the charm and uniqueness of Dieng through the following recommended tourist destinations.

1. Kawah Sikidang

One of the most famous icons of Dieng is the Sikidang Crater. This crater is unique as it emits sulfur gas and hot mud, creating a breathtaking landscape.

Enjoy the footpath that allows you to approach the crater and experience the natural warmth it offers.

2. Telaga Warna

Telaga Warna and Telaga Pengilon are two beautiful lakes located close to each other. Each lake has its own unique colors depending on the time and weather conditions. The sunrise view at Telaga Warna is a highly anticipated moment.

3. Candi Arjuna

Candi Arjuna is an ancient Hindu temple complex that serves as a silent witness to the history of Dieng. Listen to the stories of the past and appreciate the beautiful architecture. Here, you will discover several temples such as Gatotkaca Temple, Semar Temple, and Puntadewa Temple.

4. Sikunir Peak

For an unforgettable sunrise experience, trek to Sikunir Peak. From here, you’ll be treated to a panoramic sky that transforms as the sun begins to emerge. The views of the Dieng mountains and the surrounding vegetable gardens make it an incredibly photogenic spot.

5. Candradimuka Crater

Candradimuka Crater is one of the largest craters in Dieng. Similar to Sikidang Crater, it emits sulfur gas. Explore the footpath around the crater, enjoying the fresh air and stunning views.

Let’s Explore Java!

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Java, Indonesia, where a world of wonders awaits! Java, the heart and soul of Indonesia, is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking experiences.

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