The Dieng Plateau

                                

The biodiversity and seemingly unlimited number of different languages and cultures make Indonesia beyond unique in so many ways. This never seemed more evident than when I was peering out my window on the bus from Jakarta to Central Java. Central Java is famous for its rich Buddhist, and Hindu temples, gorgeous landscape, mountains, and a rustic charm that warmed my heart from the moment I arrived. Throughout Java the one striking similarity you find  is the humble, hardworking, friendly and devout Muslims. However, aside from that There was nothing that would have convinced you that Jakarta and Dieng were part of the same country. A treacherous fifteen hour bus ride into the heart of Java will bring you to Wonosobo. As you can see in the upper right we hopped in the back of a truck and drove an hour north into the Dieng Plateau. Along with my house mate Richy and a great group of Universitas Indonesia students we were excited to have arrived. In the very center of one of the most densely populated regions on earth you will find small towns and sheer beauty.

  

On the right is Telana Warna Dieng or I think many color pond Dieng. This large pond or small lake, is essentially a mix of different shades of blue. It goes from teal, to turquoise, to navy blue, and although it is not hot hot like some of the hot springs we saw in Dieng, it's certainly very warm. Below here are two of many statues around the lake. The one on the right being of a Hindu God and a nod to Diengs Hindu past, perhaps Shiva. The one on the left, although confusing, and I'm not sure if is an idol (someone help?) I wanted to take it home. Surrounding the lake are a number of caves that were likely meant for private meditation or for worship.

It's difficult to be excited about waking up at three am when you get virtually no sleep at all the night before but for the view of this sunset it had to be done. A 45 minute drive in the back of the truck led us to this lake above, appropriately named Tadpole lake or Danau Cebong due to the wildlife it is home to. This picture below was taken after we hiked up the top of a peak to get a view of the sunrise overlooking Dieng and a mountain whose name I've conveniently forgotten and I just can't be bothered looking it up or asking somebody who went with us.

Throughout our return to Dieng we couldn't help but marvel at the natural beauty that encompasses the region. As you can see on the upper right photo, you often find yourself on such high ground that you can look down on the clouds. Also, no, those terraces on the side of the mountains are not natural, those are made so that the farmers can grow plants more efficiently, prevent landslides and have an easier time moving up and down the terrain to transport goods.They are a mesmerizing sight, one that forces a smile as you admire the serenity while appreciating the people of Central Java. 

Four children on a motor bike. Let's all agree that while this probably isn't legal, safe, or okay, it was pretty difficult not to laugh and throw up a peace sign in their direction.

The Dieng Temple Complex above has five beautiful old temples that have for the most part been preserved quite well. Though much smaller than Borobudur in Jogjakarta they were certainly impressive.

Out of many hot springs in Dieng these were the stinkiest, scariest, and the hottest. You walk past a number of vendors to make your way into an area surrounded by gorgeous rocks and the rocks appear as a gentleman with a tint of amber in his beard smoking a pipe in the countryside. 

As you walk closer you'll witness a giant pool of steam filled with a horrendous stench. The water seems to take on a life of its own and only in brief intermittent moments are you able to capture a photo that isn't filled with steam...

I feel like this almost looks like a painting. It kind of reminds me of a wonderful medieval orchard in Western Europe. Nestled in the middle of a valley and surrounded by mountains lays this gorgeous piece of land. After hiking down a short trail and through the path above, you end up at the view point which you can still make out just a bit in the upper left portion of this photo. From there the area is riddled with signs telling you not to continue and that you were only permitted to go that far. However...

After getting a glimpse of this large hot spring my curiousity was piqued and I could not resist a stroll down the short rocky road to get a closer view and whiff of this amazing mass of water. Far too hot to enter, one could only take in the sight and relax to the sweet smell of sulfuric acid. The water was bubbling so tenaciously that you would not dare attempt to figure out just how hot it was. It was quite the deterrent but at this point in the day the weather had heated up to such a point that the spring was never very appealing to begin with.

Below you'll see a view from the top of the path, it is quite possibly my favorite photograph that I have ever taken. The clouds, mountains, and the way the valley seems to effortlessly transform is breathtaking.