A freezing spectacle swept across the Dieng Plateau in Banjarnegara, Central Java, as sheets of frozen dew blanketed the highlands on Saturday (July 19). Temperatures dipped to a shocking minus 3 degrees Celsius, drawing crowds of curious tourists to catch a glimpse before the delicate frost vanished with the sunrise.
“Dozens of visitors came to Pandawa Field Dieng this morning to capture the frozen dew. There were about 50 tourists here,” said Aryadi Darwanto, a civil servant at the Banjarnegara Office of Culture and Tourism who also developed a local temperature-monitoring app, as quoted by detikJateng.
The extreme weather didn’t just surprise residents. It also sparked creative curiosity among visitors. Some even attempted to make drinks using the frozen dew they found on the ground.
Sri Utami, Head of the Dieng Tourism Unit at Banjarnegara’s Culture and Tourism Office, confirmed that the frost’s appearance has become a magnet for visitors—especially when it falls on a weekend.
“This time the frozen dew appeared right on the weekend. So, it’s been quite lively this morning at Pandawa Field, with many people eager to see it firsthand,” she said.
But catching this rare natural event requires effort. The first challenge? Arriving before sunrise. The frozen dew only lingers in the coldest hours of the early morning. Once sunlight hits, the frost begins to evaporate quickly.
For that reason, tourists are advised to stay overnight in Dieng, allowing them to head straight to the main viewing spots like the Arjuna Temple area before dawn.
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The second challenge is braving the cold. With temperatures cold enough to freeze moisture into ice, visitors should expect bone-chilling air and come well-prepared. Thick jackets and layered clothing are a must.
Keep in mind that this icy dew only forms when temperatures hit zero or below. There’s always a chance the weather won’t be cold enough to trigger the phenomenon. Travelers are encouraged to monitor forecasts before setting out.
