Sikidang Crater Dieng, Is the Sulfur Smell Safe?

The sulfur smell at Sikidang Crater in Dieng is safe for most visitors, as long as you pay attention to gas levels in certain spots and follow the instructions of staff. The rotten-egg odour around the crater comes from hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide gases, and their concentration can change throughout the day. This article covers what you need to know before you go, from reading the smell and the wind to knowing when to turn back.

What Causes the Sulfur Smell at Sikidang Crater?

Sikidang Crater is an active crater in the Dieng Complex, Wonosobo, Central Java. Underground volcanic activity releases gas, and this gas is what gives the air its distinctive sulfur smell. The two gases most often mentioned are hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which smells like rotten eggs, and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Gas concentration is not always the same. It can rise when the air is still, when it is humid, or right at the crater's edge where the vent is actively releasing steam. That is why healthy visitors often feel comfortable on the main path but uncomfortable at certain points.

Note: crater conditions can change. Check official information from the Volcano Observation Post or local managers before you leave, and follow any bans posted on site.

Is It Safe for Visitors?

For most healthy adults, a short visit along the designated tourist path is generally safe. However, some groups should be more careful:

• People with asthma, COPD, or other breathing conditions
• Pregnant women
• Young children and older adults
• People with heart disease
• People with allergies that are easily triggered by airborne irritants

For these groups, it is best to consult a doctor before going, and not to push yourself close to the crater's edge.

Signs the Gas Is Too Strong and You Should Move Away

Stop and move away from the source of the smell if you experience any of these symptoms:

1. Eyes that sting, water, or feel like they are burning
2. An itchy throat, coughing, or chest tightness
3. Dizziness, nausea, or a light-headed feeling
4. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
5. A sharp smell that feels very strong in the nose

If serious symptoms appear, move immediately to a more open area, sit down calmly, and ask nearby staff or the nearest health facility for help.

Tips for Visiting Safely

• Choose the right time. Morning is usually more comfortable because the air is still fresh. When the wind blows, gas tends to be carried away.
• Watch the wind direction. If smoke or smell drifts toward the path, look for a viewpoint on the opposite side.
• Follow the path and warning signs. Do not cross barriers or areas that are closed, and do not approach the hot mud pools.
• Use a mask if you are sensitive to smells or have a sore throat.
• Bring drinking water and avoid lingering at one spot for too long.
• Keep children close so they do not run around carelessly near the crater.

Planning Your Trip to Dieng

Dieng sits on a highland plateau, so temperatures can be very cold, especially in the morning and evening. Bring a warm jacket and rain gear. If you want to visit the crater, lakes, and temples in one day, plan a route that is not too crowded.

When renting a vehicle to explore Wonosobo and Dieng, you can choose a car with driver so you do not have to drive yourself on steep, winding roads. For routes from Yogyakarta, see also Yogyakarta to Dieng route. For visitors arriving by air, there is a Yogyakarta Airport to Dieng route.

How SiapPergi Helps With Your Trip

SiapPergi has an office in Wonosobo (Tosarirejo, Jaraksari, Kec. Wonosobo, Kabupaten Wonosobo, Jawa Tengah 56314), so our team knows the roads to Dieng well. Car-with-driver service in Wonosobo & Dieng is priced per route, and prices and operating hours are confirmed via WhatsApp. There is no online payment up front; you pay when the service begins.

If you plan to explore Bali afterwards, we also deliver scooters and self-drive cars to your hotel, villa, or Ngurah Rai Airport, at fixed catalogue prices starting from Rp70.000 per day for scooters and Rp310.000 per day for cars. Delivery and pick-up are included, and payment is made in Rupiah when the vehicle arrives.

For questions or bookings, contact WhatsApp +6281808001102 every day from 07.00 to 23.00 WITA. You can also read our how to book guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the sulfur smell dangerous for children? Not always, but young children are more sensitive. Avoid the crater's edge and keep a close eye on them.

How long is it safe to stay at the crater? No exact figure applies to everyone. A short visit on the main path, and moving away immediately if the smell becomes strong, is the safest approach.

Should I bring medication? Bring any personal medication you normally use, such as an inhaler for asthma. Make sure it is always within reach.