Trunyan Cemetery Bali

The Open-Air Burial Site & How to Visit from Lake Batur

In most places around the world, the deceased are buried underground or cremated. However, in the village of Trunyan, located on the quiet shores of Lake Batur, the bodies are left above ground beneath large trees. And strangely, the bodies placed there do not emit any odor.

This is what makes the Trunyan Cemetery Bali a unique cultural site. This tradition reflects the relationship between humans and nature that has existed for centuries. It is also preserved by the Bali Aga community, the indigenous people of Trunyan.

Unlike the Ngaben tradition commonly practiced in Bali, the bodies are placed in an open area, not buried, and left to merge with nature. At this cemetery, you can find the Taru Menyan tree, which is believed to safeguard the sanctity of the site.

The Trunyan Cemetery is located on the eastern shore of Lake Batur in Kintamani and can only be reached by boat.

Trunyan Cemetery Bali | Cemetery at Trunyan Village

What Is Trunyan Cemetery?

Trunyan Cemetery Bali is also known as Sema Wayah. In Old Balinese, this means “the cemetery of the elderly” or “the cemetery of those who have reached a ripe old age.” Sema Wayah is situated on the outskirts of Lake Batur and is separated from the village settlement.

The name “Trunyan” comes from the words “Taru Menyan,” which is the name of a large tree that grows in this cemetery area. In Old Balinese, “taru” means tree and “menyan” means fragrant or aromatic. This tree is the focal point of the entire Trunyan burial tradition.

The burial system here does not use coffins, and the bodies are not buried. The bodies are placed on the ground and covered with a cone-shaped bamboo structure called an “ancak saji.” Then, the bodies are left to naturally decompose and become one with nature. The skulls and bones from the decomposed bodies are later neatly arranged in an area near the Taru Menyan tree.

Not all Trunyan residents are buried at Sema Wayah. This tradition applies only to those who die of natural causes, are married, and are native Bali Aga of Trunyan. Those who die in accidents, from certain illnesses, or who are unmarried are buried in a different location.

The Bali Aga community is a group believed to be the indigenous inhabitants of Bali before the arrival of Majapahit influence from Java. They maintain their own traditional customs and beliefs, distinct from those of the majority of Balinese Hindus.

Read other interesting articles:

• Lake Batur Cruise: Guide & Royal Songan Experience 2026
• Penglipuran Village & Kintamani: The Perfect Bangli Day Trip 2026

The Legend Behind Trunyan Cemetery

To fully understand the Trunyan Cemetery Bali, learn the story behind the Taru Menyan tree.

According to the beliefs of the Trunyan community, the Taru Menyan tree is a sacred tree that has existed since the time of their ancestors. This tree is believed to naturally emit a strong, fragrant aroma, and it is this scent that is believed to neutralize the odor from the decomposition of the bodies. That is why the Sema Wayah area does not produce a pungent odor from the bodies.

The Bali Aga people believe that nature is an extension of human life. Allowing the body to merge directly with the earth, air, and the surrounding environment is the highest form of respect for the cycle of life.

This is very different from the Ngaben tradition practiced by the majority of Hindus in Bali. The body is cremated in a grand ceremony involving processions, a cremation tower, and the burning of the body. In Trunyan, the process is far more serene, more personal, and closer to nature.

What to Expect When You Visit Trunyan and Its Cemetery

Taru Menyan Tree | Trunyan Cemetery Bali

For some people, a visit to the Trunyan Cemetery Bali feels like entering a different world.

The Sema Wayah area is an open space devoid of permanent structures or any tourist facilities. What you see are bamboo altars, remains of bodies, skulls and bones, as well as small offerings placed by families.

The pungent odor is barely noticeable in the cemetery area. Here, you’ll only sense the scent of Taru Menyan trees and the breeze from Lake Batur.

The average visit duration in the cemetery area is 20 to 30 minutes. This is enough time to observe, understand, and respect this place without rushing.

Visitor etiquette that must be followed:

• Do not touch skulls, bones, or any objects in the cemetery.
• Do not take photos of faces or details of the deceased without explicit permission from local residents.
• It is not recommended to visit while intoxicated or behaving in an inappropriate manner.
• Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
• Follow the instructions of the guide or local residents accompanying you during the visit.
• Do not speak loudly or joke around in the cemetery area.
• Avoid visiting when a procession or ceremony is taking place.

How to Get to Trunyan Cemetery

There is no direct road connecting to the Sema Wayah area. The only way to reach the Trunyan Village Cemetery is by boat across Lake Batur.

Option 1: By Boat from Tan’s Estate, Songan (Recommended)

The most comfortable and memorable way to reach the Trunyan cemetery is to depart from the pier at Tan’s Estate in Songan Village.

The journey takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on wind conditions and the boat’s speed. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of tranquil Lake Batur with Mount Batur and Mount Abang on either side.

The advantage of departing from Tan’s Estate is the presence of an experienced local guide, ensuring you receive the proper cultural context before arriving in Trunyan. A visit to the Trunyan cemetery is one of the stops during the Royal Songan Cruise.

Book a boat and cruise from Tan’s Estate

Option 2: By Boat from Kedisan Pier

Kedisan Pier is located on the western side of Lake Batur, about a 20-minute drive from the Penelokan area. Here, traditional boats are available for direct hire to reach Trunyan Village, followed by a short boat ride from the village pier to the cemetery area.

Boat rental prices from Kedisan range from IDR 200,000 to 350,000 per boat, not per person. Rates often increase for foreign tourists and aren’t always transparent.

Can You Walk to Trunyan Cemetery?

There is no direct land route connecting to the Sema Wayah area. Trunyan Village itself can be reached via a narrow road, and its condition is not always good. A boat is the only way to access the cemetery area.

Trunyan Cemetery vs Trunyan Village: What’s the Difference?

Many tourists confuse the two, but Trunyan Village and Trunyan Cemetery are two distinct locations.

Trunyan Village

Trunyan Village is an active village on the eastern shore of Lake Batur inhabited by the Bali Aga community. Here you can observe the daily lives of the residents, traditional architecture distinct from typical Balinese villages, and Pura Pancering Jagat, the village’s main temple.

Trunyan Cemetery

Sema Wayah, or Trunyan Cemetery, is a burial ground located separately from the village settlement, about a 10-minute boat ride from the Trunyan pier. This area is sacred and is specifically used for the traditional funeral rites of the Bali Aga people.

Visitor Tips and Etiquette

How to visit Trunyan Cemetery? Here are some preparations:

• Arrive in the morning, ideally before 10:00 AM.
• Wear modest clothing; long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or long skirts are appropriate choices. Sarongs are available if needed, but bringing your own is better.
• Bring at least IDR 100,000–200,000 in cash for donations and small boat fees, as there are no ATMs available.
• Hire a local guide to help with navigation and provide accurate explanations.

Combining Trunyan Cemetery with Other Kintamani Activities

Visiting the Trunyan Cemetery Bali as part of a full-day Kintamani itinerary is the best way to make the most of your time in the area.

Morning

• Batur Discovery Jeep Tour: Start your day with an off-road tour across the black lava fields of Mount Batur. Available from Tan’s Estate starting at 6:00 AM.
• Sunrise Viewpoint at Penelokan: If you’re not taking the jeep tour, enjoying the sunrise from the edge of the caldera with a cup of Kintamani coffee is enough to start the day.

Afternoon

• Royal Songan Cruise: Departing from the Tan’s Estate pier, this 90-minute cruise takes you around Lake Batur while watching a live performance of The Tale of Balingkang.
• Lake Batur Crossing to Trunyan: After the cruise, continue by boat to Trunyan Village and Sema Wayah. A guide from Tan’s Estate will accompany you and explain the entire journey.

Afternoon

• Toya Bungkah Hot Spring: Soak in the natural volcanic hot springs after a day of activities. The location is about 20 minutes from Songan.
• Lunch or afternoon meal by the lake: Several local warungs in the Songan area serve simple Balinese dishes with a direct view of the lake.
• Return journey via Kintamani: Head up to Penelokan and enjoy one last view of the caldera before descending to Ubud or southern Bali.

FAQ: Trunyan Cemetery Bali

Is Trunyan Cemetery free to visit?

Not entirely free. Visitors are generally asked to make a voluntary donation at the cemetery entrance, typically ranging from IDR 20,000 to 50,000 per person. Additionally, there is a small boat fee from the Trunyan pier to the Sema Wayah area.

Is it respectful to visit Trunyan Cemetery as a tourist?

Yes, tourist visits are permitted and have been taking place for a long time. The people of Trunyan are generally open to tourists as long as visits are conducted with respect and in accordance with the applicable rules.

What is the Taru Menyan tree?

Taru Menyan is a large tree that grows in the Sema Wayah area and serves as the center of the entire Trunyan burial tradition. In ancient Balinese, “taru” means tree and “menyan” means fragrant. This tree is believed to emit a scent that naturally neutralizes the odor of the bodies placed beneath it.

How long should I spend at Trunyan Cemetery?

Visits typically last between 20 and 30 minutes. This time is sufficient to explore the cemetery grounds and listen to the guide’s explanation.

See the complete guide to visiting Trunyan Village