Trunyan Village: An Ancient Balinese Village with Unique Funerary Traditions in Kintamani

Located at the foot of Mount Batur and on the shores of Lake Batur, Trunyan Village offers an authentic and meaningful cultural tourism experience. What makes this village so special? The answer lies in the burial tradition of the Trunyan people who do not bury or burn their bodies, but rather place them in the ground and let them rot naturally — without causing a bad smell.

Location and Access to Trunyan Village

Trunyan Village is located in Kintamani District, Bangli Regency, Bali. Access to this village is quite unique because it cannot be reached directly by land vehicles. Tourists must take a boat from Kedisan Pier on Lake Batur. The trip down the lake takes about 20–30 minutes with a very amazing view.

From Ubud: about 1.5 hours to Kedisan
From Denpasar or Ngurah Rai Airport: about 2.5 hours drive
From Kedisan, there is a local motorboat or canoe to cross to Trunyan

Origins and History of Trunyan Village

Trunyan Village is one of the ancient Balinese villages that adheres to the original Balinese Aga customs and culture, which is Balinese heritage before the arrival of Hindu influence from outside. The Trunyan people still maintain a traditional lifestyle that is very different from most other Balinese people.

One of the important beliefs in this village is related to the existence of the Taru Menyan tree (which means “fragrant tree”) which is believed to neutralize odors from unburied human bodies.

Unique Trunyan Cemetery Traditions

This is the main attraction that makes Trunyan known to the world. Instead of being buried or cremated as is common in Balinese death rituals, the bodies of the deceased in Trunyan Village are laid on the ground in a special area called the Trunyan cemetery or Seme Wayah.

Some interesting facts about Trunyan’s funerary traditions:

The body was placed under the Taru Menyan tree, which is believed to be able to remove the stench.

The corpses were not planted, only covered with “ancak saji” made of woven bamboo.
Only people who died naturally (not by accident or suicide) are buried here.
After the body decomposes and only bones remain, the skull is neatly arranged near the sacred tree.
This tradition has attracted the attention of tourists and cultural researchers because it is not found anywhere else in Bali, not even Indonesia.

Other Attractions of Trunyan Village

In addition to its funeral traditions, Trunyan Kintamani also offers a calm and authentic village atmosphere. The houses are still in the traditional style, and people’s lives are very simple.

Visitors can also:

Visit the ancient temple in the village
See the process of making local handicrafts
Witnessing traditional rituals performed by the Balinese people
Enjoy the beauty of Lake Batur and the background of Mount Abang from the edge of the village

Tips for Touring to Trunyan Village

Respect local customs and culture, especially in the cemetery area
Do not touch or take bones/skulls as a form of respect
Use the services of a local guide to make the experience more meaningful
Prepare cash to rent a boat and pay for admission
The best time to visit is morning to noon.

Conclusion

Trunyan Village is one of the unique villages in Bali that offers a very different cultural tourism experience. From the world-famous Trunyan burial tradition to the simple life of the Balinese Aga people, all come together in a beautiful natural landscape on the shores of Lake Batur. If you’re looking for authentic and unforgettable Balinese cultural tours, Trunyan Kintamani is a must-visit option.