Trunyan Village | Bali

Trunyan Village – Detailed Overview of Its Unique Culture and Funeral Traditions

Location and Setting:
Trunyan Village is a remote traditional settlement located on the eastern shore of Lake Batur, within the Kintamani district of Bali, Indonesia. Nestled at the foot of Mount Batur, the village is accessible only by boat from nearby villages such as Kedisan or Toya Bungkah. This relative isolation has helped Trunyan preserve its distinctive culture, which contrasts sharply with the mainstream Balinese Hindu practices seen elsewhere on the island.

Historical and Cultural Background

Trunyan is inhabited by the Bali Aga people, who are considered the original inhabitants of Bali. The Bali Aga maintain many ancient customs and rituals that predate the Hindu Majapahit influence introduced around the 14th century. Their lifestyle and beliefs reflect a blend of animism and indigenous spirituality.

The village’s customs, architecture, and social structures preserve elements of Bali’s prehistoric past. The Bali Aga language, rituals, and daily life practices in Trunyan offer an invaluable glimpse into the island’s original culture before Hinduism became dominant.

Unique Funeral Practices – The Open-Air Burial Tradition

One of the most striking aspects of Trunyan is its uncommon method of handling the dead, which differs drastically from Bali’s usual cremation ceremonies:

Open-Air Burial:
Instead of cremating the deceased, the people of Trunyan place the bodies openly on the ground in a designated cemetery area known as Sema Wayah. These bodies are laid out on bamboo platforms or mats and are often covered with cloth.

Bamboo Cages (Larung):
To prevent scavengers from disturbing the bodies, they are protected by bamboo cages called bale bengong.

Natural Decomposition:
The bodies are left to decompose naturally without any embalming or burial in the soil. Unlike typical decomposition, this process does not emit strong odors.

Sacred Banyan Tree (Taru Menyan):
The key to this odorless decomposition lies in the presence of a sacred and ancient banyan tree called Taru Menyan (meaning “nice scent tree”). This tree is believed to emit a fragrant resin that masks the smell of decay, allowing the bodies to decompose quietly in the open air.

Reserved for Married Adults:
This open-air burial tradition is primarily practiced for married men and women. Unmarried individuals or children receive different funerary treatments, often cremated or buried conventionally.

Spiritual and Social Significance:
The practice reflects the village’s deep respect for natural cycles and a belief that death is a return to nature rather than a fearful transition. It emphasizes harmony between life, death, and the environment.

Village Life and Traditions

Bali Aga Identity:
Trunyan’s people identify strongly as Bali Aga, preserving language, dress, and rituals that differ significantly from Balinese Hindus elsewhere.

Traditional Houses:
The village’s traditional compounds are built using thatched roofs and open pavilions, with communal spaces arranged according to Bali Aga customs.

Agricultural Lifestyle:
Residents primarily engage in farming, fishing, and handicrafts, living close to the land and maintaining sustainable practices.

Ceremonies and Rituals:
Despite their distinct customs, Trunyan people participate in Hindu festivals but often with unique local interpretations. Rituals related to birth, marriage, and death follow Bali Aga traditions passed through generations.

Access and Tourism

Boat Access:
Visitors must cross Lake Batur by boat from the nearby villages, typically from Toya Bungkah or Kedisan. The boat ride offers scenic views of the lake and Mount Batur.

Tourist Experience:
Trunyan is a sensitive cultural site where tourism is carefully managed. Visitors can explore the village with local guides who explain its history, customs, and especially the unique burial site.

Respectful Conduct:
Due to the sacred nature of the village and its funerary grounds, visitors are expected to behave respectfully, avoid intrusive photography, and follow local customs and guidance.

Environmental and Spiritual Aspects

Harmony with Nature:
The open-air burial system embodies a philosophy of coexistence with the natural world. The use of the Taru Menyan tree as a natural purifier symbolizes spiritual protection and connection.

Cultural Preservation:
The village’s seclusion and commitment to tradition serve as a living repository of Bali’s ancestral heritage, making Trunyan an invaluable cultural and anthropological site.

Nearby Attractions

Mount Batur: The active volcano towering over the region, popular for trekking and sunrise hikes.

Lake Batur Hot Springs: Natural thermal springs nearby, offering relaxation with views of the lake and volcano.

Kintamani Highland: Known for its cool climate, scenic landscapes, and traditional villages.

Summary

Trunyan Village stands out as one of Bali’s most culturally unique and spiritually significant communities. Its rare open-air burial practice, centered around the fragrant Taru Menyan tree, offers profound insight into ancient Balinese beliefs about life, death, and nature. The village’s Bali Aga inhabitants maintain customs that resist the homogenizing effects of modernity and Hindu influence, preserving a cultural identity that is both ancient and deeply connected to the environment. For visitors interested in anthropology, spirituality, and indigenous traditions, Trunyan provides a rare and respectfully immersive experience into Bali’s hidden heritage.