Trunyan Cemetery Cemetery

Address: Trunyan village, eastern shore of Lake Batur, Bali, Indonesia

Hours: Village visitation usually during daylight hours; specific times vary by local custom

Admission: Small local fees for boat transfer and village entrance typically apply (payable in IDR).

Trunyan Cemetery is a traditional burial site on the eastern shore of Lake Batur on the island of Bali, Indonesia. It is associated with the indigenous Bali Aga community and is notable for its ancient non-cremation funerary customs.

The cemetery contains graves where the deceased are laid out in specially designated places and left to decompose rather than being cremated, producing mummified remains in some cases. A stand of trees locally called the Taru Menyan is traditionally said to hide odors from the site, and visitors often come to see the burial customs and the preserved remains. Access is by boat across Lake Batur and a short walk from the landing point.

The practice predates the widespread Balinese Hindu cremation rites and has been maintained by the Bali Aga of Trunyan for many generations. The site remains in use today and is managed by the local community.

The cemetery sits on the eastern shore of Lake Batur, on the slopes north of Mount Batur in the Kintamani area of Bali. It lies on the lake rim and is reached by small passenger boats from nearby lakeside villages.

• Access: Reachable only by boat across Lake Batur from the lake rim villages, with short local paths from the landing point to the burial area.
• Taru Menyan tree: A cluster of trees known locally as the Taru Menyan is associated with the cemetery and traditionally said to mask the smell of the decomposition process.
• Visitor conduct: An active, community-managed burial site used by the Bali Aga people; visitors are expected to behave respectfully and follow local guidance.

Boat crossings to Trunyan depart from the northern shore of Lake Batur (Toya Bungkah or Penelokan). Boats are arranged locally; negotiate and confirm the return trip with your boatman. Expect a short hike on arrival and to follow village rules and the guide’s directions.

• Take a boat from the north shore of Lake Batur (Toya Bungkah or Penelokan) and arrange the round trip in advance.
• Hire a local guide from Kedisan or Trunyan village-guides will explain cemetery customs and negotiate the boat fare.
• Be respectful of rituals: photography is sometimes restricted, and visitors should follow the family's wishes.