Trunyan Village: Bali’s Unique Open-Air Burial Tradition by Lake Batur

Trunyan Village is a unique village in Bali, located on the shores of Lake Batur, Kintamani. This village is known for its distinctive burial tradition, which differs from the common Hindu Balinese practice. While cremation through the Ngaben ceremony is the norm elsewhere in Bali, the people of Trunyan have their own way of honoring the deceased by placing the bodies openly on the ground. This tradition has made Trunyan Village one of the most intriguing cultural tourist destinations in Bali.

The Uniqueness of the Burial Tradition in Trunyan Village

One of the main attractions of Trunyan Village is its burial tradition known as “Mepasah.” In this practice, bodies are neither buried nor cremated but are instead placed on the ground in a special burial site called “Sema.” These bodies are laid under a large tree known as the Taru Menyan, without being covered by soil or a coffin. Surprisingly, despite the natural decomposition process, there is no strong foul odor.

This phenomenon is attributed to the presence of the Taru Menyan tree, which is believed to emit a fragrance that neutralizes unpleasant smells. The name “Trunyan” itself is derived from the words “Taru,” meaning tree, and “Menyan,” meaning fragrant. This tree is a hallmark of the village and is believed by locals to possess strong spiritual power.

Burial Requirements and Process

Not everyone who passes away in Trunyan Village can be buried in this manner. Certain conditions must be met for a body to be placed in “Sema.” Only those who die naturally and have an intact body are eligible for the Mepasah ritual. If someone dies due to an accident or an infectious disease, they are buried in a different cemetery.

At the Sema burial site, bodies are laid side by side, surrounded by simple bamboo fencing. Once the cemetery reaches full capacity, the decomposed bodies are moved, and their skulls are arranged in a special place as a form of respect.

Beliefs and Philosophical Meaning

The people of Trunyan believe that the souls of the deceased return to the universe to face the Creator, while their bodies naturally return to the earth. For this reason, they do not interfere with the natural decomposition process. This tradition also reflects the close relationship between humans and nature in Trunyan society’s beliefs.

Additionally, Trunyan Village has strict customary rules to preserve this tradition. The local community deeply respects the burial site and believes that any disturbance or disrespectful behavior in the area could bring misfortune or disaster.

Cultural Tourism Appeal

Due to its uniqueness, Trunyan Village has become a fascinating cultural tourism destination in Bali, attracting both local and international visitors. To reach the village, tourists must take a boat from the pier on Lake Batur. The journey across the lake offers an exotic experience with stunning natural views.

However, visitors are expected to respect the local traditions and customs. Tourists are not allowed to touch the bodies or take any part of the skulls from the burial site. Additionally, wearing modest clothing and maintaining a respectful demeanor during the visit is essential.

Trunyan Village is one of Bali’s cultural heritage sites that has preserved its ancestral burial tradition. The presence of the Taru Menyan tree, which absorbs the odor of decomposing bodies, adds a unique charm to this village for those seeking to understand the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Balinese people. By maintaining this tradition, Trunyan Village not only upholds its cultural identity but also serves as an example of how humans and nature can coexist harmoniously.