Unlocking the Secrets of Trunyan Village
Located along the quiet of Lake Batur, Trunyan Village is unlike any other place in Bali. Known for its mysterious and sacred traditions, this isolated community is home to the Bali Aga, the island’s original, pre-Majapahit inhabitants. Their way of life remains largely untouched by modern influences, preserving ancient customs, language, and rituals that predate the rest of Balinese Hinduism.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Trunyan is its unconventional burial practice. Rather than cremating the deceased, as is common in Balinese Hindu culture, the people of Trunyan follow a ritual known as Mepasah. Here, bodies are placed in bamboo cages under a sacred Taru Menyan tree, a tree so aromatic that it masks the odor of decomposition. Once the bodies decompose, the skulls are displayed neatly on a stone altar, representing respect for ancestral spirits and the cycles of life and death.
Why Trunyan Is a Must-Visit for Cultural Travelers
Visiting Trunyan isn’t just a sightseeing opportunity, it’s a window into a way of life that challenges our perceptions of tradition, spirituality, and death. It’s a journey into a living museum of Bali Aga culture, where the villagers live in harmony with nature, guided by ancestral wisdom passed down for centuries.
And because Trunyan can only be accessed by boat, the journey across Lake Batur adds a sense of sacred pilgrimage. Mist-covered waters, dramatic caldera cliffs, and haunting silence surround you, setting the mood for something truly unforgettable.
Trunyan Tour from Desa Oculus: The Gateway to Sacred Traditions
If you’re staying at a Kintamani hotel, especially at Desa Oculus, exploring Trunyan becomes even more accessible. Desa Oculus offers a curated Trunyan Tour, designed not just as a sightseeing trip but as a deeply immersive cultural journey.
Starting from the comfort of your mountain-facing suite or lake-view villa, the experience includes:
- A respectful, educational visit to the Trunyan cemetery and village.
- A chance to learn about the symbolism of the Taru Menyan tree, village layout, and spiritual beliefs.
With Desa Oculus’s emphasis on cultural integrity, the tour ensures that you engage with Trunyan respectfully, supporting the community and preserving its sanctity.
Desa Oculus: Where Modern Comfort Meets Ancient Culture
More than just a Kintamani hotel, Desa Oculus is a destination where nature, culture, and luxury converge. Designed as a “living temple of love and harmony,” the resort invites guests to slow down, reflect, and reconnect, not only with themselves but also with Bali’s spiritual roots.
Its curated experiences, including the Trunyan Tour, make Oculus a perfect hub for explorers seeking more than the typical tourist path. Located just under an hour from Trunyan Village by boat, the resort is ideal for guests who want to explore deeply and stay luxuriously.
Final Thoughts
A Trunyan Tour from a Kintamani hotel like Desa Oculus isn’t your average vacation activity,it’s a transformative experience. It takes you beyond Bali’s beaches and cafes into the heart of its oldest living traditions. Through the stories of the Bali Aga, the whispers of the Taru Menyan tree, and the curated experiences at Oculus, you begin to understand the depth of what it means to live, love, and remember in the Balinese way.
So, if your journey to Bali is about connection and authenticity, let Desa Oculus be your starting point and let Trunyan guide you into the soul of the island.Book our Trunyan Tour (Click here)
