Trunyan Village Bali: Ancient Mysteries in Kintamani

1. The Legend and History of Trunyan Village, Kintamani
2. The Funeral Tradition in Trunyan Village, Kintamani
3. How to Reach Trunyan Village
4. Top Attractions Nearby: Trunyan Village
5. Frequently Asked Questions for Trunyan Village Kintamani

Legends trace Trunyan to Java's King of Solo (Surakarta), whose children followed a divine fragrance from a Taru Menyan tree to Bali's Lake Batur shores, naming the village Trunyan ('tree by the water'). Captivated by its allure, they decided to trace its origin, leading them to the island of Bali.

Ultimately, only the eldest prince reached the source of the captivating fragrance, discovering a tree at the heart of a village near the renowned Lake Batur in Bali. This village is now known as Trunyan.

Cremations or burials are the most common ways for most Balinese Hindus to honour the deceased. Nonetheless, the funeral customs in Trunyan Village are, to say the least, unique. Rather than burying or cremating their loved ones, the people of Trunyan Village, Kintamani, Bali place their loved ones' bodies on the ground, cover them with fabric, and arrange bamboo around them to form a prism known as "ancak sanji", and this custom is called "Mepasah".

During Mepasah, the bodies are cleansed with rainwater and then placed on the ground, draped in white fabric to preserve the faces. Despite the fact that the bodies remain above ground, they do not smell. Bodies rest under Taru Menyan trees ('fragrant tree'), whose scent neutralises odours during 'Mepasah'; preserved corpses are later moved to nearby sites (boat entry: ~IDR 200,000/~INR 1,080 return per person).

Pretty much interested in going to the village? Then here is how you reach the strange village: Trunyan is on Lake Batur’s east bank, and to get to Trunyan, you must first travel inland to one of the best places to visit in Bali,  Kintamani, which is around a two-hour drive from the main tourist centres of Canggu or Seminyak. 

From Kintamani (~2 hours from Seminyak/Canggu), take a boat from Songan port on Lake Batur's west shore to Trunyan (east bank; ~IDR 200,000/~INR 1,080).

Top tip: Visit Trunyan with a tour guide rather than just arranging a return boat journey, since you will obtain insight into the history and culture rather than just transportation.

Kintamani has beautiful tourist attractions in Bali. Here are some of the best places to visit in Bali’s Kintamani to include in your Bali vacation itinerary:

• Mount Batur
• Trunyan Village
• Ulun Danu Batur Temple 
• Penulisan Temple
• Kehen Temple
• Kintamani Organic Farm
• Toya Bungkah Hot Spring
• Luwak Civet Coffee Farm
• Tampak Siring/Holy Spring Water Temple and more.

If you’re craving something beyond beaches and cafés, Trunyan Village, Bali, offers a truly unforgettable cultural experience. From the mysterious Mepasah funeral tradition to the fragrant Taru Menyan tree by Lake Batur, this ancient village reveals a side of Kintamani most travellers never see. It’s unusual, thought-provoking, and deeply rooted in history. Add it to your Bali itinerary if you’re ready to explore the island’s most fascinating and offbeat heritage. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Bali tour packages with Pickyourtrail now for a hassle-free trip.