In short
- Drive 1.5 to 2 hours from Ubud to Kedisan Harbor.
- Take a 15 to 45-minute motorized boat across Lake Batur.
- Book a guided tour to avoid negotiating variable boat prices.
In this article
Getting to this isolated settlement on the eastern shore of Lake Batur is a two-step process. You must travel by road to Kedisan Harbor, then charter a motorized boat across the water.
What is the best way to reach Trunyan?
The safest and most reliable method is booking a private tour with hotel pickup.
Guided tours cost between $40 and $90 USD. They cover the 6 to 10-hour round trip from South Bali or Ubud. This includes your driver, guide, and the boat transfer, allowing you to bypass aggressive boat touts at the public docks.
How long is the drive to the harbor?
The drive to Kedisan Harbor takes 1.5 to 2 hours from Ubud.
Kedisan Harbor sits at an elevation over 1,000 meters in the Kintamani highlands. If you hire a private driver for this route, expect to pay IDR 500,000 or more. Parking is available at the dock for IDR 2,000 to 5,000.
How do you cross Lake Batur?
You must charter a motorized boat from Kedisan Harbor to the village docks.
The boat ride takes 15 to 45 minutes each way. This is the primary way to reach the open-air cemetery and the isolated settlement of the Bali Aga people.
How much is the boat to Trunyan Village?
Chartering a boat costs between IDR 300,000 and IDR 1,000,000 per boat.
Prices at Kedisan Harbor are highly variable. Foreigners are often quoted inflated rates, and intense negotiation is standard practice. Bring small Indonesian Rupiah bills for tips and mandatory donations.
When is the best time to cross the lake?
Visit during the dry season from April to October for calm lake crossings.
Morning crossings often provide the clearest views of Mount Batur. Pack sunscreen and a hat for the exposed boat ride on the lake.
Does the boat go directly to the cemetery?
Boats can drop you at the village or the separate cemetery area.
Trunyan Village has three distinct cemeteries. The famous open-air cemetery (Sema Wayah) is isolated from the main residential area. A separate drop-off is required to view the bamboo cages and the sacred Taru Menyan tree.
Questions travellers ask
Can I drive directly to Trunyan Cemetery?
No. You must park at Kedisan Harbor and take a motorized boat across Lake Batur to reach the cemetery.
Are there entry fees once I arrive?
Yes. Entrance fees to the cemetery and village areas are usually IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000 per person.
Is it safe to get a boat at the harbor?
While it is generally safe, tourists often face aggressive touts and inflated prices at the public docks. Pre-booking a tour bypasses this issue entirely.
