In short
- The main village (Desa Trunyan) is a residential area.
- The cemetery (Sema Wayah) is an isolated burial site.
- You must take a boat to reach the cemetery from the village.
In this article
Many visitors confuse Trunyan Village with its famous open-air cemetery. While both are part of the same Bali Aga community on the eastern shore of Lake Batur, they are located in different spots. Understanding this separation helps you plan your boat charter and manage your time at each site.
What is the difference between Trunyan Village and the cemetery?
The village is the residential settlement, while the cemetery is the isolated burial ground.
Desa Trunyan is where the Bali Aga people live. It contains homes, the main temple (Pura Pancering Jagat), and local infrastructure. Sema Wayah, the open-air cemetery, is a distinct area further along the shoreline. It holds the bamboo cages, the Taru Menyan tree, and the skull altar.
Are the village and the cemetery in the same place?
No, they are separated by the lake and local terrain.
You cannot simply walk from the main village center to the cemetery. The burial site is completely isolated. When you hire a boat from Kedisan Harbor, the driver must make two distinct stops if you want to visit both locations.
What will you see at Trunyan Village?
You will see traditional Bali Aga houses and the main village temple.
The main settlement shows the daily life of the original pre-Majapahit Balinese community. You can observe the unique vernacular architecture, which differs from typical southern Balinese compounds. The village also houses Pura Pancering Jagat, a temple featuring a towering statue of the local protector deity, Datonta.
What will you see at Trunyan Cemetery?
The cemetery features bodies laid above ground in bamboo cages.
Sema Wayah is specifically for married individuals who died of natural causes. Here, you will find the 1,000-year-old fragrant Taru Menyan tree. It neutralizes the scent of decomposition. Older skulls and bones are arranged on a nearby stone platform.
Are there any other cemeteries in Trunyan?
Yes, the village maintains three distinct cemeteries.
Each cemetery (sema) is dedicated to different types of death. While Sema Wayah is for natural deaths of married adults, other sites handle unnatural deaths and infants. Tourists typically only visit Sema Wayah.
How do you get between the village and cemetery?
You must use a motorized boat to travel between the two areas.
When booking a tour or chartering a boat, confirm that the route includes both stops. A standard boat ride from Kedisan Harbor takes 15 to 45 minutes each way. Pre-booked tours often include the boat transfers to both the settlement and the burial ground.
Questions travellers ask
Can you go to Trunyan Cemetery without a tour?
Yes, you can charter a motorized boat from Kedisan Harbor directly to the cemetery. However, prices vary from IDR 300,000 to IDR 1,000,000 and require intense negotiation. Foreigners are often quoted inflated prices.
What should I wear to Trunyan Village and Cemetery?
Modest clothing covering your shoulders and knees is required. Bring a sarong for village and temple visits, as this is a sacred site with an active burial ground.
How much is the entrance fee?
Entrance fees to the cemetery and village areas are usually IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000 per person. This does not include your boat charter costs across Lake Batur.
