In short
- Cover your shoulders and knees at all times.
- Bring a sarong for village and temple areas.
- Wear flat walking shoes or secure sandals.
In this article
Visiting Trunyan Village and its open-air cemetery requires respectful attire. The Bali Aga community considers this land sacred. Proper clothing ensures you follow local customs while staying comfortable during the boat ride across Lake Batur.
What is the dress code for visiting the cemetery?
You must cover your shoulders and knees to enter the cemetery.
Choose modest clothing like T-shirts, long shorts, or light pants. Avoid tank tops, sleeveless shirts, and short skirts. Since Trunyan Village sits over 1,000 meters above sea level in the Kintamani highlands, layers are practical.
Do I need to wear a sarong at Trunyan Village?
A sarong is recommended for the village and mandatory for entering temples.
While you can visit the cemetery without a sarong if your legs are covered, you need one for Pura Pancering Jagat. This main village temple requires a sarong and sash. Bring your own to avoid paying high prices to vendors.
What shoes are best for Trunyan Cemetery?
Wear comfortable flat walking shoes or secure sandals.
You will step in and out of a motorized boat at Kedisan Harbor and the cemetery docks. The ground at the cemetery is uneven dirt. High heels or delicate shoes are not practical for this terrain.
What should I pack for the boat ride to Trunyan?
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for the 15 to 45-minute boat crossing.
The motorized boat ride across Lake Batur offers no shade. Protect yourself from the sun. The weather is best during the dry season from April to October, meaning you will face direct sunlight on the water.
Should I wear a face mask to the open-air cemetery?
A face mask is optional but recommended if you are highly sensitive to the idea of odors.
The ancient Taru Menyan tree grows directly at the cemetery. Locals believe this fragrant banyan tree neutralizes the scent of the decomposing bodies. Most visitors report no foul smell, but carrying a mask provides peace of mind.
What else should I bring to Trunyan?
Carry small Indonesian Rupiah bills and antibacterial wet wipes.
You will need small bills for tips and mandatory donations at the site. Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer are useful since you are visiting a site with exposed remains. Taking photos is allowed, but taking bones is strictly prohibited.
Questions travellers ask
Can I wear shorts to Trunyan?
You can wear shorts if they cover your knees. If your shorts are above the knee, you must wrap a sarong around your waist before entering the cemetery or village.
Is it cold in Trunyan?
Trunyan is over 1,000 meters above sea level, making it cooler than coastal Bali. A light jacket is useful for the morning boat ride across the lake.
Do tours provide sarongs?
Some guided tours include sarong usage in their price, but it is always safest to bring your own. Confirm with your driver beforehand if you do not have one.
