Desa Trunyan village and the mountains of Kintamani were inhabited by the Bali Aga (aboriginal people) for centuries before the Hindu migration from Java to Bali.

Trunyanese villagers live on the east shore of Lake Batur, not too far from the active Mount Batur volcano, making them one of the most isolated communities in Bali, Indonesia.

Unlike most Balinese, who cremate their dead, the Trunyanese came up with the unusual practice of burying their dead above ground on Trunyan island, which is still being done today.

The bodies are washed, dressed, and protected with a small bamboo cage that keeps monkeys and other animals away until the corpse decomposes naturally in the elements.

After the body dissolves, the skull is taken and placed on a rock platform nearby to make room for new bodies.

The name Trunyan (also spelled ‘Tarunyan’) may have originally come from an ancient banyan tree, Teru Menyan, that sits at the cemetery.

It’s a giant tree, and the locals credit its fragrance with somehow neutralizing the smell of the rotting bodies at Desa Trunyan cemetery.

There’s something interesting about the funeral traditions there, Friend Pesona. The number of bodies placed under Taru Menyan cannot be more than eleven people. In addition there are several conditions that must be met including:

1. Died naturally

2. Married

3. Complete limbs

Those who die with the above provisions will be buried in a Mepasah (placed under Taru Menyan). The burial area is known as Sema Wayah.

However, there are two other areas if they do not meet the conditions above. They will also be buried. First, Sema Muda for young children or adults who are not married. Second, Sema Bantas for those who died unnaturally or had incomplete limbs due to illness.

if visiting there, there are some rules that need to be obeyed. For example, respect not to speak dirty and not to take any items that are in Taru Menyan. In addition, follow the applicable health protocols, starting from keeping your distance, wearing a mask, washing your hands with running water, and staying away from crowds.