Trunyan Village

Trunyan Hill and the village of the same name are located in Kintamani, Bangli District. It is one of the areas inhabited by the Bali Aga or Bali Mula tribes, who still steadfastly adhere to the beliefs of their ancestors.

The village is located on the edge of Lake Batur. It is surrounded by an aura of mystery due to the thousand-year-old sacred Taru Menyan tree, which emits a sandalwood scent and is not found elsewhere, along with unique burial traditions. The village's name, “Trunyan,” is derived from “Taru” (tree) and “Menyan” (fragrant).

You can visit Trunyan Hill, the village, and its surroundings on a trip with MyBaliTrips. Besides the settlement with its unique culture, Trunyan Hill offers breathtaking natural landscapes worth exploring. The mountain, standing at 1834 meters above sea level, is suitable for travelers who enjoy climbing or beginner mountaineers. The route is fairly simple and manageable for people with average physical fitness, with an estimated ascent time to the hilltop between 2.5-3.5 hours. From the top, travelers can enjoy stunning Instagrammable views. The hike includes witnessing sunrise on the hilltop and enjoying views of Mount Abang, Mount Batur, and the volcanic lake. The mesmerizing experience of walking above the clouds, with views stretching to Mount Agung on Bali and Mount Rinjani on Lombok, leaves unforgettable impressions.

You can also visit the foot of Batur, where there are hot springs to experience the healing properties of their waters.

There are three routes to ascend the hill:

This hiking route passes through the village east of Lake Batur. It is the most popular route. By choosing this path, you will pass through Pancer Jagat Temple, and the approximate ascent time is between 3-3.5 hours.

This ascent route goes through eastern Bali, Karangasem District. Reaching the starting point through Tianyar takes more time than through Trunyan Village. The starting point is around 3-3.5 hours from Denpasar, but the actual climb takes 2-2.5 hours.

Participants need to first ascend Mount Abang's summit and then descend to Trunyan Hill's peak via a trail connecting both summits. This route is suitable for individuals with good physical fitness.

Lake Batur, the Taru Menyan tree, and burial sites are considered sacred, therefore:

• Avoid using harsh words during the ascent.

• Women who are menstruating are not recommended to participate in the hike.

• Do not litter on the hills and along the entire route.

• Prepare yourself physically and mentally.

• Bring enough food and drinks.

• Do not bring foods containing meat from four-legged animals, especially beef.

• Bring a raincoat, especially when hiking during the rainy season.

• Always hike with local residents or a guide; do not go alone.

The story of Trunyan village began when the ruler of Surakarta had four children - three sons and a daughter. One day, the children smelled a fragrant scent, and the daughter said it came from the east.

All four headed east until they arrived in Bali. The journey continued until they reached Mount Batur. The youngest son asked his older siblings for permission to settle there and was given the name Ratu Ayu Mas Maketeg.

During their further journey, a dispute arose among the siblings. As a result of the quarrel, the third child (the sister) was kicked, and she sat cross-legged. She was given the name Ratu Shakti Sang Hyang Jero.

The two remaining brothers continued their journey. Arriving at Lake Batur, the second brother wanted to greet a beautiful woman he encountered. However, the first brother stopped him, and a disagreement ensued. This place became the site of the village Abang Dukuh.

The first brother continued his journey alone until he finally reached the Taru Menyan tree under which a beautiful woman lived. They got married. The first brother was given the name Ratu Shakti Panjer Jagat.

He came to be regarded as the highest deity in Trunyan village, and his wife was called Ratu Ayu Pingit Dalam Dasar, declared as the guardian of Lake Batur.

Ratu Shakti Panjer Jagat is tasked with guarding his territory against threats. Therefore, when someone dies, the body is not buried but placed near the Taru Menyan tree.

The burial ceremony in Trunyan village is called Mepasah. The village has three cemeteries where the deceased are buried according to the manner of their death. It is accessible by boat. If a Trunyan resident dies a natural death, is married, and has an intact body, they will be buried under the Taru Menyan tree in Sema Wayah. After being washed with rainwater, the body is wrapped in white cloth, except for the face, and placed in a previously prepared shallow pit, 10-20 cm deep with a flat bottom, and covered with a pyramid-shaped bamboo structure.

The tree emits a fragrance full of phytoncides and tannins, and the air temperature ranges from 12 to 17℃, so the bodies left nearby do not emit an unpleasant odor during decomposition.

The terms 'grave' or 'tomb' usually imply burying the deceased underground, whereas in Trunyan customs, this does not happen. The difference between Mepasah and Ngaben: Mepasah represents “wind burial” and is practiced only in this village, while the Ngaben ceremony is a “fire burial” practiced throughout the rest of Bali.

If the death is unnatural, such as due to an accident, suicide, or murder, the body will be placed in Sema Bantas. The third place, Sema Muda, is for the burial of children and unmarried adults.

The burial tradition has nuances, such as the number of bodies placed at the same time under the Taru Menyan tree cannot exceed eleven, as more would overpower the tree's fragrance, unable to neutralize the smell of decay. 

Source: detik.com, kumparan.com