Terunyan (Trunyan) Cemetery: Understanding Bali’s Most Misunderstood Sacred Site

Terunyan Wall Cemetery

When visitors step off our boat onto the quiet eastern shores of Lake Batur, the atmosphere changes. There are no bustling souvenir shops or restaurants here. You're standing in Terunyan (frequently spelled Trunyan), home to the Bali Aga—the indigenous "Original Balinese" who have preserved their unique animist customs for over a millennium.  

Twin hull, built for tourism boat on Lake Batur.

Unlike the rest of Hindu Bali, where elaborate cremations (Ngaben) return the body to the elements, the Bali Aga practice Mepasah. The deceased are placed in open-air bamboo cages to decompose naturally under a massive, ancient tree called the Taru Menyan.  

1. Why Are There Only 11 Cages?

If you walk through the main cemetery (Sema Wayah) with one of our guides, you will notice exactly 11 bamboo cages. (There is technically a 12th reserved exclusively for the village chief).  

Space under the sacred Taru Menyan tree is finite. The tree’s natural, sweet fragrance absorbs all odor from the decomposition process. When a village member passes away, they are placed in one of the 11 cages. When a new death occurs, the bones of the oldest remains are respectfully moved to an open stone altar—forming the iconic wall of skulls—to make space for the newcomer.  

Taru Menyan Tree

2. The "Rubbish" Misconception

One of the most frequent observations guests make is the presence of plates, clothing, and household goods scattered around the site.

These are not trash. They are personal belongings, tools, and offerings provided by loved ones to support the spirit as it transitions into its next journey—preparing them not for life after death, but for life after life.

In centuries past, these items were made of organic materials like banana leaves, clay, and bamboo, which broke down alongside the body. In the modern era, plastic containers and metal items remain intact.

Because taking or disturbing anything in the cemetery is considered spiritual taboo, these modern offerings remain where they were placed, creating a timeless layer of family history.  

3. Terunyan vs. Trunyan: What’s in a Name?

If you check Google Maps or read travel blogs, you’ll see the name written as Trunyan. However, if you look at the official signage on the island, you’ll see Terunyan. The name originates directly from two local words:  

• Taru: Meaning Tree

• Menyan: Meaning Fragrant

Over time, Western maps shortened the pronunciation to Trunyan, however the indigenous people still honour the original root name: Terunyan.  

Ready to experience Terunyan firsthand? Learn more about our private, respectful day trips across Lake Batur by visiting the Terunyan Wall Cemetery Private Boat Tour page.  We've also created a two minute educational video done by our Terunyan Wall Cemetery Boat guide. You can view that here:

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/183b41_dea999d1c5f8404fb16a8d7c7d9862d9/360p/mp4/file.mp4

Life After Life - Terunyan Wall Cemetery Tour

"Life after life" centers on continuity, rebirth, and the ongoing cycle of the soul. For the Bali Aga in Terunyan, who practice animism and believe the soul carries directly forward into its next earthly existence or ancestor realm, "life after life" is a far more accurate representation of their worldview.