The private tour to Trunyan Village, Bali’s ‘Skull Island‘, offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the region’s ancient customs and beliefs. Travelers can explore the Trunyan Cemetery, where bodies are left to naturally decompose, and learn about the isolated community’s centuries-old rituals. With round-trip transfers, a knowledgeable guide, and the option to customize the experience, this tour provides a comfortable and convenient way to explore Bali’s rich cultural heritage. What makes this journey so captivating, however, is the chance to witness the community’s unique approach to death and the afterlife.
Key Points
- A private tour that offers visitors a unique experience to explore the ancient rituals and practices of the isolated Trunyan Village community.
- Includes a visit to the Trunyan Cemetery to witness the unusual tradition of body decomposition on the land.
- Provides round-trip private transfers, a knowledgeable driver/guide, and refreshments like bottled water, lunch, and coffee/tea.
- Offers the flexibility to customize the tour with additional activities such as visiting Mount Batur, waterfalls, temples, and more.
- Allows for a comfortable and convenient culture experience, with complimentary pickup and dropoff service in Bali.
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Tour Overview
The private tour to Trunyan Village Skull Island offers visitors a unique glimpse into the ancient rituals and practices of the isolated local community.
The tour takes travelers to this remote area, where the locals have long practiced a distinctive method of dealing with the deceased – allowing the bodies to decompose on the land rather than in the earth. Visitors can explore the Trunyan Cemetery and witness this unusual tradition firsthand.
The tour also includes round-trip private transfers, a knowledgeable driver/guide, and refreshments such as bottled water, lunch, and coffee/tea.
For those seeking a deeper culture, there’s an option to customize the tour with additional activities like visiting Mount Batur, waterfalls, temples, and more.
Inclusions
The private tour to Trunyan Village Skull Island includes round-trip private transfers, a knowledgeable driver/guide, and refreshments such as bottled water, lunch, and coffee/tea. These inclusions ensure a comfortable and convenient experience throughout the day.
| Service | Included |
|---|---|
| Round-trip Private Transfers | ✓ |
| Driver/Guide | ✓ |
| Bottled Water | ✓ |
| Lunch | ✓ |
| Coffee/Tea | ✓ |
With these amenities provided, travelers can focus on seeing the unique cultural traditions and rituals of the Trunyan Village, without having to worry about logistics or basic necessities during the tour.
Pickup and Dropoff
Complimentary pickup and dropoff service in Bali is provided, with travelers able to confirm their preferred pickup location up to 24 hours before the tour commences.
This allows for maximum flexibility and convenience, ensuring a seamless start and end to the private tour experience.
Whether you’re staying in Ubud, Seminyak, or elsewhere in Bali, the tour operator will arrange for a driver to collect you and bring you back to your accommodation after the tour.
This door-to-door service eliminates the need for participants to arrange their own transportation, making the overall experience more streamlined and hassle-free.
The pickup and dropoff arrangements are an integral part of providing a comprehensive and enjoyable tour package.
Tour Customization
Alternatively, travelers can opt to upgrade their Trunyan Village tour with additional activities, allowing them to customize their experience. These optional add-ons may include a sunrise jeep tour of Mount Batur, visits to picturesque waterfalls or hot springs, and explorations of renowned Hindu temples like Tirta Empul and Besakih.
Travelers can also choose to incorporate a stop at the traditional Penglipuran Village, known for its well-preserved architecture and local culture. This flexibility enables participants to tailor the tour to their specific interests and preferences, ensuring a truly personalized journey through Bali’s rich heritage and natural wonders.
Additional Details
With 44 positive reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this private tour to Trunyan Village Skull Island comes highly recommended. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t suitable for those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
Operated by Bali Private Tour, the price varies depending on the size of the group. Since this is a private tour, only your group will participate.
Pickup and dropoff service is complimentary within Bali, but you’ll need to confirm the pickup location up to 24 hours before the tour.
While the core tour includes round-trip transfers, a driver/guide, and refreshments, there’s an option to upgrade with additional activities like a Mt. Batur sunrise jeep tour, waterfalls, hot springs, and visits to temples and villages.
Ancient Rituals at Trunyan
Trunyan Village is an isolated area where locals practice ancient rituals, steeped in centuries-old traditions that set it apart from mainstream Balinese culture.
Visitors to the village can witness the unique Trunyan Cemetery, where bodies are left to decompose on the ground rather than being buried. This ancient practice, known as ‘sky burial,’ is believed to return the deceased’s soul to the heavens.
The locals also perform various rituals and ceremonies, including offerings to the village’s sacred banyan tree, which is believed to possess spiritual powers.
These ancient practices offer a glimpse into Bali’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring traditions that continue to shape the island’s unique identity.
Decomposition at Trunyan Cemetery
The Trunyan Cemetery in Bali is the site of a unique burial practice, where bodies are left to decompose naturally on the ground rather than being interred in the earth. This ancient ritual is deeply rooted in the beliefs of the Trunyan community, who view the process as a way to return the deceased to the natural cycle of life.
| Decomposition at Trunyan Cemetery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Burial Process | Bodies placed on open-air platforms | Decomposition occurs naturally |
| Environmental Impact | Minimal disturbance to the land | Promotes natural recycling of nutrients |
| Cultural Significance | Reflects Trunyan’s spiritual beliefs | Honors the deceased’s connection to nature |
This unconventional approach to burial not only reflects the Trunyan’s cultural traditions but also highlights the community’s deep respect for the natural world.
Unique Cultural Experience
Visitors to Trunyan Village can enjoy a unique cultural experience that offers a rare glimpse into an ancient and seldom-seen burial practice.
This isolated village, nestled on the shores of Lake Batur, is home to a centuries-old tradition where the deceased aren’t buried, but rather left to decompose naturally on raised biers.
As guests explore the Trunyan Cemetery, they’ll witness this captivating ritual and learn about the local beliefs and customs that have sustained this tradition.
The tour also provides an opportunity to engage with the villagers, gaining insight into their way of life and the significance of this sacred burial ground within their community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Permitted at the Trunyan Cemetery?
Photography is generally permitted at the Trunyan Cemetery, but visitors should be respectful and avoid capturing disrespectful or intrusive images. Checking with the tour guide about any local customs or restrictions is recommended before taking photographs.
What Kind of Attire Is Recommended for the Tour?
The tour operator recommends comfortable, modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Closed-toe walking shoes are advised for the uneven terrain. Visitors should avoid wearing tank tops, shorts, or revealing attire out of respect for the cultural site.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has no age restrictions, but it may not be suitable for young children. The operator recommends the tour for ages 12 and up, as the subject matter could be disturbing for younger participants.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
You can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes bottled water, lunch, and coffee/tea, but you’re welcome to supplement with your own provisions if desired. The tour operator encourages bringing whatever you need for the day’s activities.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, there is typically an option to extend the tour duration. Customers can speak with the tour operator to customize the itinerary and increase the time spent on the tour, subject to availability and additional fees.
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Recap
The Trunyan Village tour offers a remarkable opportunity to take in Bali’s rich cultural heritage.
Visitors can explore the unique Trunyan Cemetery, witness ancient rituals, and customize their journey to include other natural and cultural attractions.
This private tour provides a comfortable and convenient way to discover the isolated community’s captivating traditions, making it a truly unforgettable experience for those seeking a profound exploration of Bali’s unique traditions.