Terunyan Cemetery Tour

If you’re heading to Bali and looking for a tour that offers more than just beaches and temples, the Terunyan Cemetery Tour is a fascinating choice. For $27.77 per person, this roughly three-hour adventure takes you to an unusual and culturally rich site on the eastern shore of Lake Batur. Led by guides who share insights into local traditions, you’ll travel by boat, explore a sacred burial site, and even relax in natural hot springs.

What we love about this experience is how it combines adventure and authenticity—the boat ride itself adds a sense of discovery, and the site’s unconventional burial practices reveal a different perspective on life and death in Bali. Also, the stunning views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur make the journey visually rewarding.

One possible consideration is that the site can be quite visceral, with decomposing remains and skulls, which might not be suitable for all travelers. It’s best suited to those curious about local traditions and open to a more raw, unfiltered look into Bali’s indigenous practices.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to venture beyond the usual temple visits, appreciate unique cultural experiences, and don’t mind a little visual intensity. If you’re interested in Bali’s lesser-known customs and scenic natural beauty, this trip could be a highlight.

Key Points

• Unique Burial Tradition: Experience an open-air, bamboo-caged cemetery under a sacred tree, different from Bali’s typical cremation culture.
• Scenic Boat Ride: The journey to the cemetery involves a boat crossing, adding a fun and adventurous element.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about the beliefs and customs of the Terunyan people directly from guides.
• Stunning Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of Lake Batur and Mount Batur during the tour.
• Hot Spring Relaxation: End with a soak in natural mineral-rich hot springs, though entrance is not included.
• Authentic Experience: Be prepared for sites with visible remains, which some travelers find profound and others find unsettling.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at Volcano Valley in Kintamani, a well-known spot offering views of Mount Batur, making it easy to combine with other activities or sightseeing in the area. Most bookings are made about a week in advance, which suggests good planning, especially during peak seasons. The tour includes hotel pickup if you opt for that, and the group sizes are capped at 25, promoting a more intimate experience.

The Boat Ride to the Cemetery

The first highlight is the boat ride across Lake Batur—a short but atmospheric crossing that sets the tone for the adventure. It’s a simple boat ticket included in the price, making this part straightforward. The boat journey not only transports you but also adds an element of exploration, as you’re moving toward a site accessible only by water.

Visiting Trunyan Cemetery

Once ashore, you step into the traditional burial ground of the Terunyan people, an indigenous subgroup with a very different approach to death. Instead of cremation, bodies are placed in bamboo cages and left under the Taru Menyan tree. This tree is believed to emit a natural fragrance that neutralizes odors, which is quite fascinating considering the site’s open-air nature.

Visitors can expect to see bones and skulls neatly arranged along the site, a practice that might seem stark but is deeply rooted in local customs. One reviewer noted that “there are usually several decomposing corpses at the site,” which may be uncomfortable for some, but it’s an honest reflection of the site’s reality.

Learning from Guides

Throughout the tour, guides provide insights into the beliefs and customs of the Terunyan community. Understanding that this tradition is part of their ancestral heritage helps put the site into perspective. The practice might seem unusual compared to Bali’s typical Hindu rituals, but it is a sacred tradition for the locals.

Visiting Batur Natural Hot Spring

After exploring the cemetery, the tour continues with a visit to the Batur Natural Hot Spring. While the entrance fee isn’t included, the hot springs are popular for soaking in minerally-rich volcanic water while enjoying breathtaking views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur. There are several pools with different temperatures, catering to all preferences.

A reviewer mentioned that “the pools are filled with naturally heated volcanic water, believed to have healing properties,” which adds a wellness element to the trip, though just keep in mind that this part isn’t included in the ticket price.

Final Thoughts and Who It’s For

This tour offers a rare glimpse into Bali’s indigenous customs, paired with scenic vistas and some light adventure. It’s well-suited for travelers interested in authentic cultural practices and those who are comfortable with visceral sights like skulls and remains. The combination of cultural insight, adventure, and natural beauty makes it a memorable experience.

However, the visceral nature of the cemetery makes it less ideal for travelers with sensitive stomachs or those uncomfortable with decomposing remains. It’s also worth noting that the hot spring visit requires an additional fee, which some might find a nice extra but adds to the overall cost.

The Terunyan Cemetery Tour delivers a distinctive, thought-provoking journey into a lesser-known aspect of Balinese culture—one that’s both visually striking and culturally meaningful.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

If you’re a traveler who enjoys off-the-beaten-path experiences, this trip will likely resonate. It’s a fantastic choice for those curious about local customs that differ from mainstream Bali, especially if you’re keen on seeing how different communities handle death and remembrance. The scenic views of Lake and Mount Batur also make it a visually rewarding option.

However, if you prefer your cultural experiences to be more polished or less intense, you might want to approach this with caution. It’s a tour that respects tradition but doesn’t shy away from the raw realities of life and death, making it an authentic, eye-opening experience for the right traveler.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the entrance fee to the cemetery included?
Yes, the entrance fee to the cemetery is included in the tour price.

Do I need to arrange for my own transportation?
No, hotel pickup is included if you choose that option, and the meeting point at Volcano Valley is easy to find.

Can I visit the hot springs during this tour?
Yes, the hot springs are part of the itinerary, but the entrance fee is not included in the ticket price.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including boat rides, visits, and optional hot spring time.

Is this tour suitable for children or sensitive travelers?
It depends on individual sensitivities; some visitors have described the site as visceral with decomposing remains and skulls, which may not suit everyone.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 25 travelers, promoting a more personal experience.

In summary, the Terunyan Cemetery Tour offers a compelling blend of cultural insight, scenic beauty, and a touch of adventure. It’s perfect for those eager to see an authentic, lesser-known side of Bali, especially if they’re comfortable with the site’s more visceral aspects. For curious travelers looking to expand their understanding of local traditions and enjoy breathtaking views, this could be a memorable addition to any Bali itinerary.