Trunyan Cemetery, Cemetery at Lake Batur, Indonesia
Trunyan Cemetery is a burial ground on the shores of Lake Batur, surrounded by steep cliffs and pine forests. Bodies are placed in bamboo cages at ground level beside a massive banyan tree that dominates the landscape.
Inscriptions from the 10th century document the building of a temple for Bhatara Da Tonta in this region. The burial ground evolved from older traditions of the Bali Aga people, practiced long before Hindu influences arrived on the island.
The Bali Aga community here maintains a burial practice older than Hinduism on Bali, with bodies placed under bamboo structures beside a large banyan tree. This tradition shapes how the place looks and functions today.
The cemetery is accessible only by boat departing from Kedisan dock on Lake Batur. The boat ride takes around 30 minutes across the water to reach this remote location.
The large banyan tree at the cemetery has a remarkable natural property: its roots and microclimate neutralize decomposition odors, allowing bodies to decay without unpleasant smells. This phenomenon makes the place unique among similar burial sites in the region.
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