About this tour
This six to eight-hour private tour explores how Balinese communities honour death through ritual and spiritual practice. You'll start at Kehen Temple in Bangli, one of Bali's largest, then travel to the isolated village of Trunyan to witness their distinctive approach to funerary practices. The journey includes views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur, and concludes at Bayung Gede Village where you'll learn how locals traditionally preserve placentas in trees as part of their spiritual beliefs.
Highlights
- Kehen Temple: Bangli's grandest shrine dedicated to divine fire
- Trunyan Village's unconventional cemetery and death rituals
- Mount Batur and lake vistas from elevated village perspectives
- Bayung Gede's placenta-hanging custom and spiritual significance
- Air-conditioned transport with knowledgeable local guide
- Temple sarong provided; boat crossing included
What to expect
Expect a contemplative day exploring death customs that may differ significantly from Western practices. At Kehen Temple, you'll walk through ornate courtyards whilst learning its religious importance. The boat ride to Trunyan Village is serene; the village itself is deliberately secluded, and its cemetery reveals how bodies decompose naturally beneath the earth without coffins—a practice tied to local belief systems. You'll observe the landscape and learn the reasoning behind these traditions from your guide. Bayung Gede offers insight into how birth itself is spiritually commemorated. This isn't a macabre experience but rather an educational look at how another culture integrates mortality into daily spiritual life.
Good to know
Wear respectful clothing; sarongs are provided for temples but long trousers and covered shoulders are appreciated elsewhere. Bring sun protection and sturdy shoes for village paths. The tour suits all fitness levels but involves walking and boat travel. Lunch isn't included—plan accordingly. Infants must sit on laps; pregnancy not recommended due to boat travel and walking.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.