Trunyan Cemetery
Indonesia
Trunyan Village is one of place where the Bali Aga tribes live. In the village, there is a unique tradition: people who died were not buried but placed under the Taru Menyan Tree. Although the bodies were left in an open space, it didn’t emit a foul odor. It’s thanks to the existence of the Taru Menyan Tree, which is able to eliminate unpleasant odors.
Contents
9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome, curious traveler, to a place where the boundaries between life, death, and nature blur into a profound philosophical tapestry. We stand on the shores of Lake Bah-toor, preparing to embark on a journey to Troon-yahn…
Listen in the app2The Arrival Dock and Village Outskirts
Stepping off the wooden boat onto the quiet, weathered dock, you immediately sense the profound isolation of Troon-yahn village. The sound of the outboard motor fades, replaced by the gentle lapping of Lake Bah-toor against the…
Listen in the app3The Main Temple and Youth Traditions
As we proceed deeper into the settlement, we arrive at the central spiritual hub of the community, the main village temple. Take a moment to admire the elaborate stone gates that stand open before us. …
Listen in the app4The Upper Terraces and Caldera Views
Let us challenge our legs momentarily and climb the steep, uneven stone steps that lead up the hillside behind the main temple complex. It is a demanding ascent, one that quickly reminds you of the sheer physical effort required…
Listen in the app5The Second Boat Ride and Categorization of the Dead
We have returned to the water's edge and boarded a smaller wooden craft to make the short, final transit to the burial grounds. As the boat glides silently along the shoreline, moving away from the sounds of the village, the…
Listen in the app6The Eleven Bamboo Cages
You have stepped off the boat and walked a few short paces into the shaded clearing. Before you stand eleven triangular cages woven from bamboo and palm leaves, arranged neatly in a row against the base of a massive tree. …
Listen in the app7The Sacred Taru Menyan Tree
As you stand amidst the bamboo cages and the resting bodies, you will likely realize something truly astonishing. Despite the presence of decaying human remains exposed to the open air, there is no foul odor of death. …
Listen in the app8The Terrace of Skulls and Final Dispersal
Move away from the central cages and walk towards the terraced stone wall that lines the perimeter of the clearing. Here, the final stage of the Troon-yahn burial ritual is displayed with startling clarity. …
Listen in the app9Closing
As we walk back to the water's edge to board our boat, the heavy silence of the cemetery gives way once again to the gentle splashing of the lake against the rocks. You have just witnessed one of the most remarkable and…
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What is Trunyan Cemetery?
Trunyan Cemetery is a place in Indonesia with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Indonesia |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 9 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | -8.2444, 115.4266 |
| Last updated |
