The village is famous for its distinctive funeral custom, in which the corpse is placed on the ground and protected only by a temporary fence of pointed bamboo sticks. In other places in Bali, the corpse is either buried or cremated. A boat to cross to Trunyan can be found in Kedisan village, on the banks of Batur Lake in Kintamani, Bangli regency.
After 15 minutes on the boat, passengers can already see Sema Nguda — a graveyard for infants and unmarried adults — on the cliff. Only a small cave covered by lush trees was visible. But there, in the steep ravine, several corpses of infants and unmarried adults had been placed. Around 100 meters away from Sema Nguda, is a gate made out of bricks that is starting to be covered by tree branches. Adjacent to it are small shops, a security and tour guide post, and a board that reads: “Welcome to Kuburan Desa Trunyan” (Welcome to the Trunyan Village Graveyard). This is Sema Wayah. The graveyard is famous because locals place the corpses under a Tarumenyan tree without burying them, but there is no odor. The residents believe that it is because of the tree fragrance.
Sema Wayah is the place for people who die naturally; not due to an accident or witchcraft. For unnatural deaths, the corpses are taken to Sema Brantas. Residents have their ways of deciding which graveyard is suitable. In all of these places, the skulls and bones are swept aside if a new corpse comes in. Hundreds of bones can be seen everywhere, along with the deceased’s favorite valuables. There are combs, mirrors, money, and many more items. As there are so many bones there, residents have placed some of the skulls and bones above the rocks to make it easy for tourists to take pictures.
