For nature lovers, Bali is a true paradise with lush jungles, endless rice fields, and abundant tropical fauna.
But some flowers and trees in Bali are truly special for locals. For example, magnificent Banyan trees you have probably seen towering above villages and temples across the island.
On of such trees, located closer to the North Bali, is a lesser known among tourist destination. Yes, we are talking about a quirky tree tunnel Bunut Bolong tree formed.
Here are all the things you need to know if you decide to add Bunut bolong to your Bali trip.
What Is Bunut Bolong?
Bunut Bolong is the name of a centuries-old 20-meter tall banyan tree that grew to form a 4-meter wide road tunnel in its trunk on one of the village roads in West Bali.
Bolong means “hole” in Indonesian, and Bunut is a term related to Banyan tree families, so the tree is literally called a banyan tree with a hole.
This ancient tree has a sacred status and a dedicated temple in front of it – Pura Bhujangga Sakti Bunut Bolong.
Also, on both sides of the tree you will see little shrines with umbrellas Tedung that have protective powers and guardian tigers.
The Banyan tree is a very unique type of fig trees that have many roots that grow outwards forever. It may seem like these trees are walking, hanging, overlapping the roads, etc, thanks to their special roots and branches’ intricate layouts.
The whole attraction is the stunning tree itself and an opportunity to pass through its trunk. A beautiful example of how Balinese people live in harmony with nature.
Where Is Bunut Bolong Sacred Tree?
Bunut Bolong Tree is located on the West coast of Bali, 20 minutes from the main road connecting Gilimanuk port in the northwest with the rest of Bali.
It stands tall in the Manggisari village in the Jembrana Regency, right on one of the village roads.
Around the Pekutatan district, you will see a traditional market, and after that, you will turn right inland. Going up the village road the tree will be on the left side right when you see the big red letters Bunut bolong.
A fun fact – the pass through the tree actually marks the division between Jembrana and Buleleng regencies so it is like a natural frontier!
The drive to Bunut bolong will take around 2-2.5 hours from Canggu, and around 3 hours from Denpasar.
Address: JV7C+7F, Desa Manggisari, Manggissari, Kec. Pekutatan, Kabupaten Jembrana, Bali 82262
Spiritual Meaning Of Banyan Trees
In Hindu religion, banyan tree leaves are very meaningful and important, as according to the literature, the god Krisha rested in such tree.
Plus, the roots and trunk of the tree have a symbolic representation of material and spiritual worlds.
A Banyan tree is an element of the national emblem of Indonesia and Balinese Hindus regularly bring offerings to sacred trees all over the island.
The Bunut bolong tree also serves local residents as a place for spiritual rituals and ceremonies as the residents can feel its aura. All sacred trees are always wrapped with a black-and-white checkered cloth as they are home to spirits.
Bunut Bolong And Bad Luck
However, it is also believed that passing through Bunut bolong can bring bad luck to couples on honeymoon, newlyweds, and those who are holding a wedding ceremony or funeral in the area.
The reason is very simple – local residents believe that newly married couples who walk through the hole can’t have kids, and those still dating – will not get married or will break up.
That is why there is a second road next to the tree that is “safe” to use for everyone.
Historically, neighbours also say that everyone who lived north of the Banyan tree was sick or died so they had to move all the house south.
Mystic History Of Bunut Bolong
The history of Bunut bolong has 2 parts: a legend and a man-made part.
Bunut Bolong Legends
One legends implies that the hole in the trunk first appeared because of the divine intervention with no specific details.
Another legend attributes the status and the story of the tree to the Dang Hyang Sidhi Mantra – an old sage and Balinese priest, who happened to pass through the village and meditate here.
Dang Hyang Sidhi Mantra supposedly met with a dragon Basuki on Mt Agung and visited the dragon living in the mountain with food and offerings for years to come.
Locals say that the current Bunut bolong temple is made out of the large stone that was initially used by Sidhimantra to meditate.
There are also a few myths that circulates among villagers, like the tree can grant a genuine wish or punish anyone who will try to cut it.
Man-Made Bunut Bolong
Finally, according to the memories of local residents, before the Dutch came the tree had only a small opening for Balinese people to walk through.
When the colonisation progressed inland, the Dutch needed the road to go to Buleleng, so they made locals carde out a bigger hole in the banyan tree, so the cars can pass too. The tree stands on the only road over the valley so there was no other way around it.
Unfortunately, many workers died during this process and that’s how the village decided to made the tree sacred, in memory of their neighbours.
Things To Know Before Visiting Bunut Bolong
- No wait time and no entrance fees to visit this sacred tree. However, if you’re taking pictures you may be asked for a small donation.
Bike taxis are unlikely to get you there, so it is better to take a car or hire a private driver. The roads in Jembrana Regency are very good.
If you’re going to see the Bunut bolong tree all the way from the south, you should consider adding more stops to your journey as the tree experience is rather quick. You can explore Jembrana regency, stop by stunning West coast beaches, or make a stop on your way to Lovina or Bali’s national park.
Don’t forget to take a picture with the tree but please be respectful. As the tree is sacred, no nudity is allowed.
The village is in highland area so if you will come early morning you may have amazing views of the fog passing through the tree and the rainforest.
Final Thoughts
Its unique characteristics made Bunut Bolong an popular tourist and spiritual destination among domestic and foreign tourists.
If you want to have a glimse at some Balinese attractions off-the beaten path, you should definitely drive through this ancient Banyan tree.
