Trunyan Cemetery turns a common sight (a cemetery) into something unforgettable. This tour strings together animist culture and classic Bali scenery, starting with a boat ride across Lake Batur and ending at the Tibumana Waterfall.

I especially like that the plan is built around active stops, not just long scenery drives. Second, I like that you get a private-tour feel with pickup included, so the day runs like it was designed for your group.

One possible drawback: you’re looking at a long day (about 10 hours), and at least two stops involve time outdoors and some walking around uneven ground.

Key things to know

• Trunyan’s ritual is specific: bodies are placed under the Taru Menyan Tree instead of being buried.
• Lake Batur is part of the story: the day includes a boat ride to reach Trunyan.
• Everything important is included: the tour lists a boat ride and all entry fees, with admission tickets for each stop.
• You get two “reset” breaks: Batur Natural Hot Spring for a soak and Tibumana Waterfall for a cool-down view.
• Your guide matters: one guide named Mur is singled out for fluent English, clear culture explanations, and safety-first care.

How this route delivers culture and nature in one long sweep

This is the kind of Bali day trip that makes sense if you want variety without spending your whole trip on logistics. You’ll hit four very different experiences—Trunyan Cemetery, a natural hot spring, Penglipuran Village, and Tibumana Waterfall—so your day stays interesting from start to finish.

It also feels balanced because the stops “change gears.” Trunyan gives you a heavy cultural moment. Then the hot springs shift you toward comfort. After that, Penglipuran gives you a calmer, village-style pause, and Tibumana brings the day home with a scenic payoff.

The tour also leans practical. You start at 8:00 am, and it runs about 10 hours. That timing is helpful because you see places before the later-day crush, and you still have time for the hot spring and waterfall without rushing.

Price and what $87 buys you in real terms

At $87 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option—but it can be good value when you compare what’s included. The tour description explicitly says it includes the boat ride and all entry fees, and the itinerary shows admission tickets for each main stop.

That matters because Bali costs add up fast once you’re paying for transport, entry fees, and activities one by one. When a single ticket covers those pieces, you can focus on the day rather than tallying costs every time you arrive somewhere new.

You also get pickup offered (from main tourist areas) and a private setup where only your group participates. Even if you’re traveling with just a few people, that private dynamic usually means fewer delays and less time waiting around than in mixed tours.

One more note: this is commonly booked about 30 days in advance on average. If your travel dates are firm, booking earlier can help you lock in your preferred day and avoid last-minute scheduling stress.

Your day at a glance: how the 8:00 am start shapes everything

The tour starts at 8:00 am. That’s not random. An early start helps you do Lake Batur and Trunyan while conditions are calmer, and it gives you enough daylight time for Tibumana Waterfall later in the day.

Since the day runs about 10 hours, you should plan for a “real day trip,” not a quick hop. Expect you’ll move between stops by car, and that you’ll want comfortable footwear. If your group hates long days, this may be too much. If you like packed itineraries with meaningful stops, it’s a solid match.

Also, the tour includes a mobile ticket. That’s a small thing, but it reduces friction—no hunting for paper tickets at multiple locations.

Stop 1: Trunyan Cemetery and the Taru Menyan Tree ritual

Trunyan Village is home to Bali Aga tribes, and the cemetery practice there is the part most people come to see. Instead of burying the dead, the bodies are placed under the Taru Menyan Tree. The tradition is tied to animist belief and death rituals that are still followed.

This is the tour’s emotional weight. If you’re expecting a “pretty cemetery photo stop,” this is not that. It’s a cultural encounter, and you’ll get more from it if you treat it with respect and patience.

What to expect

You’ll spend about 30 minutes here, with an admission ticket included. That short window is useful, because it keeps the day moving and prevents this stop from dragging on too long. But it also means you’ll want to listen carefully to the guide’s context rather than trying to absorb everything through looking alone.

The payoff

The payoff is understanding how a community handles death and memory in a way that’s completely different from what many visitors are used to. If you’re into anthropology-lite—learning how everyday beliefs shape real customs—this stop does that well.

A practical consideration

If you’re sensitive to death-related topics, know this is not a neutral visit. You’ll want to mentally prepare for a ritual setting, not just a site.

Stop 2: Batur Natural Hot Spring for mineral-soak time

After Trunyan, the day shifts into something gentler: Batur Natural Hot Spring. The core idea here is simple—soaking in natural hot water, which many people believe helps the skin thanks to high mineral content.

You’ll spend about 1 hour here, and entry is included. This stop works like a reset button. After a heavy culture moment, your body gets a break and your group gets a chance to slow down.

What to expect

You’ll be surrounded by nature while you soak. The setting is part of the appeal because you’re not just buying “heat”—you’re getting a calm environment to match the temperature.

Why this stop is valuable

Hot springs are one of those Bali experiences that feel classic for a reason. It’s not just the water. It’s the pause. A full day has a lot of motion; this is where you regain energy for the rest of the itinerary.

A consideration

Bring a practical mindset: treat this like a soak, not a swimsuit day out. Water time can affect your comfort if you’re not ready for damp conditions after.

Stop 3: Penglipuran Village and the appeal of traditional village life

Next up is Penglipuran Village, located in Bangli Regency. It’s known as a tourist destination because of its traditional community and the way locals live.

You’ll spend about 1 hour here, again with admission included. This stop is a nice counterweight to the other two “wow” moments: it’s quieter and more about seeing everyday life rather than watching dramatic rituals or nature spectacle.

What to expect

Expect a structured village visit where you can observe how tradition shapes daily routines. The information you’re given matters here, because the village is easy to walk through quickly without understanding what you’re looking at.

The payoff

Penglipuran gives you a view of Bali that feels less themed and more lived-in. If you like cultural stops that aren’t only about one famous building or one single attraction, this is a good match.

A consideration

Because it’s one hour, you won’t get time for long wandering. You’ll want your guide to point out what’s worth your attention so your visit stays meaningful.

Stop 4: Tibumana Waterfall and what 5 meters feels like up close

The last stop is Tibumana Waterfall, near Ubud. It’s located in the village of Apuan in Bangli, and the height is about 5 meters. There can also be a second stream during the rainy season, which can change how the waterfall looks and sounds.

You’ll spend about 1 hour here with admission included.

What to expect

This is a straightforward nature payoff. You’ll have time to see the waterfall area, take photos, and enjoy the view without the stop feeling too rushed.

Why it’s a great finale

Finishing with a waterfall makes the whole day feel complete. You get culture (Trunyan), comfort (hot spring), village life (Penglipuran), and then a clear visual “end point” with water and air.

A practical consideration

Weather matters. Since a second stream can show up in rainy season, your experience can vary depending on when you go. Plan for changing conditions and bring clothing or footwear that can handle wet areas.

Guide quality: why Mur’s approach can make or break the day

One of the strongest signals from the feedback you have here is about the guide experience. A guide named Mur is specifically praised for speaking English fluently, explaining what’s going on at each stop, and putting safety first.

That combination matters more than people think. With places like Trunyan, where the cultural context is essential, a guide who can explain clearly helps you understand what you’re seeing. With hot springs and waterfall areas, safety focus helps keep the day smooth and reduces stress when paths get slippery or busy.

So if you value good storytelling and steady guidance, this tour is more than just transport between sites.

Logistics that help: private-group flow, pickup, and time management

A private tour setup (only your group participates) can feel like a small detail until you’re on the day itself. Less waiting, fewer forced “tour timing games,” and a better chance the guide can adjust to your pace.

Pickup is offered from one of the main tourist areas of Bali. That’s helpful because it reduces the mental load of figuring out transport for multiple stops. You’re also told you’ll receive confirmation at booking, and the tour uses a mobile ticket, which makes arrival-day smoother.

Group discounts

The tour mentions group discounts, which can make a difference if you’re traveling with friends or family. If you’re a small group, it’s worth checking whether the pricing makes your per-person cost drop.

Duration reality check

About 10 hours means you should plan for a long sit-in-car time mixed with outdoor stops. If you hate tight schedules, this might feel like too much. If you prefer a full itinerary with real variety, this day fits that style.

Who should book this tour

This is a strong fit if you want:

• Culture plus nature in one day (not only temples, not only beaches)
• A mix of experiences: a ritual site, a soak, a village, and a waterfall
• A guided experience where explanations are part of the value
• A private-group feel with pickup included

It might be less ideal if:

• You want a slow, minimal-day itinerary
• You strongly dislike death-related or ritual sites
• You don’t handle long days well

Should you book this Trunyan, Hot Spring, Penglipuran, and Tibumana Waterfall tour?

I’d book it if you like variety and you want your Bali day to feel purposeful, not random. The best reason is the structure: it includes a boat ride and all entry fees, it covers multiple “type” experiences, and it’s guided with strong communication skills highlighted by the guide Mur.

If you’re deciding between doing just one or two Ubud-area sights and calling it a day, this is a better value play for most people who can handle 10 hours. You’ll see a lot, but the stops aren’t just filler—they connect through a theme of Bali life, belief, and nature.

If your group is sensitive to death rituals, or you want only light and scenic activities, then choose a softer day. But if you’re ready for the real cultural contrast and a proper nature finish, this tour is a very solid bet.

FAQ

Where does this tour take place?

It’s listed as an experience in Ubud, Indonesia.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $87.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 10 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

Is pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered from hotels in one of the main tourist areas of Bali.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s described as a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

What does the tour include?

The overview says it includes a boat ride and all entry fees. The itinerary also shows admission tickets included for the stops.

Which stops are included?

The tour includes Trunyan Cemetery, Batur Natural Hot Spring, Penglipuran Village, and Tibumana Waterfall.

Do I need a physical ticket?

No. The tour uses a mobile ticket.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time.

How far in advance is it usually booked?

On average, it’s booked about 30 days in advance.