Bunut Bolong, Jembrana: The Road That Tunnels Through a Giant Tree

On the mountain road of West Bali, in Manggissari Village, Pekutatan District, Jembrana Regency, there is a sight that makes drivers instinctively slow down: a giant bunut tree with a gaping hole at its base, and a paved highway passing directly underneath. Locals call it Bunut Bolong — bunut is a banyan relative in Balinese, bolong means holed. The opening is wide enough for a car, like a natural gateway into the forest.

The Tree, the Temple, and the Unwritten Rules

Right beside the road stands Pura Bujangga Sakti, which makes the whole area sacred to residents. The trunk is often wrapped in white and yellow cloth, a sign that this is more than a photo backdrop.

• Dress and behave respectfully, especially when a ceremony is underway.
• There is a local taboo: wedding and funeral processions do not pass through the hole, they take a detour instead.
• Do not climb the roots or attach anything to the trunk.

Route and Road Conditions

• From Denpasar it is roughly 85–90 km, about 2–2.5 hours via the Denpasar–Gilimanuk road.
• Turn north at Pekutatan, then climb about 10–12 km toward Manggissari–Asah Duren.
• From the town of Negara it is around 45–50 km to the east.
• The asphalt is generally smooth but narrow, with many sharp bends and climbs; avoid night driving and heavy rain.
• There is no public transport — use a rented motorbike or car, or combine it with the Pupuan–Munduk route.

What to Enjoy Nearby

The air here is cool thanks to the hillside setting. All around are clove, coffee, and the durian gardens Asah Duren is known for; during harvest the scent of cloves drying by the roadside is unmistakable. From beside the tree, forest and valley panoramas open up widely.

• Photograph the tree from its southern side while the morning light is still soft.
• Stop by Juwuk Manis Waterfall, only a short drive away.
• Continue down to Medewi Beach to watch the long waves surfers come for.

Practical Info & Booking

• Location: View on Google Maps — Manggissari Village, Pekutatan, Jembrana.
• Access & parking: private or rented vehicle; park on the roadside or the yard near the temple, roughly Rp2,000–5,000 when an attendant is present.
• Tickets: no official ticket, a voluntary donation in the temple box is enough.
• Hours: open all day; most comfortable from morning to midday when the road is dry.
• Bring: a light jacket, small cash notes, and a sarong if you wish to enter the temple grounds.
• Social media: search on Instagram

String Bunut Bolong together with Medewi or Pupuan into one relaxed West Bali loop, then compare prices and book your stay voucher at AccessiaPass so room costs do not eat into your travel budget.