Hidden along a quiet road in West Bali, Bunut Bolong is one of those rare natural landmarks that stops travelers in their tracks. The name comes from two Balinese words: bunut, referring to a type of fig tree, and bolong, meaning hole. Together, they describe a giant ancient tree whose hollow trunk is wide enough for cars and motorbikes to drive through, forming a living tunnel right in the middle of the road.
Far more than just a photo spot, Bunut Bolong holds deep spiritual significance for the local community in Jembrana. It is believed to be a sacred passage between the human world and the spirit realm, and the surrounding area is treated with great reverence. For visitors, it offers a rare chance to witness Bali’s living spiritual traditions up close, surrounded by lush tropical greenery and the serene atmosphere of the Balinese countryside.
Quick Info: Bunut Bolong at a Glance
| Location | Manggissari Village, Pekutatan District, Jembrana Regency, Bali |
| Distance | ~86 km from Denpasar | ~49 km from Negara | ~9 km north of Pekutatan Market |
| Entrance Fee | Free (IDR 5,000 for photos during religious ceremonies/holidays) |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon |
| Nearby Attractions | Rambut Siwi Temple, Medewi Beach, West Bali National Park |
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Where Is Bunut Bolong Located?
Tucked into the hills of West Bali, Bunut Bolong sits in Manggissari Village, Pekutatan District, Jembrana Regency. It is roughly 86 km from central Denpasar and about 49 km from the town of Negara, placing it approximately 9 km north of Pekutatan Market along the road toward Buleleng.
The location itself adds to the experience. As you approach, the landscape shifts from coastal lowlands to cooler highland terrain, with clove plantations and fruit orchards lining the roadside. From the site, you can take in sweeping views of the ocean to the south and the volcanic mountains to the north, making the journey just as scenic as the destination.
The area around Bunut Bolong is also close to Rambut Siwi Temple, one of the most important sea temples in Bali, and West Bali National Park, a protected nature reserve home to rare wildlife including the Bali Starling. Combining these sites makes for a full and rewarding day trip to Jembrana.
How to Get to Bunut Bolong
The most comfortable way to reach Bunut Bolong is by private vehicle. The site lies along the main road connecting Jembrana and Buleleng, so it is accessible by car or motorbike. There is no dedicated public transport that runs directly to the site, which makes having your own ride or arranging a driver essential.
If you are traveling from Seminyak, Kuta, or Ubud, the drive typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic. For travelers who prefer a hassle-free journey, hiring a Bali car rental with driver is a great option. A local driver familiar with the route can take you there and also suggest nearby attractions worth visiting along the way, such as Medewi Beach or Rambut Siwi Temple.
What to Expect When You Visit
Arriving at Bunut Bolong feels unlike most other tourist stops in Bali. The tree itself is enormous, with a trunk so wide and hollowed out that it forms a natural arch over the actual road. Watching motorbikes and even cars slowly drive through the gap in the tree is a genuinely surreal experience, and the ancient, moss-covered bark adds to the sense of age and mystery.
The surrounding area is shaded by dense tropical forest, keeping the temperature pleasantly cool even in the middle of the day. A small ancient temple sits nearby, adding to the spiritual atmosphere. Local worshippers occasionally visit to leave offerings, and you may witness small ceremonies if your timing is right. The air is quiet, the setting is green, and the whole place feels a world away from Bali’s busier tourist corridors.
For those interested in exploring more of Bali’s spiritual side, pairing this visit with a guided temples tour is a wonderful way to deepen the experience across different sacred sites on the island.
The Myth and Sacred Taboos of Bunut Bolong
The spiritual power attributed to Bunut Bolong is rooted in a story passed down through generations. In 1928, the surrounding village was struck by a devastating epidemic. The village elders gathered beneath the great tree to meditate and seek divine guidance. Following what they received, the entire village was relocated from the north side of the tree to the south side. Shortly after, the disease subsided, and from that moment on, the tree has been venerated as a protector with extraordinary spiritual power.
That belief comes with a set of taboos the local community takes seriously. Bridal couples are forbidden from passing through the tree tunnel, as it is believed doing so will cause their marriage to fall apart. Vehicles carrying a deceased person or sacred ceremonial processions are also required to take alternative routes rather than pass beneath the tree.
These taboos may sound unusual to outside visitors, but they reflect something deeply embedded in Balinese spiritual culture: the idea that certain spaces carry a living energy that must be respected. Understanding this context makes a visit to Bunut Bolong far more meaningful than simply passing through a hollow tree.
Tips for Visiting Bunut Bolong
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft, the air is cool, and the atmosphere is at its most peaceful.
- Keep noise levels low and dress modestly, especially if a ceremony is taking place nearby. This is a genuinely sacred site, not just a scenic backdrop.
- Do not litter. The area around the tree is considered holy, and keeping it clean is a basic form of respect.
- A voluntary donation is welcome on regular days. During religious ceremonies or public holidays, a small fee of around IDR 5,000 is charged for taking photos.
- If you plan to explore beyond the tree, bring some cash and water. Facilities in the immediate area are minimal.
Plan Your West Bali Trip with Bali Touristic
Bunut Bolong is just one of many extraordinary places waiting to be discovered in the quieter corners of Bali. If you are planning a day trip to Jembrana or want to explore West Bali at your own pace, having a knowledgeable local driver makes the journey far smoother and more rewarding.
Bali Touristic offers flexible Bali tour packages tailored to your interests, whether you are drawn to spiritual landmarks, natural scenery, or off-the-beaten-path adventures. Get in touch with us to start planning a trip that goes beyond the usual tourist trail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bunut Bolong
Where is Bunut Bolong located?
It is located in Manggissari Village, Pekutatan District, Jembrana Regency, Bali. The site is roughly 86 km from Denpasar and about 9 km north of Pekutatan Market, along the main road connecting West Bali to Buleleng in the north.
Why is Bunut Bolong considered sacred?
Local belief holds that the tree serves as a boundary between the human world and the spiritual realm. The site gained its sacred reputation following a legend from 1928, when the village elders prayed beneath the tree during a deadly epidemic. After relocating the village to the south side of the tree, the disease subsided. Since then, the tree has been treated as a protector and spiritual guardian.
What are the taboos at Bunut Bolong?
There are two main taboos observed at Bunut Bolong. Bridal couples are not permitted to drive through the tunnel, as it is believed to bring misfortune to the marriage. Vehicles transporting a deceased person or those involved in sacred ceremonial processions are also prohibited from passing through and must use an alternative route.
What else can I visit near Bunut Bolong?
The surrounding area of Jembrana has several worthwhile stops nearby. Rambut Siwi Temple is a short drive away and offers stunning clifftop views over the Indian Ocean. Medewi Beach is popular with surfers and provides a relaxed coastal atmosphere. West Bali National Park is also within reach and is one of the best places in Bali to spot rare wildlife in a natural setting.
How do I get to Bunut Bolong from Denpasar?
The drive from Denpasar takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, heading west along the coastal road toward Jembrana. There is no direct public transport to the site, so the easiest way is to drive yourself or arrange a private driver in Bali who can take you there as part of a larger West Bali itinerary.
