Sepa Island, an Exotic Island Near Jakarta

Sepa Island is one of isolated island in Seribu Islands, Jakarta. Although the name of the island is not that popular than Tidung Island and Pramuka Island, but Sepa Island is worth to visit because there are many things you can do while relaxing after your routine in the capital. Sepa Island can be reached from Marina Ancol by taking speadboat from 19^th Pier for about 90 minutes. It is a bit longer but along the sailing you can feel the breeze from the sea with fresh aroma.

Diving and Snorkeling in Sepa Island

The presence of a resort in Sepa Island is so supportive and enable you to do many water activities. However, diving and snorkeling become the common activities in Sepa Island. Turquoise water with various fishes can be seen easily.

The slogan of ‘Paradise for diver in Jakarta’ for Sepa Island is suitable because if you are a real diver, you will amaze witnessing the formation of coral reef. The panorama of underwater will make you want to stay longer there.

Actually, Sepa Island is a resort island that offers the beauty of underwater life. As you step in, you will feel as it is an isolated island with clear water. White sands in the beach stretching so far and suitable for sunbathing. Sepa Island is only 7 hectares but the appearance is so modern.

Picture Catherinewisatakepulauanseribu.blogspot.com

Not only diving, snorkeling and sunbathing, even you can fish in Sepa Island. So if you have this hobby, you only need to sit on the pier and wait till you catch the fish. Actually, the resort itself becomes the favorite spot for fishing because while you enjoy the day, you can feel the breeze from the sea.

If those activities are not enough, yet, you can challenge yourself to do marine walk. This can be unforgettable moment because not only in Bali, in Sepa Island you can come closer and have fun with beautiful fishes.

You don't have to worry for sinking because although you don't wear diving equipment, you still able to walk on the base of sea by wearing kind of helm. This is so sensational and you will not regret to experience marine walk in Sepa Island. After satisfied doing this activity, you can continue visiting turtle conservation.

The natural beauty of Sepa Island becomes a dream island for those who have tight schedule every single day. You can leave from the capital and come to the one of exotic island in Seribu Islands. Whatever you want to do, you can do it here. Banana boat, knee board, playing billiard, jetski, canoing, and many more.

Pretty fun, isn’t it? If you plan to relax and explore Sepa Island, you can take package. The cost of each packages are so vary and it will be depend on where you will stay. However the range are around IDR1.350k – IDR200k. The good news is if you take package of Sepa Island, the operator will pick you up from Jakarta and take you back.

There, you will have chance to catch the sunrise and sunset around the pier. Very nice.

Trunyan Village, Witnessing the Dead Bodies on the Ground

Trunyan Village is one of traditional village in Bali and belong to Bali Age category or Old Bali. The village has different tradition than other daily life in Bali. Resident in Trunyan Village dont undergo Ngaben (burning the dead body) as common funeral in Bali. After cleaning ritual, the dead body will be put under Taru Menyan tree, only covered by pieces of bamboo. Taru Menyan tree itself is an aromatic tree and people believe that the tree spreads fragrant to absorb the smell of dead body. Amazing!

Location and transportation to Trunyan Village

Trunyan Village is located at Kintamani sub-district, Bangli Regency, Bali, precisely at the east of Batur Lake and close to Mount Batur. The village can be reached easily by boat through Trunyan Village which is take around 15 minutes. 

You must have braveness to bargain the cost of the boat, or the owner of the boat will take higher prices. Usually they will charge around IDR350k per couple. If they insist you, you can wait other passenger so that you can go to Trunyan Village together. It will be cheaper for all.

Picture Anythingbali.com

Times to explore Trunyan Village

At the end, you will be arrive at Trunyan Village. To reach the area of grave, you still have to continue the journey by taking a boat. It will take around 15 minutes while you enjoy the calmness of Batur Lake. As you arrive at the grave’s complex, you will see there is a place with concave shape. Entering to inside the grave, you will be welcomed by 2 temples with the stretch of skulls and a place to put coin for travelers.

If you walk further, you can see a big tree named as Taru Menyan which is mean as a fragrant tree. They say, the tree becomes the reason why the dead bodies here don't have odor because it can neutralize the stench odor. 

Next, you can see the stretch of whole skeleton. Be careful when you walk and look down, or you will step  the part of body’s skeleton. If you are lucky, you will see a new dead body laying on the ground. You may curious is there any possibility for animal to destroy the dead body? Well actually people in Trunyan Village protect the grave from wild animal by giving a protector made from bamboo (called as ancak saji) around the dead body. 

The fact is only married person with normal condition who is allowed to be buried there. Plus, a baby which have had broken milk teeth. People who died because of accident, they will be buried at different place, called as Seme Cerik. They say, one who did something bad during the life, the dead body will take longer time to be decomposed. But, the procession of decomposition of good people will be faster.

Probably, the popularity of Trunyan Village is because the dead body in the grave has no odor although there are countless skeletons. The secret is the presence of  Taru Menyan Tree. That is why people from all around the world curious to know and want to witness them self.

Ritual of funeral

The ritual of funeral has to be done on a good day. Starting from making ancak saji, preparation of offering and clothes for the dead body, till the process of funeral. To lay a new dead body, the oldest skeleton inside the ancak saji will be taken and will be put together with other skeleton at the left of ancak saji. 

After the cleaning process done, the new dead body will be laid without clothes, just covered by a dress . Then, people protect it back with ancak saji. All of the ritual has to be done in a day. Woman who is originally from Trunyan Village is not allowed to come around the grave because people believe that the village will get disaster. But, non villager from Trunyan is allowed to see the uniqueness of grave.

Interesting, isn’t it? If you curious to know more about Trunyan Village, you can start your journey to Bali. Just book hotel in Bali to explore more tourist destinations in Bali. Happy traveling.