Bayan Ancient Tree

A living giant in Tabanan

In the quiet village of Tua, behind Pura Babakan in Marga, a single tree pulls people off Bali’s main roads and into the countryside. Known locally as Kayu Putih or Bayan Ancient Tree, it rises to around 70m, with a trunk about 6m wide and roots that sprawl like a natural sculpture.

Visitors from Google and Instagram describe the place as peaceful, almost “magical”, especially when you’re standing right under the huge, pale trunk and twisting roots.

Getting there and practical details

The location matches the plus code H5VP+9QF, Tua, Marga, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191. Reviews mention an easy approach via main roads and a small parking area with a minor fee, often around 2k, though some visitors felt the parking collection wasn’t always clearly official.

Entrance works on donation: there’s no fixed ticket price, just a voluntary contribution written in a visitors’ book. Several people mention giving around 30,000 IDR, and note that staff are friendly and not pushy. Opening hours are generally given as 06h00–18h00, but one reviewer found it “open 24/7”, so expect some flexibility tied to daylight and local practice.

First impressions among the roots

Most recent visitors call the tree “absolutely breathtaking” and “mind blowing” in size, with estimates in reviews ranging from 700 to 850 years old. Many say photos don’t capture its scale and that it’s “much bigger than it looks in the photos”, with people struggling to fit it all in one frame.

You can walk around the base, climb carefully over the huge roots for a photo, and even find shelter under parts of the canopy when it rains. Several reviewers talk about simply standing in silence to “soak in the energy” and enjoying 15–50 minutes there.

When to go: calm mornings or lit-up nights

Timing shapes the experience. Early mornings on weekdays around 9:00 brought almost no crowd for some visitors, while others came at 14:00 or 16:00 and still found it pleasantly quiet.

After sunset, floodlights switch on, and one review describes dozens of lamps and music “in the rhythm of the sacred space”, mentioning an installation by Suka rental running until 17.07.25. Daytime visits highlight the surrounding rice fields and village life; nights focus on atmosphere and illumination.

Surroundings, cafés and how long to stay

Most people spend 15–30 minutes here, though a few linger close to an hour taking photos and watching local life. One family noted Balinese children practising dance nearby.

There is at least one small café by the tree, with views over rice fields and the roots, plus a simple “warung”/“kios” culture in the wider village. Reviews say the area around the tree is clean and easy to walk, but amenities remain limited, so don’t expect a full tourist complex.

Respect, donations and local culture

Several visitors remind others to treat the tree as “a beautiful piece of history”, respecting its age and cultural role. Light rules apply: you sign your name, country and donation at the entrance booth, and are asked to keep the site clean.

Reports of occasional parking scammers and unclear parking fees suggest keeping small change handy, but also being willing to walk away if someone doesn’t seem official.

This is best for travellers already heading towards Jatiluwih, Leke Leke or Tabanan who value quiet, nature and photography over big attractions—and who are happy to pause, pay a small donation, and stand in front of something that has outlived empires.