Bunut Bolong

A Mountain Road and a Tree With a Hole

High in Manggissari above the west Bali coast, the road suddenly narrows, the air cools, and the asphalt slips right through the trunk of a centuries‑old banyan. This is Bunut Bolong – literally “banyan with a hole” – a sacred ficus whose roots and branches frame a working public road 24h/24, 7j/7.

Cars, scooters, even trucks still pass straight through its living arch, while a pair of shrines sit at its base, reminding visitors that this is holy ground as much as a photo stop.

Sacred Atmosphere, Everyday Traffic

Locals regard Bunut Bolong as a spiritual place, not an amusement park. You’ll see offerings placed by the shrines and may hear people mention the local belief that married couples (or honeymooners) should not cross under the tree together, for fear of bad luck in their relationship.

Despite that mystique, this remains a functional village road. Several visitors mention watching regular traffic – including at least one truck – drive calmly through the trunk while people snap selfies on the side.

Getting There: Beautiful but Remote

Reaching Bunut Bolong means committing to the backroads of West Bali. Reviews describe 2+ hours from Ubud and long rides from Medewi or Seririt, with winding but scenic mountain roads and very little traffic.

Some travellers call the journey “crazy” on a scooter, with dog fights and stray dogs along the way, while others describe a peaceful drive through jungle and villages with a “nice valley view” and glimpses out to the sea. Heavy rain can hit in the late afternoon, so a raincoat is wise.

Fees, Donations and Simple Facilities

There is no formal ticket office and no official website. Access as a through‑road is free. Visitors stopping to take photos commonly mention small fees or donations: around 2 000 IDR for parking or a selfie stop, or 5–10k–20k IDR as a contribution to local caretakers and upkeep.

Facilities are basic. A few warungs sit nearby, where one reviewer happily recommends a stop “next door” for snacks or a drink, but there’s no built‑up tourist center around the tree.

When to Visit and How Long to Stay

The site is always open, but most people suggest coming in daylight between roughly 8h00 and 17h00, when the mountain mist, valley views and jungle backdrop feel freshest. One visitor loved arriving early in the morning for quiet, cool air and “magical” light; another chose nighttime to avoid traffic and still found it atmospheric.

Time on site is short: many stay 15–30 minutes for photos, a quick walk around the shrines and a rest before continuing towards Medewi, Pemuteran or Lovina.

Is It Worth the Trip?

Online ratings hover around 4.7/5, and several travellers call it “the best tree in Bali” with a serene, almost storybook presence, though others say it’s “nothing spectacular” if you detour only for the tree.

If you’re already crossing West Bali or enjoy slow drives through mountain villages, Bunut Bolong makes a memorable, low‑cost stop that blends daily village life with a quietly powerful sacred landmark.