Jembrana, Bull Racing Center

The Sacred Banyan Tree

The materials used in Balinese religious offerings consist of fruit, flowers and leaves. Only certain types of leaves can be used for offerings. One of them is the leaf of the Banyan tree. The Banyan leaf is also the symbol of Shiva, the Trinity. It is very easy to find the tree throughout the island, in the forests, the valleys, mountainous areas, cemeteries and temple yards. In fact, the tree is considered to be sacred. It is wrapped in black and white checked (poleng) cloth and the Balinese often give offerings with fragrant incense. The tree creates shady environment and breeze. One cannot imagine Bali without the Banyan tree.

The unique Banyan tree (Ficus L.) is locally known as ‘Bunut Bolong’ which means the Banyan tree has a hole in its tree trunk. One gigantic tree grows on the asphalt road linking Medewi in Jembrana Regency and Lovina in Buleleng Regency. The tree is used as entrance gate for traffic such as trucks, cars and buses. The Balinese stop here for a while to pray and give flower offerings in the hope of being safe during their trip. Tourists love to have rest for a while to admire the view above the valley to the north–west of the banyan tree. While admiring the view, wild birds, butterflies and dragonflies are also interesting to watch. The other scenic wonder is the clove and cocoa plantation in the village of Bunut Bolong. For a soft drink and snack, tourists can visit the coffee stall in front of the sacred banyan tree.
The temple of Puja Angga Sakti is located up the hill on the southwest of the tree. The view of clove plantation, coconut plantation, and the blue ocean can be seen from the outer yard of the temple. The temple festival falls on Anggara Kasih Julungwangi, 15 days before Galungan holiday, the biggest holiday on the island. The place is located in the sub village of Bunut Bolong, in the village of Manggissari, Pekutatan, Jembrana in west Bali. If you would like to spend a night in the village, ask the locals. Tourists may stay at a Balinese house compound to experience the nature, culture and way of life of the host. Your next trip is the rubber, coconut, and cocoa plantation and also Pekutatan and Medewi beach, 9 kilometers south of Bunut Bolong. ( Lanus Sumatra)