There is a little known place in Tabanan that is set to be one of the next “must see” Instagram locations in Bali. Located in the quiet little village of Bayan, Kayu Putih Ancient Tree has to be seen to be believed. We visited only recently, and still cannot believe that it has flown so low under the radar for this long.
What is Kayu Putih Ancient Tree?
Kayu Putih Ancient Tree is a giant tree in Tabanan that towers over everything else around it. According to locals, it is over 700 years old and 50 meters tall. This would make it one of the most ancient trees in Bali, and certainly explains its enormous size.
One of the reasons that Kayu Putih Ancient Tree is not easy to find is probably because of confusion over its name. The tree is located in the sleepy little village of Bayan, and therefore the tree has also become known as Bayan Ancient Tree. The confusion comes when people understandably begin calling it “Banyan” Ancient Tree, as the Banyan Tree is a very common tree throughout Bali.
Kayu Putih Ancient Tree is not, however, a Banyan Tree. In fact it is a giant Kapok Tree, and the name “Kayu Putih” means “White wood” in Indonesian.
Where is Kayu Putih?
Kayu Putih Ancient Tree is in Tabanan, and is only about an hours drive or ride from Denpasar. We found it relatively easily, as we go to Munduk regularly, and had no idea that we had been riding straight past the turnoff every time.
Coming from the south, head toward Mengwi, and then take the turnoff toward Singaraja. After the road splits and you come out of the northern end of the one way road, back into two way traffic lanes again, keep a look out for the Pertamina Gas Station on the left. Turn left here into Jalan Wisnu, and about 700 meters down turn right into Jalan Wisnu Marga. This will take you north toward Singaraja, and after about 30 minutes you will come to the turnoff to the right for Bayan Village. Once you are in the village, Kayu Putih Ancient Tree is impossible to miss!
Click HERE for a google maps location to make it easier for you to locate.
What to Expect at Kayu Putih Ancient Tree
Once you arrive, park in the small parking area just beside the temple that abuts the tree itself. Then, you can approach the tree directly on the side of the temple, or if there are already people there taking photos, you can walk around the temple to the very rear of the tree. This, in my opinion, is the best place for photos anyway.
This tree is so enormous that you will not have any problems finding photos spots. We literally found dozens of them! And the other great thing is that two or three groups of people can be taking photos around the massive base without getting in each others way.
At the front of the tree is a great spot to get shots with the huge roots that twist and turn above the ground. Off to the side is a little “window” hidden in the lower trunk that can be used for candid shots. Around the back of the tree you will find several great places to sit on the trunk and roots, or even climb up “into” the massive trunk itself to pose for photos. The opportunities are endless, and we were there for at least an hour, and could have stayed longer.
Behind the tree you will also find a small bridge across to a little warung. The bridge is quaint and also looks great in photos with the tree as the background, if you can find the right angles.
How to get to Kayu Putih
The best way to get to Kayu Putih is definately with scooter or car. There currently are no tours that visit the tree.
The road to Kayu Putih Ancient Tree is easy, and the drive is a very relaxed one with minimal traffic. We actually utilize that particular road when visiting anywhere in Bedugal, Munduk, or any surrounding areas, as it is a nice, peaceful alternative to the main road.
If you don’t have a scooter, you can easily hire one HERE.
Alternatively, if you would like to hire a car and driver for the day, you can also do that HERE.
I always suggest to people to hire a scooter to explore Bali. The island is just made for scooters, and you can go literally anywhere on them. If you want more information, just check out this article about riding a scooter in Bali.
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Final Thoughts
Kayu Putih Ancient Tree is an amazing spot to visit. The photo opportunities are immense, and a trip up into this region of Tabanan is a wonderful way to spend the day. Combine the trip with a stop at Leke Leke waterfall, or even Bedugal to visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, and you just can’t go wrong!
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