ASIDE from natural tourism with beautiful scenery, in Bali visitors will also be able to find a unique attraction related to the diversity of flora such as tropical giant white tree (Kayu Putih), not eucalyptus, at Bayan customary village, Tua, Marga, Tabanan.
This tree grows behind the Babakan Temple which was established during the time of King of Perean. If banyan trees, sacred fig or devil’s tree are commonly encountered at other temples, well, at this temple is different.
This giant white tree belonging to the tropical rain forest ecosystem has buttress roots that grow high above the ground. This root is shaped like a flat plank that serves to support the tree because it has shallow roots. This is distinct characteristics and adaptations of this kind of tree to ensure their survival.
The buttress roots protrude at the base of the tree, larger than the trunk. Buttress roots have a function to help the erect plant stems. Most trees having this type of root are trees that grow in tropical forests.
What uniqueness does it have?
This tree is named so because of the color of the tree. The uniqueness of this giant tree object in Tabanan lies in its age and size where this tree is estimated to have been 700 years old, towering about 75 meters and 60 meters in diameter.
There is a Balinese general belief that when a tree is sizing more than an adult’s embrace, the tree has the potential to be inhabited by a community of spirits. Related to this belief, this giant tree also once showed a haunted impression, especially when it is associated with mystical stories.
It is said, there are local residents who have heard the sound of gun shots or the strains of gamelan from the direction of the big tree. This story is then associated with the existence of gamelan instruments having been buried under the tree in the past.
Attractiveness
For photography enthusiasts or at least selfie lovers, this Tabanan destination in the form of a large tree object is used as a selfie background to enrich post content on social media or just make a travel album. Visitors can pose from various angles or the expanse of the buttress roots of the giant white tree.
Well, if you are a spiritual practitioner, this giant tree object with mystical nuances certainly has its own charm. By an large, those wishing to interact with the ‘residents’ and enjoy the magical atmosphere around will do meditation activities.
This natural tourist attraction has been widely known by residents outside the village or foreign travelers since 2013. Travelers then shared unique photos under this white tree through their social media account. Those who saw the beauty finally became curious. Even though it is known as a place with mystical and haunted nuances, the instagenic appearance makes the place a destination or an ‘instagrammable’ selfie tourist attraction that is quite attractive.
Location
It’s not too difficult to find out the location of the giant white tree. To be precise, it sits at Banjar Bayan, Tua Village, Marga subdistrict, Tabanan, right in front of a stretch of rice fields. This location can be accessed by car and motorbike and there is an adequate parking space. Approximately, it’s 2 km from the main road.
