The kepuh tree (Java olive), is no ordinary tree for most people in Bali, being considered one of the most sacred plants on the island.

Myths and legends surround the presence of these trees, which are said to be home to a large variety of spirits.

Kepuh Agung is a 4-meter wide and 20-meter high kepuh tree standing just adjacent to the domestic cargo terminal at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Tuban, Kuta.

The locals believe the tree has been there for hundreds of years, long before the airport was built. The trunk is wrapped in the typical black-and-white checkered cloth and has several beautiful shrines. Local people and visitors often stop there to present special offerings.

The airport extension has made it quite difficult for people to pray at this tree, although many continue to do so on a daily basis, including officials from airport management company PT Angkasa Pura I and taxi drivers.

“I have known the tree since my great-grandparents were still alive. The area was once a thick forest,” said I Gusti Made Gina, the 82-year-old Hindu priest who cares for the tree’s shrine.

Gina shared a story, saying that two large snakes were spiritually protecting the tree and that these spiritual guardians were worshipped at the northern shrine. At the eastern shrine, Ratu Niang Lingsir Sakti resides, while the southern one is believed to be home to Ratu Manik Segara. Meanwhile, in the west is the “palace” or stana of Widiadara and Widiadari. The shrines have been placed amid the tree’s trunk. The tree is surrounded by a wall, with a small entrance cut into the south side, and a fishpond sits to the side.

The spiritual vibe around the tree is very strong, creating a magical experience and an atmosphere that can seem a little creepy to many.

“Worshippers mostly come here to pray at Ratu Manik Segara’s shrine. Those whose babies keep crying at night pray at the western shrine, while the sick usually pray for health at the other shrine.”

The priest also said this tall tree had been used by the Japanese troops to stand guard against potential enemies approaching from Kuta Beach. “The soldiers climbed to the top of the tree. You can still see their footprints there,” he said.

Gina recalled that one day a number of people had tried, in vain, to cut down this gigantic tree with an electric saw. “The tree kept standing strong, despite their desperate efforts to cut it down to make way for a development project,” he said.

Kepuh Agung is a natural beauty and a spiritual reservoir for people living near the airport, also providing shade for many people on hot days.

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