Luwak Coffee, Ubud, Bali

Coffee Beans and Animal Defecation resulting in a delicious brew. Swing in!

Top things to do in Bali – Alas Harum is one of a few coffee plantations located in Bali. What makes them special is how their unique flavours are realized.  We went for a tour to find out their secret.

Entrance to Alas Harum Luwak Coffee - Ubud, Bali
Entrance to Alas Harum Luwak Coffee

A knowledgable young lady was assigned to us upon entrance and we were quickly on our way. She explained to us how the animal Kopi Luwak, also known as an Asian Palm Civet consume the coffee cherries (I thought they are beans). Normally a disaster to have your coffee plantation eaten away, in this case a sort of blessing.

Roasting Coffee Beans - Alas Harum, Bali
Roasting Coffee Beans

The civit or luwak defecate (poop) the partially digested fermented cherry out and humans harvest the fecal matter which is then cleaned, roasted, and sold for a premium price.

Bali Coffee Beans - Ubud
Bali Coffee Beans / Cherries

The entire process is very controversial due to the fact that nowadays, the animals are caged and force fed to produce the quality outcome. Supposedly, they only consume the best quality of coffee cherries, thus resulting in a superb roast.

Beans Roasting over an Open Fire - Coffee, Bali
Beans Roasting over an Open Fire

We watched how, traditionally, the coffee cherry is roasted over an open fire before being crushed by a huge wooden mallet and then brewed into a delicious cup of coffee.

Luwak Coffee Beans - Ubud, Bali
Luwak Coffee Beans

It was brought to our attention that not only does Alas Harum produce one of the most expensive coffees in the world, they also grow tea. Of course, what is a visit to a plantation with sampling the wares? Our host led us to a terrace overlooking the extremely steep green hills of the property where we were then brought an entire tray of tea samples and a crown jewel coffee.

Truthfully, the majority of the teas were delicious. The coffee, albeit good, had a little too rich of a price for my liking and I found it ever so slightly bitter. The view was amazing!

Fields Surrounding Alas Harum - Swing, Ubud, Bali
Fields Surrounding Alas Harum

Tip: While visiting the plantation, why not go for one of those crazy swing rides that are plastered all over Instagram? You can swing single or double the pleasure 😉

Terrace River Swing - Ubud, Bali
Terrace River Swing Prices

Plantation Name: Alas Harum AgroTourism
Address: Tegallalang, Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia

Get There:

 

Posts Tagged with… ,

travelfooddrink

I am an avid traveller who believes that travel means participation. Whether it be observing traditional cultures, eating native delicacies, or drinking local drinks, one must fully immerse oneself to truly understand and enjoy a destination.

Reader Comments

  1. Top Things to See & Do Ubud | TravelFoodDrink.com

    […] Alas Harum Luwak Coffee & Swing: Free Entrance – you are given a wonderful tour of the facilities with information and tastings. Bonus: this is where you can go on one of those Instagram swing rides! Super Extreme Swing (IDR200,000 / USD$13.50 / €12  for 15 “swings”), Extreme Swing (IDR150,000 / USD$10 / €9  for 15 “swings”) and Couple Swing (IDR300,000 / USD$20 / €18 for 15 “swings”) […]

Write a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *