Journey of Bali Coffee

The driver/guide, Gede picked us up and we made our way to Suksma Coffee, a lovely coffee cafe off the beaten path of Ubud. Owner/operator, Como (sp?), was very hospitable and gave us a lesson on Balinese coffee varieties and now to prepare the perfect cup of coffee. We then were shown how to select quality beans, roast and grind them. Following, Gede took us to a local coffee farm to view rows of coffee plants which had companion plants such as orange and avocado trees and chayote vines. On the way back to Suksma Coffee, we stoped at a Lewak coffee place to view how these cats contribute to that variety of coffee. On our return we were treated to a delicious Balinese meal of chicken satay, noodles and veggies. There is coffee for purchase at the shop. It was a long but very interesting day! Thank you Como and family, Suksma Coffee team and Gede!

We had an amazing day on the Journey of Bali Coffee tour! Our morning was spent learning all about Balinese coffee, from brewing the perfect cup to roasting our own beans. Later, we visited a coffee farm, where we gained insight into the farming process and had the pleasure of meeting a remarkable 90-year-old farmer who still works the land. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, making the experience even more enjoyable. A perfect day!

This class was an amazing experience and so much more than we expected. We learned so much about coffee, brewing it, and the Bali way of life. We went to an authentic traditional farm using companion planting. Great for people who don't need concrete paths in gardens on tours and want to experience farm life and how they operate in such natural ways. We also went way up in the mountains to a lovely restaurant for lunch, which overlooked Mt Batur and the Lake. Amazing. We also finished with more coffee tasting in another lovely setting. This tour was so above and beyond. I seriously could do this over and over again!! If you want to learn and see the real authentic Bali, this is the tour!!

This class was really fun! We started with tasting a bunch of coffee and traditional Balinese snacks and learning how to brew it ourselves. We then proceeded to roast our own beans to take home, which was definitely the highlight of the class! The instructors were very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful during all of this! The car ride to the farm was pretty long, but there were beautiful views along the way. Once at the farm, we got to try the oranges the coffee cherries grow under as well as the coffee cherries. We had a great time picking the cherries and roaming around the thick brush. Afterward, we drive further up the mountain and have a delicious buffet lunch with a gorgeous view of the volcano. Finally, they take you to try Luwak coffee, along with several other tasty beverages all while looking over a gorgeous view with many picture opportunities!

This was a fantastic experience and I can’t recommend it enough. I learnt a lot about the coffee growing process, the challenges facing Balinese coffee farmers and the difference between different types of coffee.

From picking the coffee, to roasting it, to drinking it. All very interesting and set at a chilled pace. Not too much travel in the car from Ubud which was welcome and driver and guide Gede was wonderful. The plantation was everything you’d expect from a traditional Balinese farm, complete with lots of flies so take some repellent with you (a must). The surrounding areas were beautiful and the lunch was both tasty and picturesque. Well worth it.