Satria Coffee Plantation
The Satria Coffee Plantation is a perfect stop to add on a day trip to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces or Tirta Empul.
It a pleasant surprised trip to Satria, because it felt almost similar to the experience of wine tasting in Napa Valley.
The experience first starts with a walk through a beautiful garden, containing trees, shrubs and herbs that feature Bali’s most popular indigenous fruits, vegetables and spices. it always love seeing how produce and spices are grown, so this is very fun for everyone.
Once you pass through the garden, you are greeted by a large cage structure housing the famous Asian palm civet, whose intestines are responsible for creating the popular Luwak Coffee. The Luwak Coffee is made from coffee beans that, when in their original cherry form, fall from the tree and are eaten and partially digested by the civet. Coffee growers then harvest these cherries to make the Luwak coffee.
Before you head to the bathroom to vomit, its comforting to know that the coffee cherry naturally has two outer layers. When digested by the civet, only the outer layer is metabolized by the process. A second, inner layer remains that protects the actual coffee bean from said poo. Coffee growers are able to wash the beans and then remove the outer layer prior to roasting.
At a small shed, the Satria team explains this process, complete with some authentic civet poop in a display case. A very old woman asa staff will be demonstrating the roasting process they use, which is achieved via a roasting pan over an open flame (almost like a sauté of the beans). Then, they put the roasted beans into an enormous mortar and pestle to grind them for serving.
After you see how the sausage is made, your host takes you by a Hollywood-style sign that says “Cat-Poo-Chino.” This is a great photo opp to capture your excitement before sampling the famous coffee yourself.
An open air gazebo then greets guests, who are seated and instructed to wait on the host to bring a sample of Satria’s coffees and (bonus!) teas. Guests have the option to try the Luwak coffee for an extra 50,000 IDR ($~3.50 USD). The spread of coffees and teas is really impressive and creates the Napa Valley feel that mentioned earlier.
Now, for the Luwak coffee. you can order this after all the hype, so I coughed up the extra 50,000 IDR. The way of making the Luwak Coffee is in the traditional Balinese style, where they place the fine coffee powder in the cup and just add water. You’re supposed to wait about 3 minutes for the sediment to fall to the bottom, and then you drink.
Open Hour:
Everyday at 08.00 AM-18.00 PM.
Location:
Jln Raya Tampak Siring, Desa Manukaya, Kecamatan Tampaksing, Gianyar.
