After the hike, and the hot springs, we were ready for some lunch! Included in the price of our tour was a free Balinese lunch at a restaurant near the hot springs…
Our driver dropped us in a lay-by, and we went into what we were expecting to be an average lunch venue at best; we couldn’t have been more wrong! Lodged away in the mountainside, we sat getting our energy back and tucking into a Balinese feast…
On the way back, our driver casually mentioned we could go to a coffee plantation if we wanted. Coffee is huge in Bali, and we thought it would be fascinating to see. We were not disappointed!
We started the tour with him showing us a cinnamon tree. I’m pretty sure I thought cinnamon came in those little swirls, readily in a jar (idiot, I know!), but it turns out its bark on a tree. Our guide sliced a bit off for us to chew and it was so potent, but I love cinnamon!
Next up we went around to where the beans were being turned and roasted.
We wondered round and were introduced to Luwak coffee. A Luwak is a nocturnal, cat-like animal. It eat the coffee beans, poops them out (no.joke.) and from that, Luwak coffee is made. Our guide informed us that some people in parts of the world spend hundreds of pounds to drink Luwak coffee…
Unfortunately, the plantation kept a few Luwaks caged as they were trying to ‘train’ them (we hadn’t realised this when we booked the tour). The guide informed me that they would release them after six months, but I’m pretty sure he was telling me what I wanted to hear…
The plantation itself was not that big, so we came to the end pretty quickly, and were quickly brought a palette of coffees to sample. They ranged from dark and bitter, to the creamiest, sweetest coffee you could imagine. It was incredible how diverse the flavours were!
We also decided to try some Luwak coffee. If you drink poo-coffee and don’t quote Austin Powers, (“this coffee smells like shit” … “Austin, it is shit.”) then I’m sorry, but we can’t be friends.
I’d say Luwak coffee is pretty overrated to be honest!
The view, on the other hand, was another breath taking site to behold…
Despite having done so much with our day, it was still early, but it was time to say goodbye to our driver and get settled in Ubud for the last part of the trip…
Kate x
What an incredible view! This day just keeps getting better and better!
I don’t like either coffee or cinnamon so I feel like a lot of this trip would have been wasted on me 🙈☕ but it’s so cool to see how it’s all made, especially the Luwak coffee! (I just googled to see what they look like!) I hope he was telling the truth about the ones they had…
Beautiful photos, can’t wait for the next installment!
Hels xx
http://www.thehelsproject.com 🍂
That view!! It’s stunning. Glad you had an amazing time…. I literally laughed out loud at the poo coffee as it’s exactly what came to mind haha!! Xxxxxx
lucylovesbeautyxo.com
That view is amazing!! Love the austin powers reference!
I actually had no idea that cinnamon was bark either haha, so I definitely have learned something new today – thank you for that! The poor caged Luwaks did make me feel a little sad, I really hope that the chap there was telling the truth as well, as it’s really no life for them to be shut up the whole time! I’m almost quite glad that the coffee that they help to produce was a bit overrated (does that make me a bad person haha?!) because I’m not sure that having these little furries caged up would be worth it! Your photos are absolutely incredible as always, the scenery is just beautiful and I’m getting so much wanderlust from your travels!
Abbey 😘 http://www.abbeylouisarose.co.uk
what amazing views! i didnt know cinnamon grew on a tree like that either haha the coffee sampling sounds so fun to
I’m loving reading this travel series, Kate! This tour sounds fascinating and I bet it was pretty cool to try all the different coffees out! That view is pretty spectacular as well! Xx
Seriously Kate I’d never though of going to Bali before but you’ve made me want to put it top of my list! That plantation sounds so interesting!
PaleGirlRambling xo
This looks like so much fun, what a beautiful spot.
A Sparkle Of Grace
I wouldn’t never have known that cinnamon was a bark until you mentioned it – which is absolutely crazy. I would love do a coffee tour it sounds perfect and I love the sound of the coffees you tried too x
Kayleigh Zara 🌿www.kayleighzaraa.com
It looks like you’re having so much fun! That view is incredible x
Thankfully… I don’t drink coffee. So I wouldn’t be trying any of the poo coffee myself haha! I honestly can’t believe that’s how it’s made… you learn something new every day! What an experience for you though & what a gorgeous view xxx
I had no idea that cinnamon is bark. Learn something new every day!
Luwak coffee sounds gross!
Steph x
http://www.wanderlustpulse.com
Oh girl! Your photos! That view and yes coffee,
Sad it was overrated but nevertheless an experience? But erm poo-coffee?? Would still like to experience this ourselves one day though!
Jessica & James | http://www.foodandbaker.co.uk / http://www.foodandbakertravels.co.uk
These posts have been so amazing. THIS is the way to have coffee. Don’t get me wrong, I love a cosy cafe in the UK, but this is how it’s meant to be done!
You’ve definitely educated me in this post, I had no idea that cinnamon was like bark! I always just presumed that it came in powder form, but thinking about it now, that makes 0 sense 😂. I’m sorry to hear that the coffee wasn’t great, but the experience looks fab and really interesting too!
Hayley X
Lifethroughtsg.com
I love this post!! Your photos are always incredible xx
Jamie | http://www.jamies-corner.com
Your photography is incredible! I loved this post so much even though you said it’s a but overrated I’d still love to visit! xx
http://www.laurenannbeauty.com
Every bit I read about your journey makes me very envious it looks gorgeous I can just imagine how amazing it was for you. I didnt really cinnamon was from Bark either, it almost seems a little bit odd! Absolutely stunning photos!
Sarah | http://www.sazsinclair.com xx
Wow, the views are absolutely stunning and it sounds like your trip just gets better and better. I had no idea that cinnamon was made from bark either!! Xx
What an incredible place! It looks stunning and the photos truly capture the beauty!
Steph xx
http://www.stephsworld.com
I’ve heard of Luwak coffee before! Really want to try it, though after your review maybe I won’t add it to my Bali trip plans haha! xx
Everything about this post is beautiful, the photos especially! I loved reading about your experiences xxxx
The sights look amazing! I don’t drink coffee but it’s nice that they gave you a range to try!
Sian x
http://www.theenglisheverygirl.com
Sounds like an interesting trip, I hand’s heard of Luwak coffee before reading your post so it was good to learn about it. I had no idea about the cinammon either! Lovely photos as always
Did you go with a tour company- what is their name? That’s really sad about the Luwaks! Hopefully they did release them at the very least. You just made me spit my coffee out laughing at austin Power quote btw- amazing!
Jen xx
Author
We did a lot with Bali Made, but there are so many – if you check Trip Advisor you will get the details of lots of ‘taxi’ operators who will give you anything. haha I’m go glad you liked the Austin powers quote – too good to resist!
Kate x