Why You Need To Try Luwak Coffee: Indonesia’s Most Exclusive Brew

If you’re passionate about coffee or simply curious about experiencing the flavour of the world’s most luxurious brew, then a trip to Indonesia is a must! Kopi Luwak, also known as Civet coffee, originates primarily from Indonesia, the Philippines, and East Timor. It’s renowned for its exquisite taste and comes with a hefty price tag, reaching up to US$100 per kilogram for farmed beans and an astounding USD$1,300 per kilogram for wild-collected beans.

For those exploring Ubud (Bali), Satria Luwak Coffee is an essential stop. Here, you can embark on a captivating coffee journey and broaden your taste horizons with their exceptional range of teas and coffees. Discover the intricate methods behind its production, including the intriguing involvement of the Asian palm civet in the coffee-making process. With each sip, immerse yourself in the unmatched flavours and aromas that have entranced coffee enthusiasts worldwide.

What is Luwak Coffee?

Luwak coffee, also known as civet coffee, is a rare and highly prized type of coffee made from coffee beans that have been eaten, partially digested, and excreted by the Asian palm civet, a small mammal native to Southeast Asia. The beans are collected from the faeces of the civet, thoroughly cleaned, processed, and roasted to produce Luwak coffee.

The unique fermentation process that occurs in the civet’s digestive system is believed to impart distinctive flavours to the coffee beans, resulting in a smooth, rich, and complex taste profile with low acidity. Luwak coffee is often described as having earthy, chocolaty, and slightly fruity notes, making it a sought-after delicacy among coffee enthusiasts.

Due to the demanding production process and the restricted supply of civet coffee beans, Luwak coffee ranks among the priciest coffees globally, fetching top-tier prices in the market. Its scarcity and distinct flavour characteristics add to its appeal, drawing in coffee connoisseurs in search of an extraordinary coffee encounter. However, our personal experience with Luwak coffee wasn’t entirely favourable, due to its bitter notes. Taste preferences can vary widely among individuals, so others may have a different experience.

Where can I find Luwak Coffee in Bali?

In Bali, you’ll discover Luwak coffee available at numerous coffee plantations and tourist spots scattered across the island. Many of these plantations offer guided tours, providing visitors with insights into the coffee-making process, including the distinct involvement of the Asian palm civet. Well-known areas to explore for Luwak coffee include Ubud, Kintamani, Seminyak, and the central highlands of Bali. During our trip, our guide suggested visiting Satria Luwak Coffee, conveniently situated near Ubud.

The driving time to Satria Luwak Coffee can vary depending on traffic conditions and your location. If you’re travelling from Ubud, you can expect the journey to take around 30 minutes. Click here to get directions to Satria Luwak Coffee.

For an enriched Bali experience, we recommend complementing your trip with a visit to nearby attractions such as the Ubud market, Tirta Gangga, or the picturesque Tegalalang rice fields. This way, you can maximize the enjoyment of your journey and make the most of your time on the island.

Considering extra time for your travel is crucial, particularly if you’re on the road during peak traffic hours or if you encounter road closures or alternate routes. Bali’s streets can become heavily congested, especially when tourist seasons are at their peak, so it’s wise to carefully schedule your journey.

How do I get to Satria Luwak Coffee?

There are plenty of ways to get around in Bali, Indonesia. Depending on where you are commuting from, the distance and time may vary. Among the popular modes of transport are:-

1. Using a Ride-Sharing Service

• Make sure to download apps such as Grab and Gojek as these 2 are the most popular ride-sharing service in Bali, Indonesia.

2. By Private Transportation

• If you’re staying at a hotel or villa in Bali, you can arrange for private transportation through your accommodation. Many hotels offer shuttle services or can help you hire a private car and driver for the day.
• Generally, the duration of the car rental is for 10 – 11 hours, inclusive of petrol and an English speaking driver. By taking this option, you can customise your own itinerary without the hassle of driving to places. Prices for the private car rental starts from 650k Rupiah.

3. Joining a Tour

• Numerous tour operators in Bali feature day tours that incorporate visits to this tourist hotspot as part of their itinerary. This can be a convenient option if you prefer to have transportation and a guide arranged for you.
• During our trip to Bali, Indonesia, we joined a private tour which handled all our transportation needs. We’d highly recommend this option, especially if you are travelling in larger groups, so that you can relax and leave all the itinerary planning to the tour operator.

4. By Renting a Scooter or Car

• Another option is to rent a scooter or car, which is cheaper option and gives you more flexibility in your schedule. However, please note that Bali traffic can be chaotic, so driving may be challenging for some travellers.

5. By Public Bus or Shuttle

• While Bali does have public transportation options, it might not be the most convenient way to reach your destination, as public transport routes are limited, and schedules can be irregular. The best way to get there is to rent a scooter or hire a private car and driver (both of these can be booked online).

When is the best time to visit Satria Luwak Coffee?

You can visit Satria Luwak Coffee all year round, depending on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and the experience you seek. Generally, the best season to visit Bali, Indonesia is during the dry season (April to October) where you can expect much more sunnier days and minimal rainfall.

What time is Satria Luwak Coffee open?

Satria Luwak Coffee extends a warm welcome to visitors between 7am – 6pm. Due to fewer crowds, you’re free to drop by at your convenience throughout the day.

How much is the entrance fees to visit Satria Luwak Coffee?

Entrance fee is free for Satria Luwak Coffee.

What to expect at Satria Luwak Coffee?

Upon arrival, you’re greeted with the assignment of a guide who personally accompanies your group through the forest garden, narrating the intricate processes behind the coffee. As you stroll along a brief path, the guide enlightens you about various plants, such as vanilla, pepper, and cocoa, cultivated in the area.

Next, you’re introduced to the civets responsible for crafting the renowned civet coffee. The knowledgeable staff meticulously explain the selection of coffee cherries and the extraction of beans from the civet’s digestive system. You’re even encouraged to participate in the coffee-making process.

Afterward, the guide leads you to their souvenir and coffee shop, where you’re treated to a tasting of an impressive selection of 13 different teas and coffees, all complimentary. If you’re interested, you can opt for a cup of Luwak coffee for approximately IDR 50,000. From the aromatic Balinese coffee to exotic herbal blends, each sip offers a journey into richness and complexity. Finally, the guide accompanies you to the shop, where you can purchase the products you’ve just sampled.

Useful tips

• Obviously don’t forget your camera!
• Bring cash as they may not accept cards here.
• Carry along a hat, shades and sunscreen as it can get pretty hot.
• Bring along a water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour, especially if you’re visiting during hot weather.
• Do not touch the civets as they may bite you.
• The tour involves walking through the coffee plantation, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for outdoor exploration.
• Remember that you’re visiting a natural environment, so please respect the plants and animals you encounter during the tour. Avoid littering and follow any instructions given by your guide.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions during the tour. The guides are knowledgeable about the coffee-making process and will be happy to share their expertise with you.
• Take advantage of the tasting session to sample the different teas and coffees offered at the plantation. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying the Luwak coffee for a unique experience.

Bonus Tips

Where to shop for souvenirs in Bali?

Wrap up your day with a visit to Krisna Bali, the perfect destination for souvenir shopping without the hassle of bargaining. This shopping hub offers a wide range of items, including accessories, food, perfumes, clothing, bags, and artworks, all at affordable prices. Ideal for those who prefer fixed prices, Krisna Bali has multiple outlets across Bali, so be sure to explore them during your stay. We received a glowing recommendation for this spot from our guide, making it a must-visit for budget-conscious travellers seeking quality souvenirs without the need for negotiation.

If you’re doing a lot of traveling, then getting a BigPay card is your next smart decision. We have used it for almost all our purchases during our travels and found it helpful. You can save on the currency conversion fee when you use the apps. Just make sure to select the local currency of the country you are in to get cheaper rates. Click here to sign up. Don’t forget to use our referral code GB1RB1XMDE to receive a bonus when you activate the card (only applicable for Malaysians)

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