Educational Tour at Jembrana Cocoa Plantation, Exploring Western Bali's Aromas

At the western tip of Bali Island, far from the bustle of Kuta and Seminyak, Jembrana holds the charm of cocoa plantations amidst lush rural landscapes. This area is being introduced as a new destination by the Tourism Ministry to Singaporean tourists through an educational tour with the Kerta Semaya Samaniya (KSS) Cocoa Cooperative.

The tour invites visitors to trace the journey of cocoa beans from the tree through the drying process.

"We're promoting this location because local farmers have achieved recognition for their cocoa bean quality. The beans develop fruity and spicy notes due to intercropping practices, resulting in distinctive aromas," said Ni Komang Ayu Tri Ardanawati, Head of Marketing and Creative Economy at Jembrana's Tourism and Culture Office, on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

Four tourists participating in the "Hidden Bali: Serenity, Nature and Sustainability" Familiarization Trip (Famtrip) walked through a three-hectare plot in Nusasari Village, Melaya District—home to two thousand cocoa trees producing Jembrana's finest cocoa.

Along the path, tall trees, rural breezes, and fertile soil created a distinctly different Balinese atmosphere from southern regions.

At this plantation, cocoa processing still relies on traditional methods harmonized with nature.

Visitors witnessed firsthand how natural fertilizers from goat manure and insecticides made from coconut water, aloe vera, bilimbi, pineapple, and bael fruit nurture cocoa trees.

This organic approach yields high-quality fruit while preserving environmental balance.

Participants also sampled yellow and red cocoa pods—colors indicating flavor profiles from sweet to tangy.

Farmer and plantation owner Ketut Sudomo emphasized that natural materials are essential for sustainability, noting these organic techniques protect consumer health while conserving nature.

Jembrana's cocoa achievements are global: beans from this plantation won the 2023 Cacao of Excellence Silver Award on February 8, 2024, in Amsterdam. Premium chocolate maker Valrhona even sources Jembrana beans for their products.

Ni Komang Ayu explained that KSS Cooperative and NGO Kalimajari Foundation crucially help farmers market beans internationally, boosting Jembrana cocoa's global recognition.

During the tour, Singaporean tourist Ivan Ngiam Tee Kuen enthusiastically tried new experiences, attempting to open cocoa pods while noting, "It's really hard to open this—let me try again!" Ivan described the beans' taste as reminiscent of mango.

Fellow tourist Ong Seng Tah shared his preference for cocoa beans, particularly their antioxidant content.

This cocoa tour represents the Tourism Ministry's initiative to showcase Bali's lesser-known beauty in northern and western regions—offering calmer, more natural, and authentic experiences than popular southern destinations.

Through this famtrip, the Ministry hopes Singaporean travel agents and tour operators will promote a new narrative: Bali is not just beaches and resorts, but also home to cocoa plantations and story-rich sustainable tourism experiences. (Antara)