In 2018, L and I were in Canggu enjoying an espresso at Hungry Bird Coffee and chit-chatting with the owner who was kind enough to show us his roasting process. L, being Italian, has a fascination with all things coffee.
So fast forward one year and we find ourselves in a van winding up rocky roads to meet the man who supplies Hungry Bird beans all the way in Kintamani, Bali.
Arca greeted us in front of his plantation with a large grin and handshake and sat us down before jumping into the history of his family’s coffee business, Bali’s growing number of baristas and the magic of the bean.
While the two coffee fanatics continued their banter, I slowed behind to take in the humble surroundings. This is where your morning cup of coffee starts – with local farmers whose know-how feeds back into the land, the community and crosses borders.
The plantation belonged to Arca’s father before it was passed to him. He explained because his father didn’t know how to grow great tasting beans, and the demand wasn’t high, the bulk of the business came from planted orange trees. Today, they are scattered around the plantation providing crucial shade for the coffee plants.
During our hour long conversation, we learned about the drying process, peeked into his collection of stingless beehives and of course, tasted coffee.
“It’s good coffee culture is becoming more popular in Bali, people work more and sleep less!”
Arca, owner of Desa Ulian, Kintamani Coffee Plantation
Bali makes it easy and almost natural to look for local produce and enjoy its wholesomeness. (Restaurants I recommend: Mosaic and Watercress Ubud).
I can’t wait to be back.
#carewithcaose
CAOSE 