Tag Archive for: state plantation

VALRHONA MEETS BALINESE COCOA FARMERS AT DAJUMA

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Every year in the picturesque setting of Dajuma we are glad to welcome a warm gathering of cocoa farmers who come together with the renowned Valrhona chocolate maker. This event is not just about business; it’s a friendly meeting filled with camaraderie and shared passion for cocoa cultivation as shown on the picture. Amidst the lush greenery of Bali, farmers share their experiences, techniques, and stories of their cocoa farms. It’s a unique blend of knowledge exchange and friendship, fostering a strong bond between the Balinese farmers and Valrhona, all guided in their love for the art of chocolate making.

DAJUMA EXPERIENCES: CLOVE HARVEST 

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Clove harvesting at Pancak Tirtha in Jembrana, Bali, with Dajuma guests is a unique and memorable experience that combines the beauty of nature, local farming practices and cultural immersion. Located in the scenic area of Jembrana, Pancak Tirtha is not only a popular lunch spot but also a place where guests can witness and participate in the traditional clove harvesting process.

When guests arrive at Pancak Tirtha, they are greeted by the owner, Pak Ming, known for his expertise in growing cloves. With his warm smile and genuine hospitality, Pak Ming welcomes Dajuma guests, sharing his knowledge and passion for growing cloves.

The lush greenery surrounding Pancak Tirtha creates a breathtaking backdrop as Pak Ming leads guests to the clove plantation. The air is filled with the invigorating aroma of cloves, setting the stage for an immersive experience in the heart of Jembrana’s agricultural landscape.

Amid vibrant clove trees, Pak Ming explains the importance of harvesting cloves in Jembrana and the meticulous care needed to ensure a successful yield. He shares information about the life cycle of clove trees, their unique characteristics, and ideal growing conditions.

As guests explore the plantation, they have the opportunity to observe the clove trees in different stages of development. Some trees are adorned with beautiful white and pink flowers, while others are abundant with ripe cloves ready to harvest.

With the gentle guidance of Pak Ming, Dajuma guests are invited to partake in the centuries-old tradition of “Ngepik Cengkeh”, which involves separating cloves from the stems. Armed with nimble fingers, guests carefully pick the cloves, experiencing firsthand the delicate nature of the harvesting process.

Pak Ming shares stories of the challenges and joys of growing cloves in Jembrana. He explains that the current season might not be as abundant as expected due to certain factors, such as weather conditions or natural variations in tree productivity. Nonetheless, he stresses the importance of appreciating small harvests and the resilience of local farmers.

As guests actively engage in clove harvesting, their connection to the land and the local community deepens. They gain a new appreciation for the hard work and dedication it takes to bring this aromatic spice from farm to table.

After the successful harvest, Pak Ming brings the guests together for a moment of reflection and gratitude. He expresses his gratitude for their participation and offers them a thoughtful gift: a selection of freshly harvested cloves as a souvenir. This gesture serves as a reminder of the shared experience and bonds formed through this immersive journey into Jembrana’s clove culture.

The day ends with a delicious lunch at Pancak Tirtha, where guests savor the flavors of local cuisine infused with the aromatic essence of cloves. The meal becomes a celebration of the harvest, a feast of community and connection, where stories and laughter are shared.

Harvesting cloves at Pancak Tirtha in Jembrana, Bali with Dajuma guests is not just an agricultural activity, but a gateway to cultural exploration and appreciation. It promotes a deeper understanding of local traditions, the beauty of nature and the interconnectedness between communities and their environment. It’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression, weaving together the scents, flavors and memories of Jembrana’s clove harvest into the fabric of each guest’s journey.

TREKKING AT STATE ECOTOURISM PLANTATION OF PEKUTATAN

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Dajuma is fortunate to be located on the edge of the West Bali National Park and the State Ecotourism Plantation of Pekutatan Village (1181ha). Last week we welcomed a group of 30 people who took advantage of a half-day of trekking around the plantation where they discovered rubber trees, coconut and banana trees, clove, coffee, cacao and vanilla trees. The process of making rubber was shown and explained to the group. The trek ended with a lunch at 300 m altitude with a panoramic view of the rice fields and the ocean. Not to be missed during your next stay!

NEW BANANA FARM CLOSE TO DAJUMA

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This week Dajuma had the privilege to welcome a delegation of  the Ministry of Finances of Indonesia, who came inaugurating a “Banana Farm” in the 1200 ha Pulukan state plantation, close by Dajuma. Initiated by the Governor of Bali, this project is aimed at producing the Cavendish banana specy which is particularly appreciated by export markets. All conditions for getting the best quality are fulfilled in this part fo the island: a rich and fertile volcanic ground, a hot and humid climate and a good irrigation system. But it is also a challenge because this specy is threatened since the early 90s by the “Panama disease”, unfortunately all around the world now. Hopefully this one will not hamper this beautiful project. On the picture the representatives of the authorities ready to plant the first specimen.

WELCOME AGAIN DEAR VALRHONA!

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This year again, we had the pleasure of welcoming at the beginning of September, 3 groups of the famous french chocolatier Valrhona bringing together chocolate masters from the Asia-Pacific region. Aimed at exchanging experiences and recipes and visiting their cacao producers of West Bali, the gathering was also the opportunity to spend some good time at Dajuma and practice some activities such as massages, stand-up paddle and surfing. They also invited the representatives of the cacao farmers to come and taste the delicious chocolate creations made from the West Bali cacao, particularly some chocolate mousses. Everybody was so happy.

DAJUMA ECO-TOURISM TOUR

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Close to Dajuma, is the State Plantation of Pulukan which is one of the preferred eco-tours of our guests. Imagine a huge 1200 ha area planted with all sorts of trees: coconut, coffee, cacao, clove trees, and the most popular, rubber trees from which the sap is extracted and treated on site in a workshop.
Our guests enjoy this 4 hours tour by 4WD jeep and by foot. It ends on top of the plantation by a revigorating lunch with a breathtaking view of the ocean. On the picture, Jeremie and Vanina from France with their guides Mertha and Sumawa, were offered rubber bracelets which present this astonishing property to automatically solder when you join their extremities. A small souvenir of a great moment of sharing with Mother Nature!

PLANTING A THOUSAND TREES

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Last Friday, our guests (Anna and Robert from the Netherlands) had a great experience with the villagers surrounding Dajuma. The Police in Jembrana Regency together with the authorities of Pekutatan sub-district held an event entitled “Planting a Thousand Trees”, to regenerate forests, keep the sustainability of the forests for the next generations and to prevent the disasters (floods, landslides and droughts). It took place in the forest around Pulukan Village. Authorities invited the representatives from all institutions in the whole Pekutatan sub-districts (students, medical personnel, army, villagers from each village in Pekutatan territory) as well as representatives of tourism industry. We invited our guests to join in the event and they were very excited to be involved. After finished the program we walked along the village, Anna and Robert were very happy to see the real life of Balinese village.

Cacao from West Bali and VALRHONA

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Many people knowing Bali feel suprised when they discover Jembrana Regency, the West wing of the island where Dajuma is located. Here the nature is preserved. In and along the West Bali National Park, the farms grow corn and high quality rices, coconut, rubber, clove, coffee and all sorts of tropical fruit such as mango, papaya, passion fruit, pineapple, watermelon, mangosteen, not forgetting, of course, the famous « Durian ».
It is also the place where more than 500 farmers collect cacao beans. Not suprising that the Valrhona company, the famous French provider of the best cacao nibs and chocolate required by professionals since 1922, get involved. After 3 years co-working with KSS cooperative (Kerta Samaya Samania cooperative), Valrhona has launched “Cuvée Sakanti Bali 68%” in 2016.
Last week, Dajuma had the pleasure to welcome 3 delegations of Valrhona customers and employees, totalizing one hundred people. Pastry Chefs of their partner companies made a presentation of their chocolate products. They also practiced with the farmers to make a delicious dessert using the West Bali chocolate and some local fruits and herbs. Pastry chef of the first group came from China, Singapore and Taiwan second group from Hongkong, Korea and Bali and the last group from Japan.
Following human values in the heart of the company, each delegation had the opportunity to visit the plantations, look at the harvesting process, taste samples and cook some delicious cakes. A wonderful moment of sharing experiences and know-how, crowned at night with Balinese dances accompanied by a Jegog orchestra under the stars.

DAJUMA ADVENTURE: PULUKAN ECOTOURISM TOUR

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One outstanding feature of Dajuma is its proximity with the Pulukan State Plantation. Imagine a huge area of 1200 ha planted with all kinds of trees and flowers where kids and parents are happy to discover the wealth of Bali flora. Starting from Dajuma around 9:00 in an especially arranged 4 WD jeep you will see first how is made the rubber from rubber trees, from harvesting the sap and treating it. After a nice walk around the plantation where our guide will explain all the species met on the path, you will be invited to taste a coconut freshly harvested from the tree. Comfortably installed on the roof of the jeep, you will then cross the plantation and rivers up to its culminant point which will be reached for the lunch, a pantagruelic meal prepared in the pure Balinese tradition by our staff. The return to Dajuma will be around 3 p.m. after a stop in the holy place of Bunut Bolong, a famous place in Bali where the road crosses a multi-centenary ficus tree. Enjoy!

HEALTHY DRINKS AT DAJUMA

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One of the magics of Bali is the extraordinary variety of its fruits and vegetables. On the fertil slopes of the volcanoes, can grow almost any kind of fruit trees and vegetables. The coconut is particularly appreciated because of the recognized vertues of its juice for health. But not only. At Dajuma our guests can also enjoy other healthy drinks (we call them “healthy coolers”) made from carrot, orange, ginger, broccoli, avocado, mint, turmeric and tamarin that you can drink as much as you like.
On the picture: Josiane and Alain FRANCOIS savoring a coconut offered by our guide during their ecotourism trek in the nearby Pulukan State Plantation.