Tea. Ubiquitous across the country, not only in the warungs, served in clear glasses and muddled with sugar, but also across its landscapes. Yes, manicured plantations grow neatly along the rolling contours of Indonesia’s scenic uplands, the rows of neatly-tapered bush often backdropped by mountain vistas. As such, wherever tea grows, one can expect gentle climates and tranquil scenes, regions to travel to and discover.
In our lifetimes, tea is part of the Indonesian environment, seemingly natural to the tapestry of Javan mountainside. Yet, this couldn’t be further from the truth: the colonial cash crop was introduced to Indonesia back in early 18th century by the Dutch East India Company (VOC). As a result, many if not most plantations today date back to this era and remain largely unchanged. If anything, this makes Indonesia’s tea destinations more alluring, offering a historical backdrop to the many experiences a plantation provides, from how the crop is grown, factory tours, tea tastings and of course the magnificent views these estates present.
Tea is harvested year-round in Indonesia, making a visit possible at any time. Here we share six tea plantations that each introduce a different dimension to ‘tea-based travels’.
Gunung Mas
Cisarua, West Java
Located before the Puncak Pass or a couple of miles off the highway between Bogor and Bandung, Gunung Mas is the most visited tea plantation by Jakarta residents due to its easy access. Spanning 500 hectares at an altitude of 800-1,200 meters above sea level, this plantation offers agrotourism activities with stunning views of Mount Salak and Mount Gede Pangrango.
With fresh air temperatures ranging from 2 to 22 degrees Celsius, you can take a stroll on the wooden Tea Bridge, a 260-meter stretch across the expanse of the plantations, giving the sensation of walking on a green tapestry of tea leaves. Established in 1910, Gunung Mas is one of the largest plantations in West Java. You can explore it by horse riding, off-roading, riding an ATV, or paragliding. There are tea cafes to enjoy the original tea concoctions, camping grounds, and good accommodations.
Rancabali Ciwidey
South Bandung, West Java
The Central Statistics Agency noted that West Java is the province with the largest tea production in Indonesia in 2022, reaching 91,600 tons, with Rancabali Ciwidey contributing significantly. The plantation, producing the Walini tea brand, has existed since 1870 and covers 3,549 hectares at an altitude of around 1,400-1,900 meters above sea level.
Rancabali Ciwidey attracts tourists with its proximity to Ciwidey’s main natural attractions, such as Situ Patenggang lake, a strawberry garden, and Kawah Putih (crater lake), making it a perfect inclusion in your itinerary. In addition to tea walks and Walini factory tours, you can cycle on the winding roads and green hills, stay at its resorts, or camp to enjoy the freshness of tea leaves throughout the day and night.
Kemuning
Karanganyar, Central Java
Visit Kemuning plantation between 8am to 10 am on a bright day to experience the magic panorama of Mount Lawu as a backdrop. Originally founded in 1925 by Dutch citizens, the Van Mander Voot brothers, under the name NV. Cultuur Mij Kemuning, the plantation is now managed by PT Rumpun Sari Kemuning I.
In late 2022, the local government built Kemuning Sky Hills as an iconic tourist attraction, featuring a 120-meter-long glass bridge with a height of 60 meters and a glass thickness of about 3 cm. Here, visitors can see the vast tea plantation with a cool atmosphere and enchanting views. Activities include trekking, paragliding, exploring the nearby Jumog waterfall, or visiting Senatah Adventure for river tubing, forest jeep tours, and outbound activities.
Kaligua
Bumiayu, Central Java
Established by the Dutch government in 1889 and later seized by the Japanese, Kaligua tea plantation offers a rich historical tour alongside its exotic views. Visitors can explore the 850-meter-long Goa Jepang (Japanese cave) with a guide explaining the cave and plantation’s history. Another interesting spot is Tuk Bening, a spring water source safe for drinking.
Currently managed by PT Perkebunan Nusantara IX Central Java, Kaligua is at an altitude of 1,500-2,050 meters above sea level and covers around 605.8 hectares. The Kaligua tea factory tour includes the post-harvest processing and packaging of tea leaves. The agrotourism site offers outbound activities such as flying foxes and spider webs, or visitors can relax in hot springs and camping grounds.
Dempo
Pagaralam, South Sumatra
While many factories now have modern tea processing machines, the Gunung Dempo factory maintains classic and original Dutch-style machines, enhancing the historical value of factory tours. On weekends, the plantation is popular with tourists, offering affordable accommodation for those wishing to explore the area.
This legendary tea plantation, located at the foot of Mount Dempo, South Sumatra’s highest peak, is about 300 km from Palembang. Built by the Dutch company NV Lanbou Maatschappij in 1929, the plantation was later taken over by the Japanese and then various companies.
Sidamanik
Simalungun, North Sumatra
Pematang Siantar hosts three large tea plantations: Bah Butong, Tobasari, and Sidamanik, the largest covering 8,373 hectares. The black tea Orthodox produced here is among the highest quality in Indonesia. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful panorama, buy tea directly from the garden, and savor the authentic taste.
In 1917, Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij (NV.NHM) began opening tea plantations in the Simalungun region, making Sidamanik the first tea plantation outside Java. The plantation features two water springs, Bah Simatahuting and Bah Sidamanik, just 100 meters apart. Interacting with farmers and locals provides a fascinating experience.
