Located snugly in the rolling hills of the Pucak Mangu mountain range between Ubud and Munduk in Badung is Bali’s first agro-tourism site, Bagus Agro Pelaga. The luxury farm stay is farm from the tourist path. At 3,115 feet above sea level, the property boasts breathtaking views of the three highest mountains in Bali–Mount Agung, Mount Abang, and Mount Batur, the rulers of the Island of Gods. The hidden treasure cove oozes with fresh mountain air and a magnificent panorama. With such a soothing ambiance it’d be difficult not to have a relaxing stay in this natural oasis. A dedicated staff notorious for their attentive dedication to top-notch hospitality makes a visit to Bagus Agro Pelaga completely stress-free. Here are five things you’ll love about Bagus Agro Pelaga.
STUNNING FARM VILLAS
I was invited to stay in the premier farm villa that was tucked away in a far corner of the property with unobstructed views of the lush jungle Petang valley from the ultra-private balcony. I doze to sleep in my massive king size bed in the gorgeous room with all of the blinds open so I could rise each morning with the sun as it rose behind the mountains and shed light across the island. The serene mornings were elevated by leisurely soaks in my massive bathtub dusted with fresh rose petals picked from the farm. This calm atmosphere was my own little hideaway that I never wanted to leave.
There are several accommodation options at the Bagus Agro Pelaga resort available, including glamping tents! Check the property listing here on Booking.com for the best rates and reserve your stay at the countryside haven and explore the surrounding serene landscapes.
ZERO FOOD MILES
Before Bagus Agro Pelaga was a luxury resort the Balinese government operated a farm on the land. Although it has since been transformed into a farm stay the 45 acres continue to be used for agriculture to grow an abundance of flowers, fruits, and vegetables which are tended to by 34 local farmers. The 10,000 garden roses that are grown here are used to add fragrance to guest rooms at all Bagus Discovery Group properties. Each property also prepares meals using the freshest seasonal ingredients that are grown here on the farm. Extra produce is consumed by local staff and sold at markets throughout Bali.
Guests have the chance to tour the farms at Bagus Agro Pelaga to learn about the organic produce and how they’re able to avoid using chemicals. Did you know that an organic pineapple takes an entire year to grow? I also learned that peanuts grow in the ground and not on trees like cashews! Neverending patches of orange trees scented the resort with citrus as they were almost ready to be harvested. At night the aroma from the lilies takes over, they only open in the evening and smell pine, but are poisonous for humans to consume. One of the most astonishing things I’ve discovered as I travel is the way food grows, which has helped me have a stronger appreciation for the fruits and veggies that nourish my body.
Almost all of the ingredients used to prepare meals at the on-site Lotus Restaurant and Tunjung Restaurant are gathered from the adjacent farms. The most popular dish is the steamboat, which also happens to be my favorite! I love that you can get involved in the cooking process of your cuisine. BBQ and traditional Indonesian dishes are also available. My favorite meal of the day though was breakfast which was delivered to my balcony each morning and equipped with farm fresh fruit, homemade strawberry juice, and pastries.
LEARN TO MAKE BALI COFFEE
Indonesian coffee is enjoyed around the world. Did you know everytime you ask for a cup of java you’re actually referring to the coffee that hails from the Indonesian island of Java? I’m a long-time coffee lover so I couldn’t resist the chance to learn about coffee roasting at Bagus Agro Pelaga. Throughout my exploration of the property, we came across many coffee trees which had cherries at various stages of maturity. When the cherries are young they’re firm and a bright green color, and as they age they become maroon in color and are a bit softer to touch. The fruit from the berry is actually delicious, although there isn’t much meat to enjoy. Just don’t take a bite of the raw seed, aka the coffee bean, it’s pretty bitter.
After seeing the way the bushes grow we headed down to a gazebo where the stages of coffee roasting were displayed from the drying of the beans, the hand grinding, sifting out any impurities, and roasting the beans over a wood fire flame. Who knew so much work went into a single cup of coffee? A local woman showed me step by step how she makes the coffee, which is prepared fresh for guests at Bagus Agro Pelaga. I’ve never before had such an appreciation for a cup of joe.
VILLAGE WALKS AND MEETING LOCALS
While I was in Badung I was eager to see the local way of living and the side of Bali that most travelers don’t witness. The manager of Bagus Agro Pelaga took me on a three-hour trek across the Sekar Mukti highlands where we walked through farms, down the virgin jungle valley, and into the local village where most of the employees live. During the walk, I discovered more agricultural knowledge that was foreign to me–such as plump green pumpkins that grow on massive trees.
Once we arrived in the village we mingled with locals who were eager to show me their homes, culture, and lifestyle. I was astonished to see wood houses that are held together by wooden nails. These homes have withstood the test of time, and earthquakes, and have only had their roofs refurbished. Inside the homes, there are simple living quarters that circulate the main purpose of the structure, the kitchen. The kitchen is always located in the south side of the complex with a well nearby. Ancient tools are stored away as a wood fire roasts something delicious in a massive iron pot. Cooking goes beyond the kitchen as many outdoor surfaces of the home are used as drying racks for fluorescent pink handmade rice and palm sugar cakes.
We met a local woman whose job has always been to create offerings with local plants. To watch her work is incredible, even in her golden year she moves astronomically fast as her fingers expertly put together the offerings. I ask her how she’s able to create so many so quickly and she smirks and says she does it to honor the Gods. In the same complex, I meet one of her grandsons who is also a woodworker and has created the doorways seen in his family homes. He creates the detailed structures by hands using the ancient tools of his forefathers. No attention to detail is skipped here and beauty is to be found in even the simplest of objects.
DEDICATION TO SUSTAINABILITY
Bagus Agro Pelaga is dedicated to the Tri Hita Karana, the ancient Balinese philosophy that is the harmony with people, god, and nature. This is the root of everything they do at the luxury farm stay. Those principals also demand sustainability efforts both environmentally and socially. Every day they’re making strides to become more eco-friendly, such as implementing ceramic reusable toiletries and avoiding plastic consumption. By being Bali’s first agro-tourism site they’re nurturing and supporting natural offerings of the land and environment through organic farming and education programs. They’re also completely locally operated, all staff are Indonesian, and most hail from nearby villages and have worked on the farmland for decades.
Their efforts pay off greatly as they’ve created a tranquil, harmonious environment at the mountainous destination. They maintain the same principals at their other properties which I hope to experience on my next trip to Bali, Puri Bagus Lovina, Puri Bagus Manggis, and Puri Bagus Candidasa.
Thank you, Bagus Agro Pelaga for hosting me at your gorgeous farm stay. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions and photos are my own. Please read the Miss Filatelista disclosure policy for more information.
Dave Weatherall
27 Feb 2018This looks so relaxing and unique! I've stayed in a mountain township in Taiwan, I loved it. It would be so cool to do similar in Bali when I finally get round to visiting.
miss filatelista
27 Feb 2018Hey Dave! Wow, I'd love to visit the mountain towns in Taiwan! When you get to Bali make it a point to head north away from Kuta to get in touch with the incredible culture of the island.
Nuraini Arsad
22 Mar 2018A truly sustainable place! Really good how strongly it is rooted in the persistence of the local culture and philosophy – buy-in like this is what makes such initiatives endure in the face of a wasteful world.
miss filatelista
22 Mar 2018Absolutely! They really marry ecological and social sustainability together beautifully at Bagus Agro Pelaga!
Jen at The Places We Live
22 Mar 2018OMG, that looks amazing! What a cool adventure. I have been super interested in learning more about the coffee process in Indonesia. I may have to try this place out. Thank you!
Joanna
22 Mar 2018This place sounds like such a gem! I’d love to have a night or two here to get some much needed rest and enjoy the moment
miss filatelista
22 Mar 2018It was such a cool adventure! This would be a fantastic place for you to learn about Indonesian coffee.
miss filatelista
22 Mar 2018Oooh I really hope you can do exactly that some day!
Soujanya Rai
22 Mar 2018I've done so much research on Bali and never chanced upon this place! It seems like the perfect day to stay and unwind for a while!
Liz
22 Mar 2018Love this post, it looks beautiful. I think it's great that you can learn more about the local organic produce, definitely enriches the travel experience!
Linda de Beer
22 Mar 2018How lucky were you to stay in the premier farm villa at Bagus Agro Pelaga. The breakfast delivered to your balcony looks absolutely delicious. I kind of fancy the idea of glamping if I ever get the chance to visit.
Jessica Foster
23 Mar 2018Oh my gosh, this is so beautiful! I am headed to SE Asia and plan on going to Bali, so I should def scope this place out! I love the pictures <3
miss filatelista
23 Mar 2018It was so beautiful and a great learning experience!
miss filatelista
23 Mar 2018I'm glad you found it now! It's a hidden gem, I hope you can experience it.
miss filatelista
23 Mar 2018Seriously, I was so lucky!! I wish I could teleport back right about now.
miss filatelista
23 Mar 2018I hope you can go stay here!