Your guide to luwak coffee & the luwak coffee planation in ubud

Did you know that Indonesia produces some of the highest quality coffee in the world? While there are various coffee varieties the country has become known for, one of the most sought out types of coffee is luwak coffee. And guess what? There are special coffee plantations in Bali that you can visit to learn about the luwak coffee, try a coffee flight, and even purchase some to take back home. If you're a coffee connoisseur looking to learn more about iconic Balinese luwak coffee, you've come to the right place. My friends and I visited a coffee plantation and we're here to give you all the details so you know EXACTLY what to expect (because we did not).

what is luwak coffee?

Luwak coffee is a special type of coffee typically produced on the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali, Sulawesi, and East Timor. It is composed of partially digested coffee cherries that a civet has eaten and defecated back out, and it's said to be one of the highest quality and most expensive types of coffee in the world.

HOW IS LUWAK COFFEE MADE?

Luwak coffee, otherwise known as civet coffee, is coffee that is produced in a very peculiar way. An animal known as the Asian palm civer (or luwak) consumes the ripest, most favorable coffee cherries and those cherries are fermented as they pass through the animal's digestive system. Then, the luwak excretes the high quality beans which are cleaned and used to create coffee. Because of this process, this type of coffee is known to be smooth, complex, and somewhat earthy compared to traditional coffee. The digestive enzymes in the animal are said to break down any bitterness in the coffee beans, leaving a nutty, rich, one-of-a-kind hot beverage.

WHY IS LUWAK COFFEE ONE OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE TYPES OF COFFEE IN THE WORLD?

The reason that luwak coffee is so expensive is because of how extensive the production process is. Instead of going through the typical process of harvesting the coffee beans, processing them, roasting them, and grounding them, luwak coffee involves an Asian palm luwak ingesting special ripe coffee cherries, digesting them, and then farmers can go through the process of collecting the beans, processing them, roasting them, and grounding them. Because the coffee is so good, there is also a high demand associated with luwak coffee which drives up the price.

IS LUWAK COFFEE ETHICAL?

Despite the fact that many coffee plantations claim to use cruelty-free practices, most plantations do not produce luwak coffee ethically. This is because the animals are caught in snares and transported back to plantations where they are force-fed the coffee cherries. and they are often put on display for tourists to watch. This is not exactly the most humane practice, but it is something many tourists are not aware of (my group included).

Visiting a Luwak Coffee Plantation in Ubud

The Luwak Coffee Plantation is a beautiful place. Our driver suggested stopping at the plantation to walk around and try some coffee, and not knowing anything about the plantation or the coffee, we just agreed. I didn't drink too much caffeine at the time so I remember having small sips of a few coffees and then walking around to take photos. My friends, on the other hand, got an entire coffee flight and they did love it. We didn't go on any type of tour or anything, so we didn't see any animals and we actually weren't away of the fermentation process whatsoever. We just thought it was high quality coffee made in Bali, and we figured we would try it. Now understanding the ethics and the process the beans undergo, I'm not sure I would want to try it again, but I wouldn't judge anyone who did want to experience tasting the coffee once.

How Much Does Luwak Coffee Cost in Bali?

The cost of luwak coffee depends on where you go! If you are trying it at a coffee plantation, you can likely get a small cup for about 50,000 IDR ($3 USD or $4.5 AUD). If you're looking to drink a cup at a cafe in Bali, you can expect it to cost between 50,000 to 150,000 IDR (around $3 to $10 USD). If you're purchasing a 1 lb bag of luwak coffee online to make at home, expect it to cost at least $100 to $300 USD due to shipping, branding, and certifications. You may be able to buy the same 1 lb bag in Bali locally for around 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 IDR (approximately $65 to $100 USD), depending on whether it's wild-sourced or farmed.

Is It Worth Trying Luwak Coffee in Bali?

This answer is subjective. While there's no denying that luwak coffee tastes smoother, less bitter, and overall a lot better than traditional coffee, it is not the most ethical practice. It's up to you to decide whether or not you want to visit and support an industry caging animals to keep up with high international coffee demands. Despite the fact that my friends and I did go and enjoy the experience, it's important to understand we had no clue what luwak coffee was, how it was made, and we didn't see any animals. We simply went to the plantation as a stop from our guide, drank some quality coffee, and left. It wasn't until years later that we even learned that the coffee beans we drank were digested through an animal!

Planning Your Bali Adventure? Start With the Local Experiences

Visiting a Luwak coffee plantation is one of the more unique experiences you can have in Bali, though it's important to be mindful of the ethical concerns around how the coffee is produced. Whether you plan to visit or skip it, there’s still so much to explore—from beaches and temples to scenic hikes and local food. Be sure to check out my full guide on 30 unforgettable things to do in Bali, where to stay based on your travel style, and what to know about renting a car or scooter. I also cover tips on staying healthy, navigating customs, and planning fun outings like the Bali Zoo or Ubud Monkey Forest. Scroll down for more Bali travel tips, and subscribe for honest, helpful guides sent straight to your inbox.