Ubud: Cacao Plantation Tour w/ Chocolate Workshop & Tasting

Exploring the Ubud Cacao Plantation Tour with Chocolate Workshop & Tasting

If you’re headed to Bali and have a sweet tooth—or just love learning how things are made—you might have come across the Ubud Cacao Plantation Tour with Chocolate Workshop & Tasting. This experience promises a blend of nature, culinary craft, and scenic beauty all in one go. While it’s not perfect for everyone—some reviews suggest it falls short in depth—it’s a solid choice if you want a taste of Bali’s chocolate scene without breaking the bank.

What we like about this tour is how it combines learning about cacao cultivation with a hands-on chocolate-making experience. Plus, the chance to enjoy artisanal chocolate tasting in a tranquil setting is a definite highlight. On the flip side, some visitors have found the actual plantation tour somewhat brief or superficial, so if you’re after an in-depth exploration, this might not satisfy fully.

Ultimately, this tour suits travelers looking for a family-friendly, interactive activity that is reasonably priced, scenic, and offers a creative break from temples and markets. If you’re curious about how chocolate is made or want a relaxed, fun activity with some delicious rewards, this could be just the thing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Interactive experience: Hands-on chocolate-making that is engaging for all ages.
• Scenic setting: Beautiful views of lush cacao plantations that make the experience more immersive.
• Educational element: Learn about cacao cultivation and the process from bean to bar.
• Cost-effective: At around $26 per person, it offers good value—especially considering the included tasting and workshop.
• Quality tasting: Enjoy artisanal chocolates and make your own chocolate drink.
• Mixed reviews: Some visitors feel the plantation tour is too brief or superficial, so manage expectations accordingly.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

What the Tour Promises

This tour is designed as a combination of education, creativity, and tasting. Starting at Tebasari Coffee & Chocolate, you’ll get a scenic walk through cacao trees, observing how cacao pods are harvested and processed. The guided part aims to shed light on cacao cultivation—a key part of Bali’s agriculture and local economy—and the steps involved in turning beans into the chocolate you savor.

The highlight for most is the hands-on chocolate-making workshop. Participants are invited to roast, grind, and mold their own chocolates. The process might seem straightforward—just a bit of liquid chocolate filled into molds and sprinkled with nuts or sugar pearls—but it offers a genuine chance to create something edible with your own hands. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, you’ll likely find the activity engaging and a good way to connect with the craft of chocolate.

The Plantation Tour: Brief but Scenic

Several reviewers, including Mara, have voiced disappointment with how the plantation tour is handled. She notes, “the ‘tour of the cocoa plantation’ was virtually non-existent; we were guided through a garden for maybe 1-2 minutes.” This suggests that the plantation aspect might be more about a quick overview rather than a deep dive into cacao farming.

However, the scenic views of the plantation are still a plus. You’ll walk amidst green cacao trees, get some fresh air, and learn a bit about the harvesting process. Though brief, for many travelers, this part adds authentic Bali scenery to the experience.

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Chocolate Workshop & Tasting: The Real Reward

The chocolate workshop is comparatively simple—participants fill molds with melted chocolate, sprinkle toppings, and wait for their creations to set. While Mara was disappointed that “all you got was a bit of liquid chocolate,” others have enjoyed the fun of making their own chocolates and the delicious tasting afterward.

The tasting session includes three types of toppings—Balinese peanut, chocolate sprinkles, and chocolate chips—and a generous 150 grams of dark chocolate per adult. The experience of sampling artisanal chocolates in a lush environment adds a sensory layer that many find worthwhile.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour’s price of $26 covers hotel pickups (if you choose that option), admission to Tebasari Coffee & Chocolate, the chocolate-making workshop, and tasting. It also includes a certificate of appreciation—a small but nice touch.

Extras such as Luwak coffee are not included and come at an extra cost if you’re interested. Also, note that food allergies or sensitivities are not recommended to participate, as the experience involves chocolate and nuts.

Transportation & Group Size

If you opt for hotel pickup, transfers are available across Ubud and surrounding areas, with an additional charge for Uluwatu. The activity is generally conducted in small groups, making it more personalized, but this isn’t explicitly stated. Timing is flexible within a 1–3 hour window, so you can usually find a slot that fits your schedule.

The Experience Through the Lens of Reviews

While some travelers enjoy the scenic views and interactive fun, others have expressed disappointment. Mara’s review is quite blunt, criticizing the plantation tour’s brevity and the chocolate workshop’s simplicity. She felt the tasting was a bit unfair—having to share samples despite paying full price—and found the overall value lacking.

In contrast, a traveler who left a 5-star review praised it as “incredible” and “so interesting and fun to try,” highlighting that the interactive nature and delicious chocolates made the experience memorable.

This divergence underscores that expectations matter. If you’re after a quick, fun activity with some scenic views and delicious treats, this tour delivers. But if you’re looking for an in-depth, educational plantation tour, you might be disappointed.

Analyzing the Value

At $26 per person, this experience is relatively inexpensive compared to more extensive tours. It offers a meaningful glimpse into chocolate production without the need for a full-day commitment. Plus, the inclusion of a certificate and a decent amount of chocolate makes it a nice souvenir or gift.

However, some might feel that the briefness of the plantation tour and simple workshop don’t justify the cost if quality and depth are top priorities. For those travelers, seeking a more comprehensive plantation or farm visit might be better, even if it costs a little more.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour works best for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a light, engaging activity that combines scenery, learning, and indulgence. It’s suitable for those with a curiosity about chocolate, or who want a relaxed break from temple visits.

Keep in mind, it’s not ideal for chocolate allergies or special dietary needs, and if you’re hoping for an in-depth plantation experience, you may want to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

The Ubud Cacao Plantation Tour with Chocolate Workshop & Tasting offers a fun, accessible way to understand and enjoy Bali’s cacao and chocolate. While some may find the plantation tour too brief and the workshop simple, many will appreciate the scenic environment, interactive element, and delicious samples.

It’s a good value option for those seeking a short, family-friendly activity that’s both educational and tasty. If you’re after a more detailed plantation visit, consider other options, but for a relaxed, enjoyable experience that combines culture, nature, and sweet treats, this tour fits the bill.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, if you choose the pickup option, round-trip transfers from your hotel are included. Additional charges apply for Uluwatu area pickups.

How long does the tour last?
It can range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the schedule. Check availability for specific starting times.

Can I participate if I have food allergies?
It’s not recommended, as the experience involves chocolate and nuts, which might trigger allergies.

Is the plantation tour worth it?
Reviews are mixed. Some find it too brief, while others enjoy the scenery. It’s best for those wanting a quick overview rather than an in-depth tour.

What is included in the price?
Admission to Tebasari Coffee & Chocolate, the chocolate workshop, tasting, a certificate, and all necessary ingredients and equipment.

Can kids join?
Yes, especially since there’s fun chocolate painting for children, and the activity is generally kid-friendly.

Are there any extra costs?
Luwak coffee and other add-ons are extra, and not included in the base price.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended for walking and participating in the workshop.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible.

How authentic is the plantation tour?
According to some reviews, the plantation walk may be brief or superficial, so don’t expect a comprehensive farm tour.

Whether you’re a chocoholic or just looking for a relaxed, scenic activity, the Ubud cacao experience offers a sweet way to spend a few hours in Bali. Just keep your expectations in check, and you’ll find it a delightful, tasty break in your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: