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Agrotourism in Indonesia: Gunung Mas Tea Plantation
Few experiences evoke nostalgia quite like a journey to Puncak, West Java. For decades, this mountainous retreat has been a favorite escape for city dwellers seeking fresh air and astounding landscapes. Among its most treasured destinations is Gunung Mas Tea Plantation, a sprawling estate where rolling green fields meet the misty highlands, offering a glimpse into Indonesia's rich tea heritage.
History and Craftsmanship
Located in Cisarua, Bogor, Gunung Mas dates back to the Dutch colonial era, with its tea factory established in 1910. Once owned by a French-Dutch company, the estate has since become a government-managed attraction spanning 6,000 acres. At 800 meters above sea level, it offers visitors a cool, refreshing climate ideal for tea cultivation. Beyond its history, Gunung Mas serves as a hub for tea education, where guests can tour the factory, observe traditional tea-making techniques, and gain insights into the estate's century-long legacy.
Gunung Mas produces some of Indonesia's finest teas, including green, black, and white varieties, which are exported to countries like Morocco and England. But the plantation's real strength lies in its people the generations of tea pickers who hand-harvest the leaves with meticulous care. Their expertise, passed down through the years, ensures that each batch upholds the estate's commitment to quality. These communities are the heart of Gunung Mas, preserving tradition while embracing sustainable practices.
Nature and Adventure
Beyond tea, Gunung Mas is home to diverse flora, including cinnamon trees, cinchona, avocados, and lemongrass. A hidden gem within the estate is its honey farm, where bees collect nectar from tea blossoms and wildflowers, producing pure, aromatic honey. Visitors can explore these agricultural wonders while enjoying activities like horseback riding, hiking, and even paragliding, making Gunung Mas a multifaceted destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Whether you're savoring a freshly brewed cup surrounded by mist-covered hills or tasting locally harvested honey, Gunung Mas is more than just a plantation it's a gateway to Indonesia's rich agricultural heritage. For those visiting Puncak, this longstanding estate offers a peaceful escape, a deeper appreciation for sustainable farming, and an unforgettable journey through the country's thriving tea culture.
Located in Cisarua, Bogor, Gunung Mas dates back to the Dutch colonial era, with its tea factory established in 1910. Once owned by a French-Dutch company, the estate has since become a government-managed attraction spanning 6,000 acres. At 800 meters above sea level, it offers visitors a cool, refreshing climate ideal for tea cultivation. Beyond its history, Gunung Mas serves as a hub for tea education, where guests can tour the factory, observe traditional tea-making techniques, and gain insights into the estate's century-long legacy.
Gunung Mas produces some of Indonesia's finest teas, including green, black, and white varieties, which are exported to countries like Morocco and England. But the plantation's real strength lies in its people the generations of tea pickers who hand-harvest the leaves with meticulous care. Their expertise, passed down through the years, ensures that each batch upholds the estate's commitment to quality. These communities are the heart of Gunung Mas, preserving tradition while embracing sustainable practices.
Nature and Adventure
Beyond tea, Gunung Mas is home to diverse flora, including cinnamon trees, cinchona, avocados, and lemongrass. A hidden gem within the estate is its honey farm, where bees collect nectar from tea blossoms and wildflowers, producing pure, aromatic honey. Visitors can explore these agricultural wonders while enjoying activities like horseback riding, hiking, and even paragliding, making Gunung Mas a multifaceted destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Whether you're savoring a freshly brewed cup surrounded by mist-covered hills or tasting locally harvested honey, Gunung Mas is more than just a plantation it's a gateway to Indonesia's rich agricultural heritage. For those visiting Puncak, this longstanding estate offers a peaceful escape, a deeper appreciation for sustainable farming, and an unforgettable journey through the country's thriving tea culture.