I went to Talasi Estate for the trek… and stayed for the arak. Honestly, the only thing higher than the mountain was my spirits by the time I finished!
Here is the summary. The hike was steep, my legs were protesting, and I was starting to wonder if I’d accidentally signed up for a jungle marathon. But then I reached the top and the reward? A glass of arak so smooth it made me forget about all that uphill drama. Talasi Estate truly knows how to turn a sweaty adventure into a celebration!
Discover Talasi Estate: Home of Karusotju (Balinese Liquor)
Nestled in Banjar Biyahan, Wanagiri, Selemadeg, Tabanan, Talasi Estate is renowned for its unique Balinese Drink – Karusotju, crafted in the serene Batukaru Mountains. Inspired by Japan’s traditional shōchū distillation process, Karusotju blends Bali’s natural elements with centuries-old techniques to produce a truly distinctive spirit. In addition to offering this exceptional arak, Talasi Estate also provides the unforgettable Batukaru Rainforest Trekking Experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Bali’s lush natural beauty while exploring the surrounding rainforest.
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A Warm Welcome at Talasi Estate
As soon as I arrived at Talasi Estate, I was greeted with a warm welcome that set the tone for the entire experience. I was handed a refreshing welcome drink, a delightful blend of vinegar and honey—something I hadn’t expected but instantly loved. The combination of the tangy vinegar and sweetness from the honey felt incredibly refreshing and energizing. They also served me a snack of pisang (Banana) rai with honey, which was the perfect bite to start the day. The delicious traditional snack definitely made me feel like I was experiencing the local flavors of Bali.
Starting the Trek: From Farmlands to the Depths of the Jungle
After the welcome drinks and snacks, it was time to start the Batukaru Trekking. The trail first took me through local fields, where I could see rows of crops neatly grown by the farmers.
The path was flat and easy, making for a calm start to the trek. As I walked, I noticed a sign at the beginning of the trail showing the wildlife found in the nearby forest. The guide said that deer often roamed the area, which made me excited to possibly spot one. But despite the guide’s information and the beautiful surroundings, I wasn’t lucky enough to see any deer during the trek.
As we continued, the path started to get a bit tougher. The flat, easy trail turned into a more rugged one as we entered the forest around Mount Batukaru. The change in surroundings was amazing—one moment, we were walking through peaceful fields, and the next, we were deep in the jungle.
Along the way, I spotted an interesting flower. The guide pointed out that it was a forest orchid, which had a unique shape compared to the usual orchids I had seen before. It was fascinating to learn how these orchids thrive in the forest’s environment, and it added a special touch to the trek.
Reaching the Arak Distillation Site: A Sip of Bali’s Heritage
After our moderate hike through the jungle, we reached the Arak Distillation site, where the real adventure began. Before diving into the exciting world of arak distillation experience, we enjoyed a well-deserved lunch. The meal was a perfect break, allowing us to relax and recharge before continuing the arak distillation experience.
Once we had our fill, it was time for the arak tasting and pairing session, and it didn’t disappoint. They introduced us to the traditional process of arak distillation, a technique passed down through generations in Bali. Having heard about arak before, I was eager to see the process firsthand.
I was surprised to learn that they make the arak here from Cilembu sweet potatoes, not rice or palm sap! To make just one 750ml bottle of arak, they need a staggering 20 kg of sweet potatoes. The process is surprisingly labor-intensive, requiring great skill and patience. Understanding the effort behind making this beloved Balinese spirit made the experience all the more impressive.
We also got to see the traditional tools used in the distillation process. The copper pot still is essential for extracting flavor from the sweet potatoes during fermentation. Seeing the process firsthand made me appreciate the care and effort needed to craft the perfect bottle of arak. It’s no wonder this drink is such a beloved part of Balinese culture!
The best part of the experience? We enjoyed an exciting arak tasting, sampling three varieties: 18%, 25%, and 38% alcohol content. Each had a unique flavor, from the smooth 18% to the bold, intense 38% variety. My personal favorite was the 25%, which had a wonderfully balanced flavor.
What made this tasting even more fascinating was how they served each arak in different ways. They paired the 25% arak with hot water, bringing out its smooth and mellow qualities. They served the 18% arak at room temperature, allowing its subtle and delicate flavors to shine through. As for the 38% arak, it was served chilled, almost frozen. The bottle was cold, but the arak remained liquid, strong, and full of intense flavor with a sharp kick.
To make this tasting experience even more memorable, they decided to pair each arak with fresh carrot slices. This thoughtful pairing not only enhanced the flavors but also created a delightful balance, making the tasting even more enjoyable. The sweetness and crunch of the carrots perfectly complemented the arak’s flavors, an unexpected but delightful pairing. It was eye-opening, showing how the right food pairing can enhance and elevate the drink’s flavors!
Wrapping Up: A Memorable Journey
The Batukaru Trekking and Arak Distillation Experience was an unforgettable adventure, blending the natural beauty of Bali with the rich cultural heritage of the island. From the warm hospitality at Talasi Estate to the incredible trekking through the jungle and the fascinating arak tasting, it was a day that engaged all of my senses.
If you ever find yourself in Bali and are looking for something unique, this experience is a must. It’s not just about the trek or the arak; it’s about connecting with the land, the culture, and the traditions that make Bali such a special place. – Kura Kura Bus
