Arca Coffee: From seed to cup, a story rooted in Bali
In the highlands of Bali, where volcanic soil and cool mountain air shape some of the island’s most expressive coffees, Arca Coffee stands as more than a café. It is a place where craftsmanship, agriculture, and storytelling come together, offering a deeper understanding of what Balinese coffee represents, from plantation to cup. Drawn by this connection between land and craft, we set out to discover the plantation behind Arca Coffee and the people who bring it to life.
A place connected to its land
Arca Coffee is deeply rooted in its natural surroundings, set in the mountainous region of Kintamani, where Bali reveals a quieter and cooler side. At higher altitude, the air is fresher, the pace slower, and the landscape shaped by volcanic soil and open horizons. This environment plays a central role in both the way coffee is grown and how it is experienced.
The Arca Coffee plantation spans 2.5 hectares of land, cultivated with care and respect for the rhythms of nature. Rather than transforming the space into something polished or urban, the team has chosen to preserve its agricultural essence, allowing the land to remain the focus. The result is an atmosphere that feels calm, grounded, and deeply connected to place.
Here, coffee is approached as a natural product shaped by climate, altitude, and time. Guests are invited to slow down, taste with intention, and understand the relationship between land and cup. More than just a stop for coffee, Arca Coffee becomes a place of discovery, where the setting itself is part of the experience, and quality is defined as much by origin as by craftsmanship.
Wayan Arca: a new generation of Balinese coffee makers
At the heart of Arca Coffee is Wayan Arca — a young coffee grower, barista, and mixologist who embodies a new generation of Balinese producers. His approach bridges tradition and modern technique, combining hands-on farming knowledge with contemporary brewing and flavor exploration.
Wayan’s vision goes beyond serving good coffee. He is deeply involved in every stage of the process, from cultivation to extraction, and is passionate about sharing that journey with others. His background as a barista and mixologist adds a creative dimension to the experience, allowing classic coffee profiles to be explored through innovative preparations and thoughtful pairings.
When we visited the plantation, we were welcomed with genuine warmth and openness. Wayan, along with the rest of the team, was incredibly generous with his time, guiding us through the land, explaining each step with a constant smile, and creating an atmosphere that felt both educational and deeply human. It is this collective energy, not just one person, that makes Arca Coffee feel so special: a place shaped by people who truly care about what they grow, share, and serve.
Beyond coffee: a diverse and living plantation
While coffee is at the core of Arca, the plantation itself is far from mono-cultural. The land is cultivated with a variety of plants, reflecting traditional Balinese farming practices that prioritize balance and sustainability.
Alongside coffee trees, the plantation grows spices, fruits, and other local crops, creating a rich ecosystem rather than a single-product farm. During our visit, we walked through rows of orange and lemon trees, passed by chili plants, and discovered vanilla pods, ginger, and turmeric growing directly from the soil. This diversity not only supports the health of the land, but also influences the flavors found in the coffee, shaped by the surrounding environment and natural biodiversity.
Visitors gain insight into how interconnected farming practices contribute to long-term quality, resilience, and respect for the land.
Coffee at Arca: everything you need to know
Arca Coffee offers a full exploration of specialty coffee, with a strong focus on transparency and education. From varietals grown on the plantation to post-harvest processes such as washing, drying, and roasting, each step is carefully explained and executed.
Guests can discover:
– Single-origin coffees grown on-site
– Different processing methods and how they affect flavor
– Brewing techniques ranging from classic espresso to manual pour-overs
– Creative coffee-based drinks influenced by mixology
The result is a tasting experience that highlights clarity, balance, and terroir, allowing each cup to tell the story of where it comes from.
Arca Coffee represents a shift in how coffee is experienced in Bali, rooted in knowledge, respect, and intention. It is not just a place to drink coffee, but a place to understand it. By connecting visitors directly to the land, the grower, and the process, Arca Coffee offers a meaningful alternative to conventional café culture, one that celebrates craft, sustainability, and the future of Balinese coffee.
For those seeking a deeper connection to what they drink, Arca Coffee is a journey worth taking. After spending time on the plantation and meeting the people behind it, we know we will gladly return, drawn back by the warmth, the generosity, and the care that define Arca Coffee.