During my recent trip to Bali with my 6-year-old son Leonardo, we were invited to visit the Junglegold chocolate factory in Mengwi, near Ubud, the world’s first 100% plant-based chocolate factory. It was an incredible experience, and both of us had a memorable time learning about chocolate-making from tree to bar.
At first, Leonardo was a little disappointed—he fully expected to meet Willy Wonka, and when he didn’t, there was a brief moment of letdown. But that didn’t last long! He quickly got so absorbed in the visit that he forgot all about Willy Wonka and focused entirely on the magical world of Junglegold.
The factory is a fascinating place where visitors can watch the entire chocolate-making process through large glass windows. Videos illustrate how Junglegold turns cacao fruits into delicious chocolate bars, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the journey from the cacao tree to the final product. The staff, all friendly and professional, wear uniforms and work meticulously in this organised and pristine environment.
For just 100,000 IDR per person, you can participate in the experience, which includes a factory tour, sampling chocolates, making your own chocolate bar and learning about the process in detail. Our guide, Purnaba, took special care of Leonardo, beginning with a tour of the cocoa plantation behind the factory. We learned about the three types of cacao trees and the rich history of cocoa, dating back to the Aztecs. The highlight of the visit was picking a ripe cacao fruit and tasting the white pulp around the pods—a delightful first for Leonardo. He then got to make his own chocolate bar! Purnaba handed him a sticker with his name, and he filled a bag with pure liquid chocolate. After a quick trip to the fridge, Leonardo’s creation was complete, and he proudly placed his sticker on his custom bar.
Junglegold truly stands out not only for its delicious, plant-based chocolate but also for its sustainable and ethical practices. Their commitment to creating dairy-free chocolate ensures that everyone, even those with dietary restrictions, can enjoy their treats. With a wide variety of flavors to sample—ranging from sea salt and cocoa nibs to caramel crunch and Bali 100% cocoa—the tasting experience at the factory’s shop and café was a delight.
An exciting fact we learned was that last year, Junglegold won second place in the world chocolate competition, coming in right behind Belgium—an impressive feat for this Bali-based factory.
The shop has all their flavors on display, making it the perfect place to purchase gifts for loved ones. The staff encourages guests to take their time exploring and sampling different chocolates, making it a fun and relaxed environment.
Overall, Junglegold hosted us for a memorable afternoon in Bali. It was a great educational experience for Leonardo, and the opportunity to make his own chocolate bar added an extra touch of excitement to our visit. If you’re ever in Bali, the Junglegold factory is definitely worth a stop—not only for its world-class chocolate but also for its warm hospitality and fascinating story.
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