Blitar – Besides being famous for Bung Karno’s Tomb, Blitar also has a unique tourist destination that has attracted both local and international tourists—Blitar Chocolate Village.
This place offers an educational and fun experience about the world of cocoa and chocolate, making it a perfect choice for a family vacation.
Every weekend, this place is packed with visitors seeking a unique experience, such as:
– Learning how cocoa is processed from bean to ready-to-eat chocolate.
– Tasting quality chocolate products, from bars, powder, pralines, to chocolate drinks.
– Workshops on making your own chocolate with expert guidance.
– Play in a special children’s area or relax in a cafe with a chocolate-based menu.
Blitar Chocolate Village is not only a recreational destination, but also plays a role in:
– Empowering cocoa farmers through the provision of superior seeds, organic fertilizer, training, and marketing.
– Improving farmer welfare with a fairer pricing system than middlemen.
Initially, H. Kholid Mustofa (a chicken farmer) switched to cocoa cultivation after his business went bankrupt due to the bird flu outbreak (2004). With perseverance, he:
– Cared for 120 cocoa trees on 750 m² of land.
– Interned at PTPN XII Penataran and the Indonesian Cocoa Research Center in Jember (2005).
– Produced 7,500 cocoa seedlings and invited local farmers to join him.
– Successfully supplied 300 tons of cocoa beans per month to the processing factory (2007).
Fun Activities to Do in Blitar’s Chocolate Village:
1. Chocolate Factory Tour
Explore the process of turning cocoa into ready-to-eat chocolate! You’ll see:
– Production stages from bean cracking, grinding, to packaging.
– Sophisticated machinery used in chocolate making.
– Finished products such as chocolate bars, powder, pralines, and chocolate drinks.
2. Shop at the Chocolate Outlet
Bring home some Blitar’s signature chocolate souvenirs with:
– Unique flavors: durian, mango, and even chili chocolate!
– Affordable prices with premium quality.
– Cute chocolate-themed souvenirs for souvenirs.
3. Cocoa Farm Exploration
Experience being a cocoa farmer for a day:
– Hands-on experience planting, caring for, and harvesting cocoa.
– Learn to distinguish the types and qualities of cocoa beans.
– Taste the sweet and refreshing fresh cocoa fruit.
4. Children’s Play Area
Your little ones can have fun at the following attractions:
– Classic rides: swings, slides, and ball pits.
– Sand zone for building sandcastles.
– Large field for running and playing.
5. Chocolate Making Workshop
Unleash your inner chocolatier!
– Expert guidance on making chocolate bars/pralines.
– Free-form creations with your favorite toppings.
– Take home your creations as souvenirs.
6. Unique Chocolate Cuisine at the Cafe
Challenge your taste buds with this special menu:
– Main dishes: chocolate fried rice, chocolate noodles, chocolate fried chicken.
– Snacks: chocolate pizza, chocolate pancakes.
– Drinks: premium hot chocolate with various toppings.
