In the lush highlands of Semarang, Central Java, there lies a hidden gem that blends history, nature, and coffee culture. Banaran Coffee Village is known for its sprawling coffee plantations, but what truly sets it apart is the opportunity to take a historical train ride through the scenic beauty of the area. With BBTF 2025 focusing on “Indonesia: Preserving Green Nature and Cultural Heritage for the World,” Banaran Coffee Village is a perfect example of how tourism can celebrate heritage while promoting sustainable, nature-based experiences.
The Train Ride: A Journey Back in Time
The historical train ride at Banaran Coffee Village offers more than just a leisurely trip through the plantation. It is an immersion into Indonesia’s colonial past, when trains played a crucial role in transporting goods, including coffee, from the plantations to the ports. The train, which runs through the Banaran Coffee Estate, offers passengers stunning views of rolling hills covered in coffee plants, lush greenery, and breathtaking vistas of Mount Merbabu in the distance.
Riding this train gives visitors a chance to witness how coffee has shaped the region’s history and economy. The train itself is a beautifully restored relic of Indonesia’s rich industrial past, offering a glimpse into the days when steam-powered locomotives were the lifeblood of trade and agriculture. The nostalgia of riding a historical train combined with the fresh mountain air makes this experience a journey into both nature and history.
Coffee, Culture, and Conservation
Banaran Coffee Village is not just about the train ride. The village’s coffee plantation, managed by PT Perkebunan Nusantara IX, is an essential part of Indonesia’s coffee heritage. Visitors can explore the plantation, learn about the process of growing, harvesting, and roasting coffee, and even enjoy a fresh brew made from beans grown right on the estate. The village emphasizes sustainable farming practices, ensuring that the coffee is grown with minimal environmental impact, preserving the natural beauty of the region.
As BBTF 2025 aims to promote destinations that integrate nature, culture, and sustainability, Banaran Coffee Village stands out as a model of responsible tourism. The historical train ride allows visitors to travel back in time, appreciating the role of railways in Indonesia’s history while soaking in the green beauty of the coffee plantation. It’s not just a train ride – it’s a step into Indonesia’s cultural and environmental legacy.
