Kampung Coklat

Exploring the Sweetness of Education and Recreation at Kampung Coklat Blitar

Blitar is not only known as the City of Heroes or the final resting place of the Proclamator, Bung Karno. In the southern part of this regency, precisely in Kalami Village, Kademangan District, stands a thematic tourist destination that has become an icon of East Java tourism: Kampung Coklat. This destination offers a unique blend of productive plantations, educational tourism, and family entertainment centers, all enveloped in the captivating aroma of cocoa.

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History and Evolution: From Loss to Success

Kampung Coklat did not simply emerge as a large tourist spot. Its history is rooted in the perseverance of its owner, Mr. Kholid Mustofa. Initially, this land was a layer hen farm that went bankrupt due to an avian flu outbreak in 2004. Amidst this downturn, he decided to switch to planting cocoa trees on an area of approximately 750 square meters.

Over time, the cocoa plantation grew rapidly. In 2014, Kampung Coklat officially opened as an educational tourism destination. Its evolution has been significant; what was once just a simple cocoa garden has now transformed into an integrated tourist area of over a dozen hectares with modern facilities, without losing the natural charm of the plantation.

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A Unique Chocolate Education Experience

One of the main attractions that distinguishes Kampung Coklat from other recreational places is the "Tree to Bar" experience. Visitors don't just come to take photos; they are invited into the chocolate production ecosystem.

The most popular educational activity is the Chocolate Decorating Cooking Class. Here, children and adults are given liquid chocolate molds and various toppings to create their own designs according to their imagination. Additionally, there are garden tours where guides explain the process of cocoa seedling, tree care, and harvesting. Visitors can directly observe how cocoa beans are fermented, dried, and then processed in the milling machines in the factory area, separated by clear glass walls, providing transparency to the educational production process.

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Recreational Facilities and Family Rides

Kampung Coklat is designed as a one-stop leisure destination. After satisfying their curiosity about cocoa botany, families can enjoy various rides scattered throughout the area:

1. Water Attractions and Swimming Pool: There is a chocolate pool (a pool with brown/thematic colored water) and a general swimming pool that is very popular with children.

2. Mini Train and Paddle Boats: This area features an artificial river that winds around part of the complex, allowing visitors to take a paddle boat ride while enjoying the view of the lush cocoa trees.

3. Fish Therapy: For adult visitors seeking relaxation, there are fish therapy pools to soothe their feet after exploring the vast area.

4. Indoor and Outdoor Playground: Various children's agility games are available to ensure the little ones don't get bored.

Another unique feature is the arrangement of visitor tables and chairs placed directly under the shade of towering cocoa trees. This ambiance creates a cool microclimate, even when the Blitar weather is hot.

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Entertainment and Cultural Stage

Every weekend or national holiday, Kampung Coklat presents live music entertainment on its main stage. The music varies, from modern acoustic to traditional Javanese arts. The presence of this stage makes visitors' lunch experience more lively.

This venue often hosts local cultural festivals or Blitar UMKM (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) exhibitions. This demonstrates that Kampung Coklat is not merely a private business entity but a hub for creative economic activity in Blitar, embracing the local community.

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Cultural Significance and Community Role

Kampung Coklat has transformed the face of Kalami Village. Culturally, it re-popularizes the cocoa farming culture among the younger generation in a fun way. Economically, it absorbs hundreds of workers from the surrounding community and serves as a platform for local products to be marketed in their souvenir outlets.

The existence of this destination strengthens Blitar's identity as an innovative agricultural region. The chocolate produced is not just a commodity but a symbol of the revival and creativity of the rural communities of East Java.

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All-Chocolate Culinary Delights

A visit to Kampung Coklat is incomplete without tasting its culinary offerings. In the food court area, various unique chocolate-based food innovations are available, such as chocolate noodles, original chocolate ice cream, and chocolate martabak with a secret recipe. For classic flavor enthusiasts, hot chocolate drinks with various cocoa percentages (from dark chocolate to milk chocolate) are available, processed directly from their factory.

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Visitor Information and Best Time to Visit

Kampung Coklat is located at Jl. Banteng - Blorok No. 10, Kalami Village, Kademangan District, Blitar. Its location is very accessible by both private vehicles and tour buses due to its very spacious parking area.

• Opening Hours: Usually open daily from 08:00 to 16:30 WIB (weekdays) and until 18:00 WIB (weekends).
• Ticket Prices: Entrance tickets are very affordable, usually divided into regular tickets and package tickets for specific attractions.
• Best Time to Visit: It is recommended to visit in the morning (08:00 - 10:00) to enjoy the fresh plantation air and avoid long queues at the educational attractions. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, weekdays are the best choice, as on weekends, the place is very crowded with school bus groups and families.

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Conclusion

Kampung Coklat Blitar is a tangible proof of how a simple idea, managed seriously, can grow into a national-class tourist destination. It offers more than just a photo spot; it offers knowledge, family warmth, and a sweet experience that lingers on the tongue and in memory. For anyone visiting East Java, a stop at Kampung Coklat is the best way to celebrate Indonesia's natural wealth in one delicious bite of chocolate.