The Warmth of Bedugul: A Guide to Our Herbal Heritage
The cold in the Bedugul caldera is a shock to the system. It settles in early and stays late, offering a crisp, misty atmosphere that feels worlds away from the humid heat of the coast. While a jacket helps, the locals have always relied on a different method to keep the chill at bay.
Handara Golf & Resort serves Jamu because it is the perfect antidote to this mountain climate. But we also serve it to honor a history that goes back 1,300 years.
The word Jamu comes from the Old Javanese words Djampi (healing) and Oesodo (health). It was not originally created for the common people, but was developed inside the Royal Palaces (Kraton) of the Mataram Kingdom. It was the “secret weapon” of royalty—crafted by healers to ensure the kings remained strong and the princesses remained beautiful.
Over centuries, this knowledge flowed from the palaces to the villages, becoming the daily fuel for farmers and laborers across the archipelago. Today, we prepare these drinks fresh daily using the potent roots grown in our volcanic soil.
Here are the three varieties we serve and the history behind them.
Kunyit Asam
Turmeric & Tamarind
The History: This recipe is the closest link to the ancient palaces. Historically, it was the “beauty secret” of the royal courts, consumed by princesses to maintain glowing skin and a slim figure.
The Benefit: Today, it is valued for its anti-inflammatory power. It combines the earthiness of Turmeric (Kunyit) with the sharp tang of Tamarind (Asam). It acts as a natural detoxifier, aiding digestion and resetting the body after travel–making you feel lighter and refreshed.
Beras Kencur
Rice & Aromatic Ginger
The History: If Kunyit Asam was for the palace, Beras Kencur was for the people. It was the original “energy drink” of the archipelago, created to give farmers the stamina to work the fields and to soothe their aching muscles at the end of the day.
The Benefit: Thicker and savory-sweet, this blend uses raw rice (Beras) for sustained energy and Kencur (aromatic ginger) to target inflammation. For a golfer walking our 18 holes, this is the ultimate recovery drink. We recommend a glass of post-round to settle the stomach and relieve body soreness.
Jahe Pandan
Red Ginger & Pandan Leaf
The History: In the cool highlands, offering a warm ginger drink has always been the ultimate sign of hospitality–a way to welcome a guest by physically warming their spirit.
The Benefit: When the evening mist rolls in and temperatures drop to 14°C, this is essential. Ginger stimulates circulation, raising your body temperature to drive out the cold (masuk angin). The addition of Pandan Leaf adds a calming aroma that lowers stress. Drinking this before bed warms the chest and settles the mind, ensuring a deep sleep in the quiet of the crater.
We invite you to try these flavors during your time with us. They offer a direct connection to the history of Indonesia and a healthy, effective way to acclimate to the mountain air.
Ask our team at the Orient Nine Teahouse & Restaurant for the daily preparation. It is a simple way to feel better.
Selamat Minum.
