TIMES JAZIRAH, JAKARTA – Located near Bedengan Camping Ground, the Orange Agrotourism around Bedengan offers visitors a unique escape into nature. Upon entering the orchard, you are greeted by fresh air and rows of orange trees stretching as far as the eye can see. Covering about half a hectare, the orchard provides a vast, peaceful space surrounded by soothing greenery.

The gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze adds to the calm atmosphere. Visitors can relax under the shady trees while enjoying freshly picked oranges. The orchard features several orange varieties, including Baby Java, also known as Pacitan orange, the sweet Keprok, and the juicy Siem Madu. Each type of orange offers a different taste, from mild sweetness to a refreshing tang.

In addition to orange picking, the orchard provides well-maintained facilities. There are clean restrooms, a small café offering coffee and snacks, and shaded seating areas for visitors. These amenities, combined with the serene environment, make it an ideal spot for a relaxing break from daily routines.

Eko Wahyudi, the orchard's owner and manager, shares the story behind this agrotourism spot. "It all started when I was a child. My parents encouraged me to plant orange seedlings. Over time, the trees grew and began bearing fruit," Eko recalls. He planted his first orange trees in 1996. Three years later, they started to produce fruit. Although the orchard has been part of Eko's life for many years, it only opened to the public as a tourist destination about a year ago.

"Initially, it was just a regular orange orchard," Eko explains. However, with growing interest in nature-based tourism, Eko saw an opportunity to transform his orchard. "During the harvest season, from June to October, we get a lot of visitors. By the end of October, all the oranges are usually gone," he adds.

Visiting the orchard is simple and enjoyable. For just Rp20,000, visitors receive a basket and a knife to pick oranges. Any leftover oranges that visitors wish to take home are weighed and charged accordingly. For those who prefer not to pick their own, freshly harvested oranges are available for purchase. Prices vary by type, ranging from Rp7,000 to Rp14,000 per kilogram.

The proximity of Bedengan Camping Ground significantly boosts visitor numbers. Many tourists heading to Bedengan stop by the orchard, attracted by its convenient location. "Many people on their way to Bedengan end up visiting the orchard because it's the only path to the camping ground, and it's surrounded by orange trees," Eko explains.

The orchard is also a popular destination for orange wholesalers, who buy large quantities—up to 4 tons—to sell in major cities like Jakarta, Solo, and Semarang. Eko notes that managing the orchard is not easy. Regular fertilization and routine pest control are essential to maintaining the health of the orange trees.

In conclusion, Bedengan’s Orange Agrotourism offers a delightful experience for nature lovers and fruit enthusiasts. Whether you want to pick your own oranges or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings, this orchard provides a refreshing escape into Malang’s natural beauty. (*)