Gili Putih Sumberkima has become an Instagram and Social Media phenomenon in the past year or two. Known for it’s incredible views, photogenic outlook, and quintessential desert island vibes, it has been the source of an upswing in tourism to North West Bali. So for the chance of catching a glimpse, or even better, visiting the elusive strip of sand yourself, then you have come to the right place. This is your complete guide to Gili Putih Sumberkima, and all you need to know to visit.
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Table of Contents
- What is Gili Putih Sumberkima?
- Where is Gili Putih Sumberkima?
- How do I get to Gili Putih Sumberkima?
- What to do at Gili Putih Sumberkima
- What to take to Gili Putih Sumberkima
- When to visit Gili Putih Sumberkima
- Where to stay
What is Gili Putih Sumberkima?
Gili Putih is a thin strip of sand that forms a small island to the north of Bali, and is not to be confused with the more well known Gili Islands to the East of Bali. It has become very popular in recent times for people that are in search of the peace and seclusion that only an undiscovered tropical island can give you. Indeed, when Trekindonesia visited, we were the only ones on the island and there was definitely the feeling that you were somewhere rare and special. If you want to get away from it all, lay on a beach surrounded by crystal clear waters, clear your mind and forget the world, then this is the place.
Fun Fact – If you visit the island and it looks slightly different to pictures you have seen, then you may not be imagining it. This island changes shape constantly with the tides, so be assured that YOUR visit will be unique.
Where is Gili Putih Sumberkima?
This rare gem of an island can be found directly off the coast of Pemuteran in North West Bali. Even though it sits right beside West Bali National Park, this island is not actually a part of it, and no fees are charged to visit. Pemuteran is about a 3 hour trek from the Tourist hub in South East Bali, but it is worth it to experience the incredible things that this region has to offer.
How do I get to Gili Putih Sumberkima?
Once you are in Pemuteran, the trick is actually getting to the island. As it is relatively new on the radar of tourists to the area, there are no organised tours to get there. Yet! Our advice is to visit before everyone else begins flocking there.
So with no organised tours to Gili Putih Sumberkima, how do you get there? Basically, you need to find your own way. This, as we found, can be half the fun. But don’t worry, we have you covered.
Make your way down to the fishing village on the coast closest to Gili Putih. There, you will find plenty of local fishermen who know the bay and the islands better than anyone else. Ask anyone, and they will know Gili Putih Sumberkima. The problem we had was finding someone who was willing to make the trip. Depending on the time of day you arrive, you may have more luck. All you can do is ask around and someone will give you a lift out. Typically, it will cost around 400k Rupe for approx 4 or 5 persons to get a lift to the island, which is pretty good. It’s only a 10 minute trip in the boat, and the waters are usually calm.
There is some information going around that you can walk to Gili Putih Sumberkima on the low tide. Whether this is true or not we are not really sure, but would not recommend it. We could see no way, and were on the island not long after low tide and could see no obvious access as the water was too deep. Beware too, that the sand is made of sharp coral, and walking to the island could be slow and painful!
If you do have any issues getting to Gili Putih Suberkima, then contact me at The Travel Author. I have the name and number for one of the locals that helped us, and will gladly pass it on.
What to do at Gili Putih Sumberkima
Once on the island you will realize just how alone and secluded it is. This is all part of the charm of the place. Find yourself a nice strip of sand and kick back, enjoy the sun and the peace and quiet. There are also plenty of signs on the island where you can take those essential selfies and photo evidence of your visit, as well as a cute couples swing.
Don’t forget the water either. Clear and clean, it is perfect for that dip you have been craving since arriving in Pemuteran, because one more fact about Gili Putih Sumberkima is that it is made of white sand, where the majority of beaches on the North coast of Bali are black sand.
What to take to Gili Putih Sumberkima
Basically, take the usual essentials for any beach trip. Hat, sunscreen, towel. What you don’t want to forget, though, is the camera, selfie stick, Go Pro, or anything else you will want to take photos with.
One thing to remember though. If you like to fly a drone, and even though it is the perfect place to get that viral IG post, the whole area is drone restricted due to the small airport in Pemuteran. While we were there, a small plane was flying back and forth the entire time, so do your homework first and avoid any large fines.
When to visit Gili Putih Sumberkima
The weather on this part of the island is good. Even during their wet season from December to March, it is not like the wet season on the rest of the island, and there will be chances to visit on any given day. Having said that, the dry season is always best, as the temperatures are a lot more humane in the tropics at this time of year.
Sunset is definitely the best time of the day to be there as they are typically epic, and some visitors even stay well past sunset to enjoy the early evening. Other than that, any time of day is great on the island, but mornings and late afternoons are best.
Where to stay
Pemuteran itself has plenty of places to stay, depending upon your budget. Along the waterfront there a many places that cater to anyone, but especially divers.
Personally, we stayed at Umma Bali, and cannot recommend it enough. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the place only consists of four cute bungalows overlooking rice paddies. It is also one of the closest places to stay to the fishing village where you depart for the island, and the staff are more than willing to assist with any local inquiries if you get stuck.
DON’T FORGET to leave a comment below. I promise to reply!
Hello Jason!
I’m Linda, was born Bogota Colombia traveling from Australia to Bali in July, i have only 8 days to explore this island, anyway i really want to get a bit of every taste and tone that this island has to offer, i really want to start my trip from this side of the island. I am a bit concern about getting the transport and all of that, haha what do you recommend me when getting transport, i think my trip would start from the Airoport of Denpasar to Gili Putih Sumberkima and explore a bit the north area, there are some of the best waterfalls in this side of the island.
Thank you for your time and your great blog!
Hope you hear from you soon.
Hi Linda,
Thanks for reading!
This is a bit of a tough question, that I think only really has two answers. First is to drive yourself, which is probably not in the equation! I always ride my own scooter, but its a good 3 hour ride or drive. Gili Putih is basically on the total opposite side of the island.
Next option, REALISTIC option, would be to hire a private driver. You can do this at the airport, but you will get charged a LOT! If you are staying in Pemuteran, they may offer airport pickups, but once again, it’s a long way and that may not be an option either.
Have a look at the link below. It’s through Getyourguide to hire private car and driver. It would be an easy day for them to take you to Pemuteran and then simply drive home again.
If you have any issues, let me know. I might be able to find you a private driver through local contacts.
Have a great holiday!
https://www.getyourguide.com/bali-l347/bali-private-car-and-minibus-charter-with-driver-t111028/?partner_id=GBQZLZU&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle
J