If you’ve been with us here at The Bali Sun for a while, you know how much we love North Bali. This part of the island is home to some of the most impressive waterfalls, pristine jungles, incredible beaches, and yes, secret islands.
You may have already heard us talk about Menjangan Island, a little-known island off West Bali National Park, but did you know that Northwest Bali has another even smaller, even more secretive island?
Let’s be clear, when we and others talk about North Bali, we’re really talking about the whole of the northern half of the island, including Northwest Bali, and we tend to include West Bali National Park in the mix too.
You can think of ‘North Bali’ as shorthand for ‘off-path Bali’. So, have you heard of Bali’s most secret island?
We’re sure if you spoke to a geographer, they would probably tell you that it’s a sandbar, but this secret spot is called Gili Putih, which translates to mean White Island, so…it’s an island.
Gili Putih can be found just a stone’s throw from North Bali’s Sumberkima. The island sandbar is uninhabited…uninhabitable in fact, and is only accessible and visible at low tide.
What makes this spot even more magical is that, due to the tides, the sandbar is a different shape every single time.
This means that no two trips are ever the same, and at high tide, the sandbar all but disappears. Known to the local community and fishermen for generations, Gili Putih is now starting to hit tourists’ radars.
This is because a few local accommodations, including Sumberkima Hill Retreat and Mangroove Bay Hostel, have partnered with the local community who safeguard the sandbar, to arrange exclusive trips to the island.
Sumberkima Hill Retreat can host exclusive luxury dinner experiences for guests out on Gili Putih.
The team shares that the secret island is “perfect for larger group celebrations and milestone events. Enjoy beach barbecues, fresh seafood, and traditional Indonesian cuisine while surrounded by crystal-clear waters and spectacular sunset views on this hidden paradise island.”
For those who like their island adventures a little more active, it is possible for guests of Sumberkima Hill Retreat to arrive by a stand-up paddleboard or kayak trip out to Gili Putih.
Guests can also add on paddles through the stunning mangrove forest and snorkelling too. We highly recommend snorkelling and diving in this part of Bali.
While most tourists head over to Nusa Penida or even Amed for underwater adventures, North and Northwest Bali are home to some of the most impressive coral gardens, and intensive conservation and restoration work over the last decade means that this is also the fastest-growing coral ecosystem in Bali Province.
Sumberkima Hill Retreat has dozens of different villas for guests to choose from, as well as intimate cabins and stunning rooms.
Many of the stays offer a private pool, and each room, whether a suite or in a villa, offers genuinely breathtaking views of the North Bali landscape.
Located in the village of Sumberkima is Mangroove Bay Hostel. This boutique hostel will challenge all your preconceptions about hostels, we can assure you that.
Offering an outstanding range of exclusive trips, tours, and experiences, as well as stylish air-conditioned dorms, private rooms, and Javan Gladak homes, Mangroove Bay Hostel is a reason to visit North Bali in its own right.
Of course, no visit to North Bali would be complete without organising an early morning sunrise boat tour to find the resident pod of dolphins.
It is not utterly exhilarating to see dolphins, we can assure you, and it is well worth the early alarm call.
If we had our way we would be out on the water with the dolphins every morning…but alas..the news headlines call to us!
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