Gili Putih Sumberkima: The Sandbar West of Pemuteran

Gili Putih has no entrance fee; you only pay to hire a fishing boat from Bangsal pier in Sumberkima village, around Rp300,000-450,000 per boat return for 5-10 people, with roughly 2 hours of waiting time included (IDN Times Bali and other travel sources, checked September 2026). The crossing takes just 10-15 minutes. Sumberkima sits next to Pemuteran in Gerokgak district, so it fits easily between west Bali snorkelling plans.

What you actually get

Gili Putih is not a fixed island but a white sandbar whose size follows the tide. IDN Times puts it at about 500 m² at high tide and 1-3 hectares at low tide. It is looked after by the local tourism group Pokdarwis Kima Bahari Mandasari, which has planted a few trees and added swings and gazebos (RRI, 2024). Around it the water is clear and blue with coral and starfish, fine for relaxed snorkelling from the edge. The hills of west Bali make a good photo backdrop.

Honest verdict

• Good for: families or small groups wanting half a day of swimming in calm water without a long fast-boat ride.
• Less suited to: anyone expecting facilities. Shade comes only from gazebos and young trees, and midday is very hot. Go early (before 09:00) or after 15:30.
• Tide-dependent: at high tide the sand shrinks a lot. Ask the boatman about low-tide times before you set off.
• For serious snorkelling: Menjangan Island in West Bali National Park has far richer coral walls. Gili Putih is more about swimming and sand.
• Bring water, a hat and a bag for your rubbish. There is no official information about food stalls on the sandbar.
• Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. No source lists gear rental at the pier, so do not count on it.

Before you go

• Pier location: View on Google Maps (Bangsal pier, Sumberkima)
• Distance: about 3-3.5 hours from Denpasar, around 30 minutes from Gilimanuk port and roughly 1.5 hours from Lovina.
• Cost: boat hire Rp300,000-450,000 per boat return, agreed directly with fishermen or the Pokdarwis. Prices can change.
• Latest info: search on Instagram

Being far from south Bali, Gili Putih makes most sense on a one- or two-night stay in Pemuteran; AccessiaPass lists west Bali hotel vouchers if you want to compare prices. Use the next morning to climb Bukit Batu Kursi for sunrise.