When we have been in Bali for over 4 months, we thought that we would go around the island and discover all the nooks and secluded places. Our last unexplored part is northwest Bali. It was a completely unknown area for us and we did not know what to expect from it. Our visit was again marked by covid-19, as many of them were still closed. Even so, we took a few trips here, which are definitely worth mentioning.
North West Bali and our tips for the best things to do
1. Sumberkima hill
If you go to this part of Bali and are looking for accommodation, Sumberkima hill is a clear choice. All Sumberkima villas are located on a hill and each of them has a stunning pool overlooking the volcanoes and nature. There is also a yoga studio or restaurant in this complex. Sumberkina also offers affordable trips such as canoeing, a trip to the volcano, the national park or snorkeling at the most beautiful coral in the west. You can find more information on their websites.
2. Watching sunrise and sunset from Bukit Kursi
One of our favorite activities in western Bali was watching the sunrise and sunset. There are several places to observe them. The easiest way is to watch sunrise and sunset from the hotel pool, the more adventurous way is to climb on the hill Bukit Batu Kursi (photos) or temple Pura Ulun Jagat Kertha
3. Canoeing among mangroves
You can also experience an adventurous morning with canoeing. You can paddle to the mangroves and the private island Gili Putih (we were really completely alone there). Canoeing cost us 200K IDR for 3 hours without a guide. With the guide, it’s another 200k IDR, but we found it useless. The only problem was that we decided to paddle far away and launch a drone there. There is an airport nearby and a private island is in the red zone. On the way back, however, the wind began to rise, we stood still while paddling stubbornly, and the canoe began to be full of water. It was like a horror movie, but in the end we managed to paddle to the mainland, pour out water there and slowly drive back along the mainland. So our advice is: don’t go too far, because you never know when it will start to blow! 😀
4. Pemuteran Beach
The most popular black sand beach in this part of Bali, which we did not get to. Somehow we couldn’t leave these amazing villas and pools 😀
5. West Bali National Park
National park in the west of Bali where we did not go because of the high entrance fee (200k IDR/person). Here you can do snorkeling, watch deers and various plants.
6. Trip to Kawah Ijen volcano on Eastern Java
This trip attracted us the most, but again, due to Covid-19, we couldn’t make it. There are amazing volcanoes in East Java that are worth a visit! Sumberkima Hill can help you arrange trips.
Best restaurants around Sumberkima
We didn’t visit much places to eat because of the pandemic. But one of them became our clear favorite and in the end we had lunch there every day. Warung Setia Pemuteran is one of the best warung we have visited in Bali. In addition to friendly service, you will also get excellent food here! We recommend trying curry and tortillas (the best is with mango chutney).
Accommodations in Sumberkima Hill Retreat
If you come here, our recommendation is clear. Be sure to stay in Sumberkima Hill! The villas come in different price ranges, so everyone can find the best choice for themselves. In addition to the restaurant, you will also find there a yoga studio, you can arrange various trips and enjoy an amazing communal pool on top of the hill. Take a look at their websites and choose the right one 🙂 We were accommodated in Villa Luwih (pool on the right)!
Arlen
Hello, is it not possible to launch a drone at all on Gili Putih island?
AT
The nearby airport makes it difficult. For DJI drones the location is blocked as a No-Fly zone and we didn’t manage to fly drone in that area.