Sumberkima Hill Retreat Bali Review

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This complete review of Sumberkima Hill Retreat in West Bali has all the information you need before booking your stay, including what villa is best for you, what sort of travellers we would recommend this property to, our personal experience there and if the trip up north is worth it.

Sumberkima Hill is all about peace and quiet and immersing yourself in nature in an eco-conscious way. It’s more than a hotel, with over 50 different villas, cabins and apartments to choose from, each promising privacy and comfort in a serene environment.

Experience West Bali the right way and enjoy the feeling of absolute seclusion at Sumberkima Hill.

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Why you can trust this review of Sumberkima Hill

Hi, I’m Victoria, and I’m your go-to source for Bali and Indonesia travel information.

I’ve lived on this beautiful island for several years now and visited plenty of times before that, both as a tourist and backpacker. I know how to save money and when to splurge on things, so I’ll introduce you to the best luxury getaways for a special occasion but also the cheapest airport pickups and fun group tours you can join if you want to make friends.

If after several years in Bali, one property is recommended to you over and over again by different people, you just know that it must be special. That is exactly how we came across Sumberkima Hill, which is located in West Bali – a part of the island we’d already visited extensively and fallen in love with on previous trips.

We finally had the pleasure of staying at Sumberkima Hill ourselves and came up with this detailed review to help you decide if a trip all the way up here is worth it and if it’s the right fit for you. Spoiler alert: Yes, it is – this was easily our best stay in Bali so far.

We stayed in two different villas on the property and visit several others, so we got a much better insight into the available options than an average tourist would.

Having reviewed and rated hotels and villas across Bali (including Uluwatu, Sanur, Gili T, Nusa Penida and much more), we can tell you exactly what to expect, what makes this property stand out and also how it compares to others across the island.

OUR TIP

Note that Sumberkima Hill Retreat is not the same as the much smaller and less established Sumberkima Resort, which was built right next door. In our experience, their villa selection and level of service is not comparable to Sumberkima Hill Retreat, even though their nightly rates are quite high.

When you’re arriving, make sure you’re following signs to Sumberkima Hill and not the resort, so you’ll end up in the correct place.

Victoria Heinz of guide your travel girl with dark hair on sunloungers with coconut in hand

Our review of Sumberkima Hill Retreat: Is it worth it?

Sumberkima Hill truly feels like you’re staying at the edge of the world and our time here left me feeling rejuvenated and rested. I’ve stayed in countless villas and luxury hotels across Bali, but I’ve yet to find something that compares.

What stood out to me personally were the small details and the exceptional service, that made this stay unforgettable.

From the shuttle service that takes you around the property and even to town if needed, to the staff, who are incredibly attentive and made sure our every need was met before we even voiced it – we couldn’t have been happier.

The communication was excellent and facilitated through a WhatsApp group that is created upon arrival and lets you order room service, the shuttle, book tours or request anything you might need without having to leave your villa.

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Speaking of the villa, both properties we got to experience were surrounded by nature and very private, without sacrificing the breathtaking views. The area is incredibly quiet, and feels truly relaxing, which can be difficult to find in Bali with so many new developments and construction going on.

I haven’t found another stay in Bali that provides such a big selection of villas while also letting you enjoy all the benefits of a large resort, such as communal pools, several restaurants, a spa, a gym and plenty of activities.

But Sumberkima Hill manages to do all that without feeling crowded since it spans across such a large area.

For me personally, all this is what truly made our time at Sumberkima Hill go beyond just staying in a beautiful villa.

Book your stay at Sumberkima Hill Retreat here.

victoria and niklas guide yur travel at sumberkima hill in west bali with inifinity pool views at villa marigold

How to get to Sumberkima Hill

Sumberkima Hill is located just five minutes outside of the small town of Sumberkima on the northern coast of West Bali. The area is relatively remote, and only a small number of tourists make it up here, so it’s far less crowded than Bali’s popular south. If you’ve been craving a glimpse of “the real Bali”, away from the traffic and polution, this is the perfect choice.

Due to the absence of reliable public transport in Bali, you’ll have to get to Sumberkima by car. You can do this by either renting your own car without a driver, renting a car with a driver, or if that sounds too overwhelming, asking the retreat to help organise transport for you.

Their prices for an airport transfer to the resort start at IDR 850.000 for two to four people. The drive takes approximately 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on the traffic situation and the route.

OUR TIP

You might be used to the convenience of using ride-hailing apps like grab and gojek around Bali, but unfortunately they don’t work in remote areas like Sumberkima. We also don’t recommend relying on the apps to take you there since finding a driver will most likely be very challenging.

sumberkima hill lobby concrete with wood furniture

How to get around Sumberkima on arrival

Since grab and gojek do not work in this part of West Bali, you’ll have to find another way to get around when you arrive at Sumberkima Hill.

Luckily, the retreat has its own shuttle service, which you can request via your private WhatsApp group. It will take you not only around the grounds of the retreat (which are quite large) but also to town and the local convenience store if you need it.

If you book activities through Sumberkima Hill, transport is always included, so no need to worry about that either.

In our case the shuttle never took more than 5 minutes to arrive, and made our stay just so much more convenient.

If you’re hoping to do more independent exploring or day trips, we recommend renting a scooter on arrival to give you some more flexibility.

Just make sure that you have the correct driver’s license and are confident on a motorbike. Bali is not a suitable place for inexperienced drivers, and accidents involving tourists are unfortunately common.

living room at villa jahe with green plants beige furniture

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Different villas at Sumberkima Hill

There are actually more than 50 villas, cabins and apartments to choose from at Sumberkima Hill, and with so many options, you’re guaranteed to find one that’s perfect for your needs.

All of the properties have private owners, so the style and feel of the villas are actually very different. There are options available for every budget, ranging from just IDR 500,000 per night for smaller apartments all the way up to IDR 3,000,000 or more for larger villas.

There are options with or without a private pool, with one to five bedrooms, and villas with modern or traditional design.

Definitely browse the Sumberkima Hill villa selection on their website, which will give you the best overview of the villas.

You can book your favourite villa at Sumberkima Hill here or check out more options here.

villa jahe sumberkima hill girl walking review worth it

Our personal favourite villas at Sumberkima Hill

Can’t decide with over 50 villas to choose from? Here are the Sumberkima Hill villas that we can’t stop thinking about.

Villa Jahe

Villa Jahe is a beautiful 2-bedroom villa located in a quiet corner of the Sumberkima Hill grounds. This property is absolutely huge, with a spacious living area and a huge infinity pool. Our favourite was the elevated hut, where you can get the best views and sit even when it’s raining.

The large kitchen and dining area is another highlight and is perfect for families or groups of friends who want to cook together.

Villa Jahe is surrounded by fields and nature and is located on a quiet road with very few people driving this way, so you’ll get to enjoy ultimate privacy.

Why you should choose this villa:

  • the incredible ocean views
  • the large pool
  • the many seating areas and huge living room
  • the stunning outdoor bathrooms

Find out more details about Villa Jahe here.

drone shot sumberkima hill infinity pool sun loungers

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Villa Marigold

Villa Marigold is a brand-new 2-bedroom addition to Sumberkima’s list of properties and is located right below Villa Jahe. It has two bedrooms and can be booked separately or together with Villa Jahe for larger groups.

Marigold perfectly blends modern amenities with traditional style and has everything you might need as a family or group of friends. We loved the living room that could be closed if needed, as well as the beautiful bathrooms constructed with natural stones and high ceilings.

Even though the grounds of Villa Marigold are slightly smaller than Villa Jahe, the space is used so efficiently that you’ll get to enjoy just as many seating areas and even a spacious shaded daybed right next to the large infinity pool.

Why you should choose this villa:

  • the large pool
  • the stunning views
  • the brand-new amenities
  • the shaded daybed and large couch

Find out more details about Villa Marigold here.

sunset villa marigold sumberkima hill girls in pool

Villa Madya

If you’re sticking to a budget, we highly recommend checking out Sumberkima Hill’s Villa Madya lofts, which have either one or two bedrooms. They’re located in the main building of the retreat, where you’ll also find the large communal pool with jacuzzis.

Spread across three floors, these lofts have a European feel with all the beauty of Bali just outside your doorstep.

Enjoy the spacious airconditioned living room and kitchen and the open bathroom with incredible views. The private rooftop terrace is a real highlight and the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset drink.

Why you should choose this villa:

  • fantastic sunset and sunrise views
  • indoor living
  • rooftop terrace
  • located right at Sumberkima Hill’s largest pool

Find out more about the Madya Villas here.

sumberkima hill retreat main house villa madja drone shot

Sustainability at Sumberkima Hill

What we immediately noticed during our stay at Sumberkima Hill is their dedication to eco-consciousness and sustainability. In 2017, the retreat initiated the establishment of Metamorfosa, now a thriving NGO dedicated to restoring and protecting the area’s coral reefs and marine life. They also work on reforesting initiatives by planting trees and creating sustainable income for local villages.

We visited Metamorfosa’s headquaters, located just a quick drive from the retreat, and sponsored three baby corals, which we got to plant ourselves in the underwater sculpture garden. The team helped us combine it with a fun kayak and snorkelling tour and the experience was one of my favourites during our time in West Bali.

Sumberkima Hill integrates itself into the local community, fostering sustainable growth and a more conscious approach to tourism. Their closeness to nature and mindfulness when it comes to using resources really stood out to us during our stay.

Don’t forget to browse through the sustainable and locally-produced products and art at Sumberkima Hill’s reception and art gallery.

Sumberkima Hill communal pools

Sumberkima Hill has villas with or without a private pool. To make sure you get to go for a refreshing swim no matter where you stay, the retreat has two large communal pools: the Lingga Pool and the Central Pool, which is located in the main building at reception.

You can visit them any time and ask the shuttle service to take you there if you don’t feel like walking.

The Lingga pool is especially famous and the perfect spot to take photos.

drone shot sumberkima hill main pool

Sumberkima Hill yoga and gym

Sumberkima Hill has a small on-site gym with beautiful views and all the equipment you need for a basic workout.

Another highlight is the retreat’s selection of fitness classes, which range from yoga to circuit training to Muay Thai. Some are held at the Sumberkima stage, an incredible hill-top venue with some of the best views on the property.

You can conveniently sign up for classes using your personal WhatsApp chat.

Sumberkima Hill spa

A place like Sumberkima Hill invites you to relax and unwind, and there’s no better place to do it than the in-house spa. With lush green gardens surrounding you, the facilities are perfect for a romantic massage or beauty treatment.

The spa menu at Sumberkima Hill includes treatments such as a Balinese massage, foot reflexology, hot stone treatments, facials, body scrubs, face steams, sound healing, hair cream baths, and so much more.

You can also enjoy acess to the sauna and cold plunge, with daily or weekly unlimited passes available.

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Sumberkima Hill restaurants

Sumberkima Hill has two on-site restaurants: Suma and Senja, and a third located at Mangroove Bay, around 10 minutes from the main retreat.

We immediately fell in love with Suma, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and provides a delicious selection of dishes from all around the world. I especially loved that you can order anything from their menu as room service via WhatsApp, so we got to enjoy our beautiful villa even more.

Sumberkima Hill also provides picnic setups, floating breakfasts or romantic dinners on request.

Senja is Sumberkima Hill’s second restaurant with a focus on Indonesian and fusion dishes. Their cocktails were absolutely incredible and watching the sunset here was a real highlight during our stay. You can dine at Senja for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

If you’ve been looking for an elevated approach to Indonesian dishes, this is the place to go.

Finally, the Mangroove Bay Restaurant is another must-visit, especially if you’re going to be visiting Metamorfosa or joining a kayak tour. Their Mediterranean and Balinese-inspired dishes are absolutely delicious. I’d especially recommend this spot for breakfast.

restaurant sumberkima view

Things to do close to Sumberkima Hill

Don’t miss out on these activities during your time at Sumberkima Hill. The retreat will be more than happy to help you plan your trips so you won’t have to worry about transport.

1. Kayak tour to Gili Putih

Gili Putih is a small sandbank island located in the bay just below Sumberkima Hill. It’s best reached by kayak, although the water depth will vary depending on the tide.

The island is usually deserted and during the three times I’ve visited it in the past, we’ve always had it to ourselves.

OUR TIP

The best way to explore Gili Putih is to book a kayaking tour with Sumberkima Hill and Metamorfosa, which will also take you to the nearby mangrove forests.

You can also combine it with planting your own baby coral and snorkelling nearby to see the Underwater Sculpture Garden.

gili putih west bali sandbank island

Best Deals For Unmissable Bali Experiences

  • Make your own silver jewellery
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  • Swim with manta rays

2. Snorkel or scuba dive at Menjangan Island

Menjangan Island is located in the nearby West Bali National Park, and is one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia for diving or snorkelling. Sumberkima Hill will help you organise your trip, which includes a picnic lunch on the beach and several snorkelling spots.

Menjangan Island is not only known for its wide variety of fish and colourful coral, but also it’s population of friendly wild deer and beautiful temple. The island is uninhabited and, due to the lack of mass tourism in West Bali, still quiet and untouched by the crowds.

Menjangan island west bali national park deer on beach with blue sky

3. Go on a hiking adventure

Explore the beauty of West Bali National Park with an expert guide from Sumberkima Hill, who will be able to tell you all about the unique flora and fauna of the area.

See parts of Bali that few others get to experience and immerse yourself in the beautiful nature of Bali’s northwest. We highly recommend combining your hiking adventure with planting a tree.

4. Plant a baby coral

Give back in a unique way and plant a baby coral in Metamorfosa’s Underwater Sculpture Garden during your time at Sumberkima Hill. They’re one of the best coral restoration organisations in Bali, so definitely visit them. You can choose between single coral pieces for as little as IDR 150,000 or sculptures of all sizes if your budget allows.

After planting your own coral, you can admire the hundreds of others in the sculpture garden and snorkel around the area.

underwater sculpture garden metamorfosa west bali sumberkima plant baby coral

5. Watch a local dance performance or experience a ceremony.

The local communities close to Sumberkima Hill are tightly knit and their religion is a big part of the Balinese culture. If you’re lucky enough to visit the area during a major ceremony or holiday, you might be able to partake and watch the festivities.

We were fortunate enough to be invited to a Keris Dance performance, which was part of a multi-day cremation ceremony in the local village. The experience was awe-inspiring and one I’ll never forget.

Sumberkima Hill Retreat also puts on Kecak Dance performances occasionally, and other rituals, like a purification ceremony with a local priest, may be available on request.

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Top reasons to choose Sumberkima Hill

If we still haven’t managed to convince you that a stay at Sumberkima Hill is unlike any other in Bali, here are our top reasons why this retreat should be your next destination.

  1. The peaceful surroundings: I haven’t felt as relaxed and immersed in nature in a long time as I did at Sumberkima Hill. It’s difficult to truly escape the crowds in Bali, but here, you’ll feel like you’re staying at the edge of the world.
  2. The attention to detail: You can tell that everything is thought out at Sumberkima Hill, so you know your stay won’t involve any organising and all the relaxation.
  3. The exceptional service: The staff at Sumberkima Hill was simply incredible, and they made us feel truly special during our stay.
  4. The fantastic facilities: From the spa to the sauna, cold plunge, panoramic amphitheatre, gym, and huge infinity pools to the villas themselves, Sumberkima Hill has a lot to offer.
  5. The incredible food: We didn’t even think about trying a restaurant outside of the retreat, that’s how good the food here is. Plus a lot of incredients are locally grown and sourced from the retreat’s organic farm.
  6. The endless activities: Sumberkima Hill has such a wide range of things to do on offer that you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to activities during your stay.
  7. The many villa choices: With over 50 villas and apartments in their collection, you’re guaranteed to find one that suits your needs and budget.
villa jahe flowers infinity pool mountain view

Sumberkima Hill Retreat FAQ

How many villas does Sumberkima Hill have?

There are over 50 different villas, cabins and apartments available at Sumberkima Hill.

Do you need a car to get to Sumberkima Hill?

The only way to get to Sumberkima is by car, so you can either rent your own, hire a driver, or ask the retreat to provide a pickup.

Does Sumberkima Hill have a gym?

Sumberkima Hill has its own gym, perfect for a basic workout with incredible views. The retreat also offers different workout classes with a focus on yoga.

Does Sumberkima Hill have a spa?

Sumberkima Hill’s spa is the perfect place for ultimate relaxation, and they offer a wide variety of treatments and massages.

What’s the largest villa at Sumberkima Hill?

Villa Singa, with its five bedrooms and eleven-people capacity, is the largest villa at Sumberkima Hill.

How close is Sumberkima Hill to the beach?

The retreat is located around 5 minutes from the ocean, although we recommend driving a further 5 to 10 minutes to Pasar Putih, a beautiful white-sand beach.

Before you go…

You’re ready to fall in love with the beauty of Sumberkima Hill and book the stay of a lifetime in West Bali. If you’re looking for even more travel inspiration for the Island of the Gods, check out our guide on things to do on your birthday in Bali, the best organised group tours, and our guide on how walkable the island actually is.

You might also enjoy our review of the best luxury boat tour in Komodo National Park, where to find turtles on the beach in Gili T, and our guide on visiting the famous Kelingking Beach.

Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.

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Victoria Heinz

Victoria is the founder of Guide Your Travel and has been a travel writer for ten years. She has a Master of Arts in International Relations and Politics and is a managing partner at a marketing agency in Indonesia, giving her unique insight into local culture and customs. Originally from Germany, Victoria has been living abroad for eight years in countries such as Australia, the UK, Spain, Malaysia and Indonesia. Today, she calls Bali her permanent home and helps over 200,000 people plan their trips around the world every month.

Welcome to Guide your Travel!

Hi! I’m Victoria, a travel blogger from Germany and the author of Guide your Travel. I write about my favourite destinations in Europe, South East Asia and digital nomad life in Bali.

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2 thoughts on “Sumberkima Hill Retreat Bali Review”

  1. Leslee Holmes

    Loved your comprehensive information.
    We are very keen to go to the retreat. As I have been ill last time I am in Bali, I wondered if you have any tips on what to avoid.
    We are an older couple who love walking etc.

    1. Hi Leslee,

      Thank you so much for reading our article and for leaving a comment. I think you’ll really love Sumberkima Hill Retreat. The area there is very quiet and peaceful, so you can definitely do some walking around the property. Maybe it’s also worth checking out the trails around West Bali National Park, especially with a guide who can explain the local animals and plants to you.

      I’m sorry to hear that you were ill the last time you visited Bali. It’s unfortunately common for travellers, and the only advice I can provide is to be careful with the tap water and make sure to wash your hands frequently.

      Don’t hesitate the send me a message if you have any more questions!

      Best,
      Victoria

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Hi, I'm Victoria

Welcome to Guide your Travel – a blog about South East Asia and how to travel on a budget.

I’m a blogger, writer and photographer and love to introduce my favourite destinations to others and encourage them to see the world.

I’m originally from Germany but spent four years living in the UK, quite a bit of time in Spain and Malaysia, and am now travelling full time with a home base in Bali, Indonesia.

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