Gumang Temple and White Sand Beach Hike

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Hike up a hill with views to reach Gumang Temple before descending and continuing to White Sand Beach, a beautiful beach and the perfect place to cool off.

Hiking Map

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Location

This walk starts near the famous lotus pond in the centre of Candidasa, a resort town on the southeast coast of Bali. There are many lovely hotels along the coastline here and it has a more relaxed feel than elsewhere on the island. We took a taxi back from the end of the hike to our hotel in Candidasa.

From the starting point of this walk where the main road makes a sharp corner, head off along the smaller road, Jalan Puri Bagus. In 700 metres at a crossroads, turn left and then take the next right along a narrower road.

Gumang Temple Hill

Continue as the road bends around a corner and heads through a small village. About 200 metres later there’s a route to the top of Gumang Temple on your right-hand side. It starts with some stone steps between some houses, and the path continues straight upwards into some abandoned rice terraces. There are now a few cows grazing in these fields.

The path is not particularly clear at times, and any route upwards is actually fine. There are some fine views back over Candidasa and the ocean all the way up. At a little cowshed, we ended up heading left on a little muddy track, then straight upwards and we eventually reached a little gap/gate on the path through a hedge. After this we walked right, with some lovely views, and then left to reach a little temple. From here there was a clearer path which soon became a fairly new, paved road.

The road leads all the way along the Gumang Hill ridge to the Temple. Make sure to wear your sarong before you enter the temple. There were many monkeys but no people when we were here. You have views right down to beaches by the ocean on one side, and mountainous forested terrain on the other. It’s a very peaceful, relaxing place.

Descend the temple out of the split gate and down the many wide, impressive stairs. Watch your step as it’s slightly steep at times. Also check out the lovely views back up the steps and over the rice fields in the valleys below. You’ll reach a new entrance gate next to the main road in just over 1 km.

Walking From Gumang Temple to White Sand Beach

Head right on the road and in roughly 100 metres there are some wide stone steps on the right which you can take to cut out a very windy, long section of the road. Alternatively, 150 metres later there’s a small concrete path to the right that also heads down to the road below. We took the second path because there were loads of cows on the first one.

Walk along this busy main road for 600 metres before heading right, signed White Sand Beach (also called Virgin Beach). The road turns right and begins heading up a hill. In just over 500 metres you’ll reach a checkpoint on the side of the road selling tickets to the beach. You have to pay a small amount here to access the White Sand Beach Area, but it’s worth it.

White Sand Beach (Virgin Beach)

While the cars and motorbikes all head left along the road at the checkpoint, you can head straight onwards along a peaceful road through jungle and villages. After 1 km the road turns right then left, and then ends and turns into a track. Continue along the track towards the ocean. You’ll head through some fields and eventually, before heading too steeply downwards, you’ll meet some vegetation and should turn left.

Walk along and down through the fields and you’ll come to an abandoned temple/viewpoint. Continue from here and you’ll reach a track that joins back up with the road after passing through some more fields. Turn right at the road and follow it as it winds its way down to White Sand Beach.

I’m not sure why it’s called White Sand Beach (Tripadvisor Reviews*), because the sand can be fairly black (it depends on recent rain), but it’s very nice anyway. There are a few warungs and places renting sun loungers, but it’s often not crowded and quite an unspoilt beach. Mask and snorkelling is a possibility here if the weather condition are good and the ocean isn’t too turbulent. Swimming is almost always fine and a great way to cool off after the hike.

From White Sand Beach, take a taxi back to your start point. Either talk to the warung owners who can easily find you a taxi, or have a taxi driver’s number handy to call.

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For another walk nearby, stroll from Tenganan Village to Tirta Gangga Water Palace. If you like cycling, try our Sidemen Valley Cycling Loop from Candidasa, or find other hikes and bike rides in our Bali Guide.