A peaceful, photogenic beach in southern Bali with turquoise water, white sand, swimmable conditions and dramatic cliffs.
Tucked beneath the soaring cliffs of Ungasan in southern Bali, Melasti Beach is a place where dramatic landscapes meet tranquil waters. With its bright turquoise sea, clean white sand, and wide limestone cliffs framing the coastline, Melasti feels like a pocket of paradise carved into the island’s rugged southern edge. It is one of the few beaches in the Bukit Peninsula that manages to be scenic, swimmable, and spacious – all at once.
Though it has grown in popularity in recent years, Melasti still holds onto a relaxed charm. It does not draw the same crowds as Kuta or Seminyak, but it is no longer a secret either. A smoothly paved switchback road now winds down the cliffside, leading to ample parking, tidy facilities, and a stretch of beach that is increasingly well-equipped yet still deeply connected to nature.
Getting to Melasti Beach is straightforward. It is located in Ungasan, around 35 to 45 minutes by car or scooter from Seminyak or Canggu, depending on traffic. From Uluwatu Temple or Padang Padang Beach, it is just 15 minutes. The entrance is clearly signposted, and the descent down the cliff road is part of the appeal, offering sweeping views of the limestone formations and the open ocean beyond. Entry fees are modest – typically around IDR 10,000 to 15,000 per person – and include access to parking.
Things to Do at Melasti
What makes Melasti stand out among Bali’s many beaches is its mix of natural beauty and accessibility. The beach stretches wide and flat, with soft sand that is comfortable underfoot and relatively calm waters that make it safe for swimming, especially during low tide. A natural break in the reef keeps the waves gentle near shore, making this an ideal beach for families or anyone looking to actually get in the water, not just look at it. The sea here has that clear, photo-worthy quality – shades of pale blue and deep teal blending together with the white limestone cliffs rising behind.
Melasti is also becoming a popular spot for drone photography and wedding shoots, thanks to its stunning coastal views, symmetrical cliffs, and iconic beachside staircases that have been built into the cliffs in recent years. These architectural touches have added some flair without compromising the beach’s natural feel.
While the setting feels remote, there are now a handful of stylish beach clubs and cafes built directly into the cliffside. Palmilla Bali Beach Club is the best known, offering shaded lounges, cocktails, pools and direct beach access. It is ideal if you are after a more luxurious day out, though it does come at a higher price than the warungs nearby. Minoo Beach Club is another chic alternative, with a quieter vibe and oceanfront daybeds. Others worth a look are White Rock, Tropical Temptation and the long established Sundays.
For a more casual experience, there are also local food stalls and small restaurants near the entrance, selling fresh coconuts, grilled corn, nasi goreng, and other simple Indonesian dishes. A few vendors offer loungers and umbrellas for rent at the quieter ends of the beach, so you do not have to commit to a beach club if you are just after a place to relax.
One of the best things to do at Melasti is nothing at all – just lay back, swim, or watch the tide come and go. But if you feel like exploring, the cliffs offer small trails and elevated lookout points that are perfect for sunset views. The limestone walls glow golden in the late afternoon, and the beach gradually empties as the light fades. It is one of the few spots in Bali where you can watch the sun dip into the sea without needing to jostle for space.
Culture, Facilities, and Best Time to Visit
Melasti is also used occasionally for traditional Balinese ceremonies. The beach holds cultural significance, and it is not unusual to come across local processions or temple rituals, especially during Melasti Day, a purification ceremony held before Nyepi (Balinese New Year). Seeing locals in white ceremonial clothing carrying offerings into the sea is a powerful reminder that Bali’s beaches are not just beautiful – they are deeply woven into the island’s spiritual life.
Facilities at Melasti have improved steadily. There are public toilets and changing areas, rubbish bins, lifeguards during peak hours, and a generally clean, maintained atmosphere. It is also accessible for older travellers or those who do not want to navigate steep steps, unlike many other Bukit beaches like Suluban or Padang Padang, which require climbing down tight paths. The road to Melasti is wide and smooth all the way to the sand, which makes it a more inclusive option.
For those staying in Uluwatu or Jimbaran, Melasti makes an easy day trip. It is also well worth the drive from the main tourist hubs, especially if you are looking to escape the noise and busyness of Bali’s west coast. Combine it with a visit to Uluwatu Temple, a surf session at Dreamland, or dinner in Jimbaran for a well-rounded day in the Bukit area.
The best time to visit is earlier in the day if you are looking for quiet and clear water. Late afternoon is ideal for photography and sunset, but the beach clubs get busier as the day goes on. The dry season (April to October) offers the most reliable weather, but Melasti is beautiful year-round. Rain can bring more dramatic waves and moodier skies, which suit the cliffs well.
In a destination filled with famous beaches, Melasti still feels a little underrated. It blends comfort and wild beauty in just the right measure. Whether you are coming for a swim, a shoot, or simply to sit on the sand and watch the cliffs rise around you, it is a beach that delivers both wow-factor and peace – and that is not always easy to find in Bali.