Bali’s rugged Bukit Peninsula is one of the island’s premier tourist hotspots. Here you will find towering limestone cliffs overlooking the deep ocean below. Rugged headlands give way to white-sand beaches, some of which seem to stretch on for miles. And one of the most popular and well-known beaches along this part of the coastline is Melasti Beach. Melasti Beach, or Pantai Melasti, as the Balinese know it, is a beautiful white sand beach, fringing the crystal clear waters of Bali’s southern coastline. Located at the base of high cliffs, Melasti Beach is one of the most popular beaches along this stretch of coast.
Melasti Beach
Melasti Beach is a great place to spend time enjoying the best of what Bali has to offer. It is no longer the relatively untouched, hidden paradise so well known to backpackers and locals alike. It is now very commercialised, clearly aimed at daytrippers and tourists. However, there really is something for everyone here. The whole area sits at the feet of towering limestone cliffs that dominate this region of Bali. The wide beaches have some of the most beautiful white sand found in Bali. The sand itself slopes away into the crystal clear water, which seemingly invites you to swim. There are man-made rock groynes that have formed sandy bays. And rock retaining walls, where you can often spot locals trying their luck at catching a fish. There is plenty of room for everyone here to relax and enjoy themselves.
Fancy a Swim at the Beach?
Picture this. You walk down to the waters edge on tropical Melasti beach. The air is warm and the sun is shining. The waves come up to your feet and the water is a perfect temperature. The crystal blue ocean is seemingly beckoning you to enter. And on a warm, tropical afternoon, it’s a temptation that’s hard to resist. But be careful. Melasti Beach is a surf beach with the inherent risks that come with swimming at ocean beaches.
Fortunately, the beach is patrolled with surf-lifesavers who keep an eye out for swimmers who might get themselves into trouble in the water. Look for these patrols before you get into the water, listen to any advice they offer on the day. And if you find yourself in trouble in the water, remain calm, and raise your hands high above your head to get the lifeguard’s attention.
Melasti Beach Beach Clubs
If your idea of a tropical island holiday is sitting poolside, sipping on a cocktail, overlooking the crystal clear waters, you are in luck at Melasti Beach. Melasti Beach is home to several beach clubs, including the Minoo Beach Club, https://minoobeachclub.com and the recently opened Cattamaran Beach Club, https://cattamaranbali.com These clubs are definitely situated in some of the prime locations on the beach. Here you can enjoy a meal, or an icy cold drink, while lounging poolside, soaking in the atmosphere of this tropical oasis.
Couples, families and groups are all catered for with plenty of seating options, including tables and chairs, and poolside lounges. Air-conditioned change rooms and amenities are available for patrons. While the costs of food and drinks are at a premium compared to the outside warungs, costs are reasonable given the level of service and facilities provided. If beach clubs are your thing, definitely try them out.
How To Get to Melasti Beach
Melasti Beach is located on the Bukit Peninsula, at the far southern tip of Bali. The street location is Jalan Melasti, in Ungasan. It is easily accessible from the main tourist regions of Bali’s south. It is approximately 20 kilometres, or a 45-50 minutes drive from the resort areas Kuta, Seminyak or Sanur. From Nusa Dua, it’s approximately 13 kilometres, or 30 minutes drive, traffic dependent. From Jimbaran, you are looking at approximately 10 kilometres and 25 minutes drive, again traffic dependent.
Recent Redevelopments at Melasti Beach
Melasti Beach has recently undergone a major redevelopment. First and foremost a wide access road has been built, winding its way down the limestone cliffs. Parklands and viewpoints are scattered alongside this road. Plenty of parking is available back from the beach. Many warungs and even some Beach Clubs have opened here.
There are good amenities including toilet blocks and even a change area for wedding parties. Given the amount of redevelopment, we were pleasantly surprised by the balance the developers achieved in the provision of facilities that visitors demand while maintaining the best natural features of the area that attracts people here in the first place. Great work All!
How is the Access to Melasti Beach?
Unlike some of the other beaches on the Bukit Peninsula, Melasti Beach is extremely easy to access. That is as long as you have a car, motorbike or some other form of transport to get to the beach. A wide sealed road winds its way down the high cliffs, passing parklands on the way. At the bottom, there is plenty of parking for motorcycles, cars and buses. This place is designed for visitors! Once at the bottom, there’s very little in the way of steps, uneven ground, or rocky or hilly areas to walk on, something of a rarity in Bali really!
How Much Does It Cost?
Like most other places in Bali, there are costs to enter and park at Melasti Beach. Access per adult is 10K rupiah (approx $0.70 USD or $1 Aud). Motorcycle parking is $2K Rupiah (approx $0.15 USD or $0.20 Aud) and car parking is 5K (approx $0.35 USD or $0.50 Aud). Considering the facilities and amenities available here, and the overall good level of maintenance of this area, these prices are very good value for money.
