Welcome to Uluwatu, Bali.
Melasti Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali. Rightfully so, it deserves a spot in our list of the TOP 25 Uluwatu Beaches.
In this blog post, we will guide you through EVERYTHING you need to know about Melasti Beach: its location, activities, best time to visit, and how to make the most of your stay!
Let’s get started.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Beautiful and accessible: Melasti Beach is renowned for its turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs. It has become one of Bali’s most popular destinations, attracting over ONE MILLION VISITORS in 2023.
- Activities: You can enjoy a range of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, paragliding, and watching the traditional Melasti Kecak Dance.
- Entrance fee: The entrance fee is IDR 10,000 per person, and the beach is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm.
Uluwatu is a must on any Bali holiday. You will find the best beaches in the world here, and Melasti Beach is no exception.
Location of Bali Melasti Beach
Melasti Beach Bali is situated in the Ungasan region on the Bukit Peninsula, better known as Melasti Beach Ungasan Bali.
This beautiful beach is part of the Uluwatu area in SOUTHERN Bali, Indonesia.
Melasti Beach lies near other beautiful Bali beaches, such as Dreamland Beach, Bingin Beach, Suluban Beach, Green Bowl Beach, and Balangan Beach.
According to The Bali Sun: “Before the pandemic, Melasti Beach was primarily frequented by local communities for ceremonies and a handful of tourists. However, in 2023, it has become one of the island’s most popular destinations.
Travel data indicates that by the first week of September 2023, 1,054,646 (!) PEOPLE had visited Melasti Beach. This includes 249,726 foreign tourists and 804,920 domestic visitors.
Wayan Karnawa, the Chief Manager of Melasti Beach, noted that the beach is especially popular with tourists from Australia, Russia, and China.”
DID YOU KNOW: The local name for Melasti Beach is Pantai Melasti (Pantai means beach in Bahasa).
How do I get to Melasti Beach Beach?
Getting to Melasti Beach from popular areas in Bali, like Kuta or Seminyak, involves a 45–60-minute drive.
Here are some of the BEST options:
- Rent a SCOOTER: This is our standard mode of transportation in Bali. It gives us the freedom to explore at our own pace. However, ensure you’re comfortable riding in Bali’s traffic, as there are a lot of scooters on the roads! The cost of renting a scooter in Bali for one hour ranges from IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000 (approximately USD 3.50 to USD 7).
- Hire a Private CAR or TAXI: If you prefer comfort and convenience over cost, hiring a private car or taxi would be a good option. You can negotiate a day rate with the driver. The day rate of a taxi driver in Bali is around IDR 600,000 to IDR 800,000 (approximately USD 40 to USD 55) for a full day’s hire, which typically spans 8 to 10 hours. We advise agreeing on the rate upfront with the driver to avoid misunderstandings later.
- Use a Ride-Hailing App: Apps like Grab and Gojek offer transportation services in Bali and are cheaper than traditional taxis. However, you can only use these services to get to Melasti Beach, as pick-up is BANNED, so plan this.The ban is in place because of the local taxi mafia! This is a long-standing struggle in Bali, but there are ways around it.
DID YOU KNOW: Managers at Melasti Beach are adding more LIFEGUARDS, with up to NINE on duty at any given time? The beach is open to the public until 7 p.m. every day. They have also moved informational signage to make reading easier for tourists.
What are the TOP activities to do at Melasti Beach?
Activities at Melasti Beach Club
Here are some of the popular activities you can enjoy at the Beach:
- Swimming and Snorkeling: The calm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the soft white sand make Melasti Beach an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.
- Watching the Sunset: Melasti Beach is famous for its stunning sunsets (see our pictures). Bring a picnic blanket, sit back, and watch the sky change colors as the sun dips below the horizon.
- Melasti Kecak Dance: Don’t miss the chance to watch the traditional Balinese Kecak dance performed at the beach. It’s a unique cultural experience that’s not to be missed.
- Paragliding: For more adventurous visitors, paragliding offers a chance to view the beach from a thrilling new perspective. The take-off site is at the top of the cliff on the beach.
- Photography: The beach’s dramatic cliffs, clear waters, and white sands make it a fantastic spot for photography. It’s trendy for INSTAGRAM-worthy photoshoots.
- Beach Clubs: Enjoy the beach clubs near Melasti Beach, like Tropical Temptation Beach Club and Sundays Beach Club.
- VIP Beach Services: Experience luxurious amenities at the upscale beach clubs, including sunbeds, cabanas, cocktails, and relaxing pool areas (see our video at the top for more information).
Lonely Planet even wrote a guide to Uluwatu beaches!
DID YOU KNOW: Melasti Beach Bali lies right next to Karma Beach? You must keep walking along the sandy beach next to the Indian Ocean, and you’ll arrive at Karma Beach!
Melasti Beach Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to visit Melasti Beach is IDR 10,000 per person (0.70 cents).
As of 2024, the fees are as follows:
- Entrance Fee (Adults): 10,000 IDR / 0.70 USD
- Car Parking: 5,000 IDR / 0.35 USD
- Scooter Parking: 2,000 IDR / 0.15 USD
Melasti Beach is OPEN DAILY from 7 am to 7 pm.
INSIDER TIP: Always be insured when you’re traveling! There’s a company called SafetyWing that we swear by. It’s insurance designed with digital nomads in mind. It covers you in over 180 countries, and it’s quite affordable, starting at $56.28 (ages 18-39) per month. It covers not just emergency situations, but you can, for example, visit a doctor if you have the flu, and it also includes the prescribed drugs. Use the widget below to discover your price!
Book Your Tour Here!
Perama Tour
Perama Tour offers a unique 3-day experience covering Bali’s beaches, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking natural scenery.
- Day 1: The day starts with a visit to Melasti Beach and Uluwatu Temple and ends with a welcome dinner at Jimbaran Beach.
- Day 2: The second day includes a boat trip to Nusa Penida, exploring famous spots like Kelingking Beach and Broken Beach.
- Day 3 starts with a visit to Ubud Palace and Kintamani for views of Mt. and Lake Batur, concluding with a drop-off at Ngurah Rai Airport.
The tour includes accommodations, meals, and entrance fees, excluding flights and personal expenses. For more details, visit their website!
When is the best time to visit Melasti Beach?
The best time to visit Melasti Beach Bali is during SPRING, from April to June.
During this time, the weather is warm, with daytime temperatures ranging from 27°C to 32°C (80°F to 90°F). Rainfall is minimal during the Towels dry season, ensuring enough sunshine, with an average of around 8 to 9 hours of sunlight each day.
Additionally, daylight hours extend from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, providing enough time to enjoy the fabulous Melasti Beach and witness the beautiful SUNSET over the Indian Ocean around 6:15 PM.
What can I expect from Melasti Beach?
You should expect a few things from a visit to Melasti Beach Bali. We summed up the three most essential items for you!
1. Natural Beauty: The beach is famous for its turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches. The LIMESTONE CLIFFS that flank the beach add to its beauty.
2. A Tranquil Atmosphere: Despite its growing popularity, MELASTI BEACH tends to be less crowded than other beaches in Bali (for how busy it gets, see our video at the top of this article).
3. Swim and Sunbathe: The gentle waves and clear, calm waters make it ideal for a refreshing swim, while the soft, sandy, gorgeous beach is perfect for sunbathing or enjoying a picnic.
We’d recommend that you take: Towels, because unless you’re staying at a Melasti Beach Resort, you won’t get towels included in your entry fee.
Beach Clubs in Pantai Melasti
If you’re looking for something luxurious or want to relax in a cabana with a cocktail, we recommend you visit one of the most famous Uluwatu Bali Beach Clubs!
This luxury club features a lively bar and VIP beach services. It’s a trendy and vibrant place, offering stunning ocean views, a relaxing pool area, and delicious food and drinks.
Lounge on comfy sunbeds, dip in the pool, or sip a cocktail while enjoying the sparkling sea.
Melasti Beach Restaurants & Facilities
Melasti Beach has surged in popularity recently, gradually extending its facilities. You can now find restrooms, SHOWERS, changing rooms, and a local store offering essential beach items.
Melasti Beach is also dotted with various small restaurants or warungs that cater to those looking for delicious and budget-friendly local cuisine. You can savor traditional dishes such as nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), and sate ayam (chicken satay) while enjoying the breathtaking coastal views.
Try a refreshing KELAPA MUDA (young coconut) to quench your thirst!
The latest addition when you visit Melasti Beach is the newly built Melasti Kecak Arena, which has iconic oceanside views similar to those of the Uluwatu Temple.
We’d recommend that you take Towels – because unless you’re staying at a Melasti Beach Resort, you won’t get towels included in your entry fee
Where can I stay near Melasti Beach?
Luxury
- Six Senses Uluwatu: This luxurious resort offers stunning ocean views, an infinity pool, a spa, and multiple dining options. It’s located just a few minutes drive from the beach.
- Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort: This upscale resort features stylish suites and villas, several dining venues, a spa, and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. It’s situated close to various attractions, including the beach.
Mid-range
- Gravity Boutique Hotel: This eco-friendly hotel features unique architecture, a rooftop pool, and a yoga studio. It’s located in the Pecatu area, not far from the Beach.
Budget
- Pecatu Guest House: This affordable guest house offers clean, comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a friendly atmosphere. It’s conveniently located near Uluwatu Temple and the beach.
- Ayodhya Uluwatu: This budget-friendly option provides basic but clean rooms, a shared kitchen, and a garden. It’s situated close to several beaches, including the Beach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Melasti Beach is a must-visit destination for Bali!
Its stunning natural beauty, serene atmosphere, and various activities make it a perfect spot for relaxation and adventure.
Whether you swim in the turquoise waters, watch the sunset, or explore the local culture through traditional dance performances, Melasti Beach promises a memorable experience.
Let us know in the comments if you enjoyed Melasti Beach as much as we did!
BTW: other Uluwatu beaches we recommend you visit are Suluban Beach, Pandawa Beach, Balangan Beach, Bingin Beach, and Dreamland Beach!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Melasti Beach worth visiting?
Melasti Beach is worth visiting! This beach, often described as one of the best in Uluwatu, boasts beautiful white sand and crystal-clear water that any beach lover would appreciate. It’s not just the natural beauty that makes it a must-visit destination; the range of activities available adds to its appeal.
How much does it cost to go to Melasti Beach?
The cost of visiting Melasti Beach is as follows:
- The adult entrance fee is approximately 10,000 IDR (~ USD 0.70).
- The entrance fee for children is around 3,000 IDR.
- Parking costs are 5,000 IDR for cars.
Where is Melasti Beach?
Melasti Beach is located in the Ungasan region of the Bukit Peninsula in South Bali, Indonesia. It’s part of the Uluwatu area, famous for its stunning beaches and sea cliffs.
Can you surf at Melasti Beach?
Melasti Beach is not known as a surfing destination. Other nearby beaches, such as Padang Padang, Bingin Beach, and Uluwatu Beach, are better suited for surfing.
Is Melasti Beach suitable for swimming?
Yes, Melasti Beach is very suitable for swimming. Its calm and clear waters make it a safe and enjoyable swimming place. However, as with any beach, it’s always important to be mindful of currents and tides and never swim alone.
Is Melasti Beach crowded?
Yes, Melasti Beach can get busy, especially at high tide, during the peak tourist season, and on weekends. However, it’s generally less crowded than other Uluwatu Beaches.
Is it worth staying in Uluwatu?
Uluwatu is known for its stunning cliffs, beautiful beaches, and world-class surf spots. It’s also home to the famous Uluwatu Temple, which offers breathtaking views and traditional Balinese performances. The area has a range of accommodations to suit various budgets, from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses.
What is the meaning of Melasti in Indonesian?
Melasti is a Hindu Balinese purification ceremony and ritual typically occurring a few days before the Saka New Year and the day of silence known as Nyepi. Although the word itself does not have a direct translation in Indonesian, it’s a significant part of Balinese culture.
2 Responses