Bali’s Southernmost Beach Boasts Unrivalled Sunset Views For Tourists 

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Uluwatu is the hottest destination in Bali right now. In close competition with Canggu, both of these coastal resorts are seeing a massive influx of travelers, holidaymakers, digital nomads, and new-to-the-island expats, but step just outside the borders of these coastal hangouts, and the rewards are high. 

Tourists interested in traveling to the Bukit Peninsula but are not keen on the growing crowds in Uluwatu would be wise to check out neighboring Ungasan.

Often bundled together and referred to under the umbrella of Uluwatu, Ungasan has a distinct vibe of its own, offering wide-open, cliff-backed beaches and utterly unrivalled sunset views — and vibes. 

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Ungasan’s Melasti Beach, though known as the southernmost beach of Bali, somehow sees markedly fewer visitors than more famous beaches along the Bukit, like Padang Padang or Balangan Beach. Just as a side note, Melasti Beach in Ungasan should not be confused with Mertasari Beach in Sanur.

Both beaches are of enormous importance to Balinese Hindus and are often the site of religious ceremonies during festival periods. In fact, the beach is named after the Balinese Hindu cleansing and purification ceremony called the Melasti.

This ceremony is typically performed just before Nyepi Day, Bali’s holy day of silence, and is conducted by Balinese Hindus near the ocean or a lake to help purify them from negative energies and influences. For those so inclined, this is a deeply spiritual place, and it can be felt from the moment of arrival. 

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One of the most impressive natural features of Melasti Beach is the tall cliffs that tower above the shoreline. Topped with greenery, the winding road down to Melasti Beach cuts through the cliff edge, offering an incredible coastal panoramic view that has tourists tapping the shoulder of their driver to pull over for photos every time they pass.

While many visitors arrive at Melasti Beach ahead of the highly photogenic sunset, this is a beach worthy of a full-day trip in its own right. With so much to do, and the option to do simply nothing at all, Melasti Beach is worthy of its place on the Bali Bucket List. 

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Tourists can rent snorkelling equipment, and a whole underwater world awaits exploration from the shore of Melasti Beach.

Occasionally, kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards are also available to rent, though for a guaranteed place to hire such equipment, nearby Pandawa Beach is the best option. For those who want to get a workout in, it is possible to trek to the top of the cliffs via a small pathway.

For those who want to soak up Balinese culture as well as the sun and Indian Ocean views, booking a ticket for the nightly Kecak performance is an absolute must.

If the Kecak performance at Uluwatu Temple sounds appealing, but the large crowd and potential traffic congestion do not, then watching the show at Melasti Beach is highly recommended. Tickets cost IDR 125,000 per person, and children under 12 are free.

The performance is held at the Praharsacitta Open Air Stage at sunset, timings depend on the season, and the local pecalang, beach staff, or parking attendants can share specific details about what is happening each day with visitors upon arrival. 

For a public beach in Bali, Melasti Beach has all the facilities visitors could need.

There are free-to-use clean bathrooms and changing rooms, plenty of parking, shower facilities, and a variety of eateries, local warungs, and even vibrant beach clubs at White Rock. 

Of course, no trip to Melasti Beach would be complete without staying for sunset. With the sun setting directly in front of the beach, visitors are treated to picture-perfect sunset views and a magical spot to sit on the sand.

There are plenty of secluded spots for those who want a moment of quieter presence or even for a touch of romance.