Bali’s Southernmost Beach Sparks Wanderlust For Tourists

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Bali’s best beaches are often those that are overlooked. As Uluwatu and the surrounding areas of the Bukit Peninsula become increasingly popular, there is one beach in particular that is sparking wanderlust in tourists from around the wold.

Melasti Beach, also known as Bali’s southernmost beach, is seeing a rising amount of interest from travelers and its not hard to see why. 

Uluwatu is soaring in popularity right now. As the resort area known as Uluwatu grows in size, it is important to note that not all of the ‘Pearl of Bali’ is actually Uluwatu.

Uluwatu refers to a small, southwesterly region of the Bukit Peninsula. Nearby communities such as Ungasan and Kutuh are destinations in their own right and should be referred to as such. 

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Melasti Beach, in Ungasan, just a short drive from both Uluwatu and Nusa Dua, is seeing a steady rise in the number of tourist visits.

Once upon a time Melasti Beach was rarely visited by even local communities, who would come to the beach only for ceremonies on th sacred shoreline.

Nowadays, as the Bukit Peninsula is booming evermore attractive to tourists, more and more people are learning about this gorgeous coastal retreat. 

Fear not, even though Melasti Beach is seeing a rise in the number of visitors, this coastal hangout is still regularly free from crowds. Backed by stunning white cliffs and boating a crystal clear and blue shoreline, Melasti Beach is utterly dreamy. 

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For tourists who time their visits right, a visit to Melasti Beach can coincide with a local Balinese Hindu ceremony. Melasti Beach is one of the most spiritually significant sites along Bali’s coast and is regularly used for a range of traditional ceremonies.

Right now Melasti Beach is seeing the end of the Mepeed ceremony, which is part of the Karya Tawur Labuh Gentuh, Ngenteg Linggih and Mapadudusan Agung Pura Segara of Ungasan Traditional Village.

The ceremony will last for almost 20 days, and started on the 4th October 2024 and will finish on the 25th October.

This sacred procession is not only an important moment for the local community, but also a special attraction for tourists visiting Melasti Beach.

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Speaking to reporters Melasti Beach Management Chairperson Wayan Karnawa, explained “Although there are traditional ceremonies, operations at Melasti Beach continue as usual, without disrupting activities or operations in the Melasti Beach area. In fact, with this ceremony, Melasti Beach is getting busier.”

Typically Melasti Beach welcomes 3,000 visitors a day, and over the Mepeed ceremony, this has risen to 3,500, with over 70% of visitors domestic tourists and just 30% international tourists.

However, as interest in culturally respectful tourism grows, more and more international tourists will be encouraged to visit Melasti Beach to observe ceremonies and parades.

Karnawa explained “In fact, there are several travel agents who deliberately come here for this ceremony.”

He added “We hope that with activities like this, Melasti Beach can be better known and visited by tourists both domestic and foreign.”

For international tourists, Melasti Beach is an anbolsute hidden gem and is without a doubt one of the most special places to watch the sunset in Bali.

Many people visiting the Bukit Peninsula will hurry to get at spot at Single Fin to watch the sun go down, or enjoy a day at Sundays Beach Club, but often miss the sunset as the cliffs block the view. At Melasti Beach a breathtaking sunset is guaranteed 365 days a year. 

Though Melasti Beach is accessible to most people, the steeps and winding pathway down to the beach itself can be challenging for some. It is advisable to go slow, and be mindful of your footing.

A visit to Melasti Beach can be coupled nicely with a morning at Pandawa Beach just further up the coast.

There are two popular beach clubs in the Melasti Beach area for those who want to relax in style, Tropical Temptation and White Rock Beach Club are both open seven days a week.