The Best Beach in Bali - Melasti Beach | What You Need to Know | Best Family Friendly Beach Bali

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Discovering Melasti Beach, Bali: A Hidden Gem of Natural Beauty

We moved to Bali for the beach life and so far Bali has been a mixed bag in terms of beautiful beaches. We're on the hunt for the best beaches in Bali with a family, with kids and as a couple... and we found it. This one is a gem!

As a family of beach bums we LOVE a beautiful beach. And love having sandy toes and salty hair, sipping a coconut on soft white sand with all shades of blue oceans. And Melasti Beach is this families all time favourite and most beautiful beach in Bali. In fact, it deserves a spot as one of the Worlds most beautiful beaches because of it's sheer breathtaking beauty.

Pantai Melasti has it's own website. Pantai means beach in Bahasa and of course Pantai Melasti wins our award for Bali's best beach. We've tried a lot and we feel so lucky that this world class beach is right on our doorstep.

We're based in the south of Bali, for this very reason. To hunt out the best beaches.

Follow the blog to see the beaches of Bali and find out, (very honestly and in my real non-instagrammy style) - what beaches we love and all the ins and outs for that beach - to make your next trip to Bali a bit easier.

If you are short on time, we highly recommend this beach day trip with personal guide on Klook where you will visit 3 of the best beaches in the South of the Island including Melasti beach, Padang Padang and Pandawa Beach (3 of the islands most beautiful beaches) in a single day. Followed by a sunset meal on the vibey Jimberan Beach. People that have done this day trip said it was the highlight of their holiday.

Check out my Melasti Beach vid on youtube. It's not edited with filters just very honest view of Melasti beach so you can see the true colours and nature. This is our favourite beach in Bali.

Melasti Beach - Location

Nestled on the southern coast of Bali, in the Bukit (the blob at the bottom of Bali), Melasti Beach is a serene escape that offers a unique blend of breathtaking scenery and tranquil relaxation. It's known for its dramatic cliffs, powdery white sand, and crystal-clear waters, so you read on the internet. But we've found this isn't always the case for beach reviews and so we wanted to suss it out for ourselves to see whether Melasti had a place in our top 5, top ten beaches of Bali. Turns out it's world class and deserving of that accolade on a world stage - which you can't always say when in Bali.

You don't need to read on: It's beautiful, a must visit. Go go go.

But if you want to find out more..... whether this beach is the one of our faves for the best family friendly beach bali ... entry costs, location, things to do there, beach clubs, then read on....

We think that Melasti beach is a great beach fit for a family, mainly because it feels safe. Bali can feel chaotic at times and it's high energy can feel intense for children and empaths, sensitive to energy. For us as parents, it's difficult to switch off. But in our opinion, Melasti is one of the best family friendly beach bali - an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and peace. It has it all in our opinion. In this blog post, we'll delve into the geographical location of Melasti Beach, explore the myriad of activities you can enjoy there, discuss the entrance fees, and highlight some of the popular day clubs nearby.

Melasti Beach Location

Melasti Beach is situated in the Ungasan, Uluwatu region of Bali, Indonesia (where we live! Pinch me!!). It’s part of the Badung Regency, which is renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes. The beach is approximately a 30-minute drive from the bustling areas of Seminyak and Kuta. So if you are based there, it's not too far to take a day trip out there. You won't regret that. Because whilst Kuta and Seminyak has ok beaches, they literally do not compare to the beauty of Melasti. If you've ever been to Virgin beach up north in Bali, then this is more of a comparison.

As a family of beach lovers, we're quite underwhelmed by the beaches in Bali overall. Especially if you compare them to Thailand or other SE Asian Countries. And that makes me sad to say. They really do suffer from trash issues. And if you are Australian with pristine beaches, you'll understand what I'm saying here. But this is not to poo poo Bali, because Bali does have some breathtakingly rugged and pristine beaches (you just have to know where to look). Plus Bali has a vibe. We came for the energy of the place and if only we could find a beautiful tropical beach... well guys, Melasti is it.

What makes Melasti Beach particularly good is its unique breathtaking beauty. The drive down on the scooter blows my mind every time we visit. It's like being in a movie - get your phone ready because you're going to want to film the drive down. It's up there with one of the worlds most iconic beach drives.

And we head to Melasti twice a week but I am still blown away. The beach is framed by towering limestone cliffs that create a dramatic backdrop and offer spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. The road winds and weaves to open up to palm lined view of the stunning turquoise coastline. It's very tropical. Very pretty. And so photogenic.

And it's right at the very bottom of Bali - you can't get any further down (a great little factual topic to add to your world learning or home schooling projects if you're world schooling the kids - like we are - or you just love to know facts about the place you're in - like we do!)

Things to Do at Melasti Beach

1. Relax and Sunbathe on soft white sand against turquoise (clean) waters

   With its soft white sand and clear blue waters, Melasti Beach is perfect for unwinding. The sand is nice and white. Soft. The beach in September was clean and not full of trash, like some places. There was the odd lost washed out old flip flop washed in from the ocean and the odd lighter, but honestly, we pick that up (because that's what we do) and the rest - no trash. Rainy season brings some trash in but not on the level that see in other places. Also the entry fee seems to be helping towards keeping the beach clean. The beach's relatively secluded nature means it's less crowded compared to other Bali beaches, providing a peaceful atmosphere where you can soak up the sun or enjoy a leisurely swim in the tranquil waters. But still lot's of people to people wartch and provide an atmosphere. The ticket booth is at the very top, then you drive down to a big entrance that can get quite busy with locals taking shade etc, and literally EVERYONE bustling to get that all important insta picture at the entrance gates. Think traditional Bali style walls. If you're keen on ticking the insta list, then there's loads of famous spots at Melasti to take that 'Wish You were here picture'. Once you get onto the beach, it's spacious, non-crowded, very beautiful with more locals to tourist ratio, which makes a beach more special for us. Because Balinese people are beautiful, friendly and their smile comes from a place of truth.

   
   

1. Photography and Scenic Views

   The striking cliffs on the drive down to Melasti Beach are breathtaking. Then the expansive ocean views really does make Melasti Beach a haven for photographers. I couldn't stop taking photos on my first visit. And we come twice a week and I still take so many vids and photos it's breathtakingly beautiful here. It's one of those places that everywhere you look, you want to take a photo. If every blink could take a photo I'd be more than happy with that. The beach offers stunning vantage points for capturing the natural beauty of Bali. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to visit, as the changing light creates a spectacular array of colours and you do get both sunrise and sunset - all be it towards the side and behind cliffs. It still feels special.

   
   

2. Beachfront Walks

   Bali is a hard place to walk. It's difficult getting the daily steps in or getting anywhere on foot. But with Melasti beach you can park up at the entrance and walk and walk. You can park at the top and enjoy a scenic downhill walk - which is breathtaking btw. But beware you'll have to walk back up if you do this. It's worth it to do once, becaue of how beautiful the road down is. It's also not crazy busy with traffic and quite often there will be a bridal shoot on the road where you can see the happy couple pose for photos which is always quite nice to see. But a word of warning if you do walk down - that hill can get a lot a in the heat after a long day walking back up.

3. Melasti is a long sandy beach with gentle waters. Take a stroll along the pristine shoreline and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and ocean. From the Pirate ship end to Karma beach section, it's a beautiful walk. The sand is dry and soft. You don't feel sticky and wet there. There is often a breeze too. TIP: Go after 3pm when it's cooler. The walk along the beach can be a meditative experience, with the soothing sound of very gentle waves crashing against the shore enhancing your sense of relaxation. So calm that the kids can paddle without getting totalled in the crashing waves (of Dreamland Beach et al) All in all it's laid back and chilled, with a welcome beat from the day clubs set back on the beach (depending on where you decide to base yourselves). But don't worry, it's definitely not pumping. And there are plenty of areas with no sound of music.

3. Snorkeling and Swimming at Melasti Beach

While Melasti Beach is not as famous for snorkelling as other Bali locations, the crystal clear waters provide decent visibility for casual snorkelling. You'll see some beautiful tropical fish. There are rocks too that you can walk out to when the tide is out and poke around. Swimming is also a popular activity at Melasti, with the gentle waves making it suitable for all skill levels. The waves break further out against the rocks and so when they get to the shore line, they are merely a tickle on the sand, which is very nice for children and adults that don't want to get turned upside down, legs in the air (If you love the thrill of this - Dreamland is the beach for you). A bikini ripper beach - as I call it. I've seen many bums and bits n bobs at Dreamland through an unexpected wave skittling anyone that thinks the strong waves have passed and that these ones will be ok. LOL, big mistake. But not at Melasti - overall weather dependant, Melasti is mostly calm and beautiful.

To my mind Melasti gives us Ibiza Vibes (and Ibiza being our Spiritual home - we've been 14 times - and looked to live there at one point but needed to win the lottery to even think about that!) We always have a soft spot for the Bougainvillea, cliffs, coves, crystal water Ibizan vibes. Balearic beats in the background.

4. Explore the Surrounding Cliffs getting down to Melasti Beach

The imposing limestone cliffs that surround the beach offer opportunities for exploration and adventure. Although climbing the cliffs can be risky, the paths around the base provide fantastic vantage points for taking in the panoramic views. On our very first visit, back in the day when we didn't have our own scooter because we're a family. We took a taxi to Melasti. Because our Grab taxi on the way home couldn't pick us up from the bottom near the beach (because of some rule) and we hadn't took the scooter (because there's 4 of us and that's not happening on the roads of Bali - even though the locals do) and so we took a taxi in, that dropped us at the entrance, but come home time, we couldn't get the taxi to pick us back up at the beach and they would only pick us up from the ticket booth entrance. The taxi driver found it very comical watching us get to his car with heads like beetroots and a pulse in our cheeks. We got some beauts photos on the walk up though! Now we ride down like pro's and park round the back near White Rock Beach Club. Just something to be aware of if you are taxi-ing it to Melasti. It was a great work out although very stressful and hot!

5. Experience Balinese Culture with a Kecak Dance Performance

   Every night you can watch a traditional Kecak dance overlooking Melasti beach, offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage with a stunning place to watch. It's less busier here than other places or the temple in Uluwatu but you'll still need to book tickets. Grab your Melasti Beach Kecak Dance Tickets from Klook here. For more info be sure to check out the official Melasti Kecak Dance website here. Occasionally, these traditional Balinese performances take place on the beach!.

Entrance Fee Melasti Beach, Bali

As of the latest updates, the entrance fee to Melasti Beach is generally affordable. It typically costs us 33,000 IDR for the bike and 1 kid, 2 adults. However, fees can vary slightly depending on the time of year and any additional amenities or services you may use. It’s always a good idea to check for the most current information before your visit.

Best Time to Visit Melasti Beach

The best time to visit Melasti is during the dry season (April – October) when the skies are clear and the ocean is calm. But as we live very close by, we go all year round and honestly we're never disappointed. Early mornings are perfect for a peaceful beach walk, while late afternoons get busy with locals due to the sunset and golden glowing cliffs. Because Melasti is big it never feels crowded.

Monkeys at Melasti

Are their monkeys at Melasti Beach? We visit Melasti beach around 2 times per week and for 1 year saw no monkeys ever. We're not huge fans and liked Melasti for that reason. But recently these last few weeks we've seen monkeys. And on one occasion one nicked our bag of crisps that we had laying by the side of us and we hadn't noticed. And was sat next to us munching away.

Because we were not expecting monkeys at Melasti, we were not hiding away all of our valuables and perishables. That might need to change if monkeys are now a thing at Melasti. I'll keep you updated on the blog!

Melasti Day Clubs and Nearby Attractions, Ungasan, Uluwatu, Bali - Our 2 favourites but there are many more across the stretch.

1. White Rock Beach Club

   Check out their various Day Passes & Bed prices and book White Rock via Klook here. Located in the centre of Melasti Beach, but set back so the music isn't blurring. White Rock Beach Club is a popular destination for those looking to combine beach time with a touch of luxury. On Saturdays and Sundays around 4pm they have a foam party there, which is great for the kids. You can book a be there where food is credited. We mostly spend our day at the beach and then walk up the steps to have a drink and the kids go for a swim in the pool at White Rock, before heading home on the bike. You can enjoy beautiful views of the sun setting here and the day closing.

   
   

2. Karma Beach Bali

   Karma Beach, right on the beach in Melasti at the very far right end is another nearby option, located in the neighbouring area of Karma Kandara. It offers a laid-back vibe with its own private beach, beachside dining, and various activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. The clear waters and picturesque setting make it a great spot for a relaxing day out. We recently had a date night here to Watch DJ Danny Rampling (more on that soon - a great day - a great beach club)

   (There are many more beach clubs than listed here. Along the whole coast of Melasti, there are many spots to grab a drink and cool off. Beds to hire on the beaches and umbrellas. We mostly love to be on the sand because we love to ground to the Earth' magnetic energy and so love to be on the sand, but beds are dotted in front of restaurants to hire for the day and order your drinks and food from.)

3. Other Beach Clubs we've not visited yet include: Tropical Temptation (Adults Only)

   
   

Last thoughts on Melasti Bali

Melasti Beach, with its enchanting natural beauty and serene environment, provides a perfect retreat from the more tourist-heavy areas of Bali. Whether you're looking to relax on the sand, explore the surrounding cliffs, or enjoy nearby luxury day clubs, Melasti Beach offers something for every traveler. With its relatively low entrance fee and a range of activities and amenities, it’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a memorable Balinese experience.

Make sure to visit Melasti Beach during your Bali adventure, and let the tranquil setting and stunning views create lasting memories.

For us Melasti definitely is in our TOP Beaches in Bali list as a family. You cannot be disappointed by this beach. Join us as we explore more beaches to officially rank Melasti's position in our fave family beaches of Bali (it's a hard life, but I'll do it for you guys!)

In the meantime keep up with our daily updates on social media below.

And let me know if there is anything specific you would like to know.

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