Melasti Beach and the best beaches of south Bali

South Bali's Bukit peninsula has some of the island's most beautiful beaches: white sand coves at the foot of tall limestone cliffs, often reached by dramatic roads or long staircases. Here's how they compare, from our drivers' experience.

Melasti Beach (Ungasan)

A road cut through the cliffs leads down to a long strip of white sand and clear turquoise water. The beach takes its name from the Melasti purification ceremony held before Nyepi, when processions bring sacred objects to the sea. Today it has beach clubs, a cultural stage with dance performances on some evenings, and easy parking.

• Best for: photos, sunset, a relaxed beach day.
• Swimming: possible on calm days at mid-to-high tide; watch for waves and reef at low tide.

Pandawa Beach (Kutuh)

Also reached by a road through the cliffs, decorated with large statues of the five Pandawa brothers from the Mahabharata carved into the rock. Calm lagoon water thanks to the reef, plus kayak and canoe rentals.

• Best for: families, kayaking, easy access.

Green Bowl and Nyang Nyang

Wilder beaches reached by long stairways (Green Bowl) or a steep path (Nyang Nyang). Few facilities, few people, and beautiful empty sand.

• Best for: fit walkers and people who want quiet.
• Bring water and shade; there may be no shops.

Padang Padang and Bingin

Small surf coves near Uluwatu, squeezed between rocks. Lovely but crowded in high season, with strong waves on the reef in the dry season. See our Uluwatu guide.

Jimbaran Bay

A long, gentle bay with fishing boats in the morning and seafood restaurants with tables on the sand at sunset. Our Jimbaran BBQ seafood dinner is a favourite last evening.

Sanur

On the east coast: calm, reef-protected water, a long beach path for walking and cycling, and sunrise instead of sunset. Departure point for fast boats to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.

Which beach for which traveller?

Beach safety

• Swim where lifeguards are present and follow the flags; red flags mean no swimming.
• Rip currents can pull even strong swimmers out — swim parallel to the shore to escape, then come back in.
• Reef shoes protect against coral and sea urchins.
• Keep valuables in the car or hotel; don't leave bags unattended.

Most of these beaches are on the way to Uluwatu or GWK, so they combine easily in a half-day — see our GWK & Nusa Dua tour or ask your driver to add one to any south Bali trip.