For decades, Australian travellers have flocked to Bali’s best-known destinations, from the bustling beach clubs of Seminyak to the seafood restaurants of Jimbaran. But for those seeking a less crowded, elevated, and more authentic island escape, a different corner of Bali is quietly capturing attention.
Perched on the southern Bukit Peninsula, Ungasan offers a refreshing alternative to Bali’s more crowded tourist hubs. Home to dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, world-class ocean views and a slower pace of life, the area is emerging as one of the island’s most desirable destinations for travellers looking to experience Bali beyond the usual tourist trail.
Overlooking the spectacular Melasti Beach, Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts invites guests to discover a side of the island where serenity, natural beauty and cultural experiences take centre stage.
Why Ungasan? Because space is the new luxury
Perhaps Ungasan’s greatest appeal lies in what it lacks: traffic congestion, crowded beaches and the constant activity that characterises some of Bali’s more established tourist areas. While Seminyak and Canggu are known for their vibrant nightlife and busy streets, Ungasan offers a more laidback atmosphere in an area that feels a world away from busy tourist precincts, but which is still within easy reach of the airport and many of Bali’s most iconic attractions.
Visitors are rewarded with sweeping ocean panoramas, a collection of some of Bali’s most beautiful beaches, ancient sea temples…and plenty of space to enjoy it all. As travellers increasingly seek meaningful experiences, slower travel and destinations that allow them to disconnect and recharge, Ungasan offers the opportunity to experience Bali at a different pace.
Magnificent Melasti Beach
One of Ungasan’s standout attractions is Melasti Beach, widely regarded as one of Bali’s most spectacular sandy stretches between towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise water. Accessed via a winding cliffside road that has become an attraction in its own right; Melasti Beach is known for its soft white sand, calm swimming conditions and unforgettable sunsets, and yet it remains comparatively less crowded than many of the island’s better-known beaches. Guests staying at Umana Bali enjoy a unique vantage point above the beach, with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views from the resort’s clifftop setting and with access to Melasti Beach and the resort’s own Uma Beach House.
The beach is just the beginning
Beyond its coastline, Ungasan serves as an ideal base for exploring some of Bali’s most compelling cultural and natural attractions. The iconic Uluwatu Temple is a short drive away, renowned for its sunset views and nightly traditional Kecak fire dance. The area is also home to the impressive Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, where visitors can experience Balinese culture, performances and the towering Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, one of Indonesia’s most recognisable landmarks. For active travellers, the Bukit Peninsula offers access to some of Bali’s most famous surf breaks, scenic coastal walks and ATV quad biking tours.
Enchanting events
Ungasan hosts a raft of traditional and cultural events throughout the year. During August, regular temple anniversary celebrations (odalan) take place, as well as full moon rituals in both Melasti Temple and Batu Pageh Temple. Indonesian Independence Day is celebrated on 17 August with parades and traditional games held throughout the local villages, while the spectacular Bali Kite Festival hits the Ungasan coast on various dates between July and October depending upon wind conditions.
Umana Bali is your Ungasan home away from home
From its commanding position high above Melasti Beach, Umana Bali’s 72 all-pool villas set a new standard for family luxury. Every villa features a private pool with a heated open-air hot tub, as well as both indoor and outdoor living and dining spaces.
For larger families, the resort’s three-bedroom Uma Ocean Estate spans an impressive 1,200 square metres with exceptional ocean vistas, a private bar and cinema-worthy entertainment. From the entry-level One-Bedroom Valley Pool Villa to the grandeur of the three-bedroom estate, eleven distinct villa categories cater to every family configuration, with dedicated Curator service ensuring each guest can curate their dream stay, their way.
Children are well catered for with complimentary breakfast, free dining from the kids’ menu for those under six (dining with parents) and 50% off the a la carte menu. The on-site Anjali Kids Club is open daily for creative play and outdoor adventures aplenty.
Resort dining ranges from Mediterranean fare at Oliverra, guests to family-friendly beach club dining combining Japanese and Peruvian flavours at Uma Beach House. Guests can delve deeper into local cuisine with Balinese cooking classes, communal Indonesian rijsttafel feasts at Commune Restaurant, and artisanal arak tastings at Pad Bar. To ramp up the romance, a bespoke private in-villa barbecue or floating breakfast beside the villa’s pool are just the ticket.
