Microsurgical clipping remains a valuable option for selected patients with posterior circulation cerebral aneurysms. Here, we present a case of a ruptured saccular aneurysm arising from the lower portion of the basilar artery, which was treated with direct clipping using the posterior transpetrosal approach. We describe the importance of the skull base technique to expand the working field in which both parent artery control and fine dissection can be performed. Moreover, careful use of a brain retractor can protect the brain while improving safety.