When people ask others for recommendations for the best spots in Bali, I keep hearing the same old names; Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu… but if someone asks me, my first suggestion is Umalas. This is by far, my favourite spot in Bali.
Where is Umalas
Umalas is nestled between Canggu, Seminyak and Batu Belig, another lesser-known beachside neighbourhood.
Who’s the Area Best For
Umalas is by far less built up than any of these areas, with luxurious villas, crafty cafes, and exceptional restaurants set among peaceful rice paddies and small patches of jungle. It’s only a stone's throw (or more accurately, a breezy Gojek ride) from all the great spots that Canggu, Seminyak and even Kuta offer, so you really do get the best of both worlds.
You’ll find many families and long-term digital nomads in the Umalas area who enjoy living away from the bustling streets of the more popular spots. Umalas is the perfect area for visitors who want some serious chill time, and to be close to nature, but don’t want to be too far from the action.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes Umalas so great.
How to Get to Umalas
Getting to Umalas from the airport is quite easy, as it is closer to Ngurah Rai than Canggu and Pereranan.
You’ll likely travel through Kerobokan or Seminyak and on a good day, should take about 40 minutes in a taxi or Gojek from the International airport.
What Are the Main Streets in Umalas?
The main thoroughfares in Umalas are Jalan Umalas Kau, Jalan Umalas II and Jalan Bumbak. It’s on these streets that you will find most of the popular eateries, bars and cafes.
However, the great thing about Umalas is that these streets are far less crowded than those in Seminyak and Canggu.
Plus there are plenty of other roads with cafes and restaurants tucked away. If you head north, into Kerobokan Bali, you’ll find many more restaurants and local gems.
Best Places to Eat in Umalas
- Eko Cafe
Eko is the place to go for a healthy, tasty breakfast. It features very tasteful decor and is a regular coffee and breakfast spot for plenty of tourists and expats. One of the best Umalas cafes around. - 7AM Bakers Club
Amazing pastries, artisan bread and quality coffee are all guaranteed at 7AM. This is a great spot for brunch or lunch, and is easily accessible. - Bagel Haus
Bagel Haus shares a shopfront with a few other vendors, including Mr Egg and LucyLu. It serves up mouth watering bagels, with a wide variety of toppings. This is a must-try. - Monsieur Spoon Umalas
If you fancy a croissant, Monsieur Spoon should be top of your list. Personally, I’ve not had a better croissant in Bali, and their coffee is up there too! - Nook
Nook is probably the most well-known culinary institution in Umalas, and for good reason. It has grown from a small restaurant into a sprawling, semi-outdoor venue, looking over rice paddies. The food is fantastic and the menu is varied, with something for everyone. - JUST KITCHEN
You might be surprised to find a Georgian restaurant in Bali, but JUST is worth a visit. They serve up tasty dumplings and a mean kebab, and the restaurant itself is a really pleasant environment. - Al Pescatore
This is seriously the best pizza I’ve had in Bali, and Al Pescatore is the definition of a hidden gem. Situated on Jl Dukuh Indah, it only seats about twenty people, and you will be greeted by either the lone waitress or the Italian owner. But I promise the pizza is absolutely delicious. - ROU Coffee
ROU is a Tokyo-inspired cafe, also found on Jl Dukuh Indah. It serves up a fantastic range of very good coffee and matcha, including some great cold brews and pour-overs. - Tacos Aquis
Keep Tuesday or Thursday free for a visit to Tacos Aquis, where delicious tacos are only 25k each. The margaritas are tasty, and there’s live music to keep you entertained. Located on Jl Bumbak.
What Are the Closest Beaches to Umalas?
The fact that Umalas is a little inland is probably the reason it has remained a hidden gem for so long.
However, the closest beaches are just a ten-minute scooter ride away. If you fancy a jaunt at a Seminyak beach club, head towards Petitenget. There are also many local beach bars, with sunbeds available for hire. The going rate for these is IDR 50,000 (about US$ 3.30) per person for the day, so don’t pay more than that.
Batu Belig features a row of warungs, which are local restaurants or food stalls, and is a little closer than Petitenget.
It can be difficult to swim here though, thanks to crashing waves and strong currents. If you head towards Canggu and its beaches, Berawa beach and Batu Bolong are only a little further and offer good surfing, along with an excellent selection of restaurants and bars.
Where to Stay in Umalas
Umalas is served by many great accommodation options.
If you’re looking for an Umalas villa, or something a little more simple, there’s something for every traveller. Long-term Bali rentals are also plentiful if you’re planning on a longer stay.
Papillon Garden Villas Umalas
Papillon is a collection of private villas, located on Jl Raya Bumbak. Each villa is completely self-contained, with a private kitchen, living room and of course, a pool!
By all reports, Papillon is an excellent option for families and the location is perfectly placed for forays into both Canggu and Seminyak.
La Payesa Kerobokan
La Payesa is another villa complex, with sprawling gardens and a large shared pool area. There are tasty breakfast options available and if you’d prefer to sit by the beach, Batu Belig and Berawa beaches are only 10 minutes away.
This is another family-friendly option, with an even mix of fun and tranquillity. La Payesa is a great example of classic Umalas Bali accommodation.
Bloomfield Umalas
If you’re looking for boutique accommodation with an attached spa, look no further than Bloomfield.
Bloomfield offers a wide array of accommodation options, from standard rooms, all the way up to the luxurious Villa Sawah. There are pristine pools for use, relaxing rice paddy views and exceptional service all the way.
The Villas Umalas
The Villas Umalas offers three accommodation options, including one large villa that sleeps eight people, and two smaller, three-bedroom villas.
Each villa is equipped with its own private pool, along with kitchen facilities, living room and dining area.
The accommodation is nice and close to Canggu, making it an easy trip to a bevy of excellent restaurants and bars. This an excellent option if you’re looking for a Bali villa rental.
Eco Bamboo Bungalow Umalas
Eco Bamboo offers a fantastic opportunity to get away from the concrete villas and delve into a more natural environment.
This accommodation is more traditional, with wooden bungalows featuring open-air kitchens and living areas. However, there is no sacrifice for luxury.
Bali Nyuh Gading Villas
Bali Nyuh Gading Villas are situated just a kilometer away from Batu Belig beach.
They are a travel sustainable property and feature lush tropical gardens, a private pool for each villa, and easy access to the best restaurants that Umalas and Seminyak have to offer.
Best budget option: Kultur Umalas
If you’re looking for a more affordable Umalas hotel, Kultur Umalas should be top of your list. This hostel features very modern dorms and private rooms and is always well-maintained.
There is a shared lounge, garden area, and breakfast option available. A bed in the private dorm will set you back less than IDR 150,000 (USD $15), with breakfast included.
Top 11 Things to Do in Umalas
Umalas is chock full of fantastic activities. These are the top 10 things to do in Umalas.
Enjoy an Evening Meal at Nook
As we mentioned earlier, Nook is a true Umalas institution, certainly the first suggestion when it comes to Umalas Bali restaurants.
Nook began as a small restaurant, surrounded by rice paddies. It quickly grew and is now a sprawling, open-air venue, with wonderful views and a super relaxed atmosphere.
Nook serves a very wide variety of cuisines, from local staples like nasi goreng and nasi campur, to schnitzel and pasta.
Check Out Uber-Cool Tempa Kultura
Tempa Kultura is part cafe, part workspace and part gallery, featuring some super-funky artwork, books, clothing and handmade goods by local artists.
It’s only a small venue and is not exactly well-known, but it’s definitely worth a visit.
Situated on Jl Dukuh Indah, it’s yet another example of the wonderful hidden gems that give Umalas its character. You can even take part in a pottery or candle-making workshop if you fancy it!
Dance the Night Away at the W
In my humble opinion, W is the best of all the beach clubs. It's part of the W Hotel and consistently puts on excellent musical acts, has fantastic food options and serves up some seriously good cocktails.
Plus, the pool is enormous, with plenty of space to frolic during the earlier hours. When night falls, the outdoor dance floor kicks off, waves crashing onto the sand nearby. And it’s only a short ride from Umalas’ main roads.
Have a Hit at Liga Tennis Centre and Academy
La Liga is a high-end tennis centre situated between Umalas and Canggu. The facility includes 6 professional standard tennis courts, along with a squash court, basketball court and more.
If you regularly play tennis and need your fix, or simply fancy a hit (or a game of basketball), you can book online. There’s even a restaurant and a lounge, perfect for unwinding after a match.
Sunday Breakfast or Brunch at la Lucciola
La Lucciola is situated by Petitinget Beach, in Seminyak. So while it’s not exactly in Umalas, it’s incredibly close.
La Lucciola only serves breakfast on weekends but offers an excellent view of the water, complete with a rolling lawn and large palm trees.
The Italian-influenced dishes are exceptional and it’s surprisingly affordable. The coffee is fantastic too!
Spend the Day at Batu Belig Beach
Batu Belig is one of the closest beaches to Umalas and is easily accessible by scooter, car, or a long walk.
The beach itself is subject to some strong, dangerous currents at times, so do look out for the red flags.
However, there is a string of funky beach warungs situated atop the sand, and plenty of day beds. Batu Belig is the perfect spot to spend a day in and out of the water, with great food and excellent views abound.
Eat at a Local Warung
The word warung basically means a roadside food stall, serving local Indonesian and Balinese food.
Umalas is full of exceptional warungs, some of the best being Warung Ambara and Warung Arta Nadi Babi Genyol. Notable local dishes that you absolutely must try are nasi campur babi, sate tusuk and sate babi.
Play Some Mini Golf at Shooters Bali
Shooters is an incredibly fun beer garden, situated in Seminyak, but only about 500m away from Nook. There are cheap drinks available, with two happy hours every night, along with plenty of games.
Enjoy a drink while playing a round of minigolf, trying your hand at axe throwing, shooting targets with a high-powered BB gun, or snapping some pics in the photo booth.
Catch the Sunset at Potato Head
Potato Head is probably the most famous of all the Bali beach clubs. While I personally prefer W, this huge complex is definitely worth checking out, and the sunset views are breathtaking. Potato Head offers accommodation, along with three restaurants, plenty of bars, and beachside infinity pools. If you want to sit down for sunset, you better get in early… There's plenty of competition!
Get a Massage at Aliya
Aliya is the premier spa in Umalas and sits on Jl Umalas 1. The spa is situated next to a rice paddy, offering relaxing views while you wait for your massage.
Aliya has a large number of regular customers and offers a wide range of different services, including long massages, manicures, pedicures and more. Booking ahead through WhatsApp is certainly advised due to its popularity.
Visit Mari Beach Club
Mari Beach Club is situated on Batu Belig beach and unlike the other beach clubs around, is seamlessly integrated into the beach itself.
Mari features traditional wooden buildings, plenty of sand and beach vegetation. But it comes with all the features of the other beach clubs, with happening bars and sparkling swimming pools.
Bali Must-Pack Items
Umalas is truly a hidden gem, often overshadowed by its busier neighbours, Canggu, Seminyak and Legian.
However, a fantastic range of restaurants, cafes and activities make Umalas a great option for any traveller, particularly when you’re perfectly situated to dive right into the other areas that make Bali so great.
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