Umalas, everything you need to know: Where to stay, play and eat

Umalas is the next big thing in southern Bali. 

With a laid-back vibe, Umalas is a hidden gem nestled between Seminyak and Canggu that everyone wants to be part of.

Everyone knows that southern Bali is the hip and happening epicentre with groovy beach clubs,  hip cafes, and gorgeous  Bali villas. With so many options in Seminyak and Canggu, shortlisting places to hang, play and dine can be a nightmare. But why not have the best of both areas smack bang in the middle in Umalas? Not many people have heard of this fab neighbourhood, but it’s up and coming with many cosy restaurants, things to do and amazing family-friendly villas. Umalas really packs a punch for its size – think lovely welcoming cafes, relaxed dining, top gyms and some great day spas. Once you’ve been to Umalas, you’ll keep on coming back for more. It’s that appealing!

Here’s all you need to know about this action-packed little hood, which should be enough to entice you to visit. You might even decide to stay for a few days.

Also read: 10 restaurants in Umalas that are also affordable.

WHERE TO EAT IN UMALAS – LOVELY CAFES & RESTAURANTS

Bonito Fish Bar

Sustainably is the name here at this upmarket fish eatery in the heart of Umalas. Bonito is a casual restaurant and a seafood deli with an extensive freshly caught fish menu. There’s a display counter where you can choose your catch or order a la carte from the menu. Bonito is a delightful restaurant that’s also great for kids, from the Hokkaido Scallops to the roasted octopus or the king prawns.

Visit:  Bonito Fish Bar

Address: Jl Bumbak Dauh No. 88, p. +62 811 3811 888, e. reservations@bonito-fishbar.com; Open daily from 12 pm – 11 pm.

Dua

You’re in for a real culinary treat when you come to Dua. Choose from the yummy dishes on display or order from the extensive and well-priced menu. They have salads, smoothies, pasta, Indonesian food, cakes, burgers, and the whole shebang, and the place is packed with ex-pats who make this their regular. Why? Because the food is so darn good! An Umalas establishment is well worth visiting.

Address: Jl. Umalas II No.88, Umalas, Bali

Fabricca

With wood-fired ovens, Fabricca started in central Canggu and is so popular that it opened up in Umalas a few years back and is the place to take the whole family for a wholesome meal of yummy pizzas oozing with cheese and tasty super-generous toppings with original Italian ingredients we all know and love so much. Try the bruschetta and the Caprese for entrees, and the calzone is a must! For one of the best, and I do mean best, pizza experiences in Bali, make sure you go to Fabricca at least once.

Visit:  Fabricca

Address: Jl. Bumbak Dauh No.3, Kerobokan, Umalas, Bali

Meat Emporium

Meat lovers will be in heaven at this BBQ-style restaurant. All you have to do is choose your meat dishes from the selection of meats (think of going to the butcher), and they’ll cook it up for you. Sausages, steaks, ribs, etc., they’ve got the lot. So if you’ve got the urge for a juicy steak or thick sausages and are over the vegan, organic-style cafes dotted throughout Canggu, then The Meat Emporium is the place to go. The meat is imported from Australia, and 350g of wagyu flatiron cost IDR195k (AUD$20), which is excellent value, let alone having it seasoned to your liking, charred to perfection, and served to you smoking hot.

Visit:  Meat Emporium

Address: Jl. Bumbak No.44, Kerobokan, Bali

The Bistrot

In the heart of Umalas on Jalan Bumbak is the new Bistrot, a French dining experience serving comfort food. A culinary experience designed for casual yet upmarket dining for everyone wanting to try authentic cuisine made from the freshest ingredients. The beef tartare is sensational, the red curry clams & lemon basil for the entree are mouth-watering, and the Belgian Américain Préparé is world-class. There’s an extensive wine and cocktail list, and the vibe is eclectic and memorable. The Bistrot makes a huge statement and is a stand-out restaurant in Umalas for those wanting to really make a splurge and spoil themselves. Great for a date night!

Satisfy your cravings with our The Bistrot burger, featuring Australian Striploin, aged cheddar, and a blend of mouthwatering ingredients. Available for lunch and dinner, it’s a treat you won’t want to miss! Photo Credit: Instagram

Visit:  The Bistrot

Address:   Jl. Bumbak No.169, Umalas, Bali – Phone: +62 857-3726-4133

Leon

A French restaurant in the heart of Umalas, Leon Brasserie is the place to be for the most incredible French cuisine found at some of Paris’s finest restaurants. Now, you don’t have to travel all the way to France as Leon has it all—a gastronomical delight with dishes like roasted chicken breast, succulent duck, and scallops and prawns provencal. Save room for dessert, as the raspberry souffle is a must. 

Visit:  Leon

Address: Jl. Bumbak Jl. Umalas No.115, Bali – Phone: +62 822-1012-6083

WHERE TO STAY IN UMALAS – THE BEST VILLAS

1) Villa Umah Daun

With great rice terrace views, the 5-bedroom Villa Umah Daun is a large family or group holiday villa rental wedged between exciting Seminyak and hip and fabulous Canggu. It has a sunny, curved private swimming pool and a wading area perfect for the kids to play in. You’ll also have daily housekeeping, a delicious breakfast each morning, and a media and games room, all at a friendly price point! 

Visit  Villa Umah Daun

2) Villa Bondi

Villa Bondi is a lovely 2-bedroom villa on the outskirts of Umalas in the Bumbak area, so it’s in a perfect position to offer guests easy access to Seminyak, Canggu, Berawa, and Kerobokan. It’s a charming place with a private pool, cool boho-chic vibes, a fully equipped kitchen; and it’s Australian-managed, so you know it’s in tip-top shape. Enquire now here.

THINGS TO DO IN UMALAS

1. Cruise through the rice field roads

Great!! You’ve rented a motorbike  (make sure you are fully licenced and have an international driver’s licence), and now it’s time to start zipping around the rice fields in Umalas and exploring all the cool little cafes and alleyways. Stop off, take your time and enjoy a cool Bintang at a local Warung. There are still rice fields and farmers tilling their land to see in Umalas, so (as of March 2024) take advantage of this.

2. Raise your heart rate at a top gym

Umalas doesn’t have nearly as many gyms as Canggu or  Seminyak, but for the sporty type that wants to keep fit on holiday, Umalas has a few decent gyms where you can hit the cardio equipment or wights. Try the fitness classes at the boutique  71 Gym , to tennis matches at  Liga Tennis with five tennis courts, a squash court, and basketball and padel. 

3. Shopping in Seminyak

Umalas is Seminyak’s closest neighbour, and being so near means that if you are on holiday in Umalas, then going to Seminyak for some shopping therapy is a must. All you need to do is head to the famous Eat Street or Jalan Kayu Aya and start walking around. You’ll find many boutiques selling homewares, jewellery, clothes, Balinese paintings, and souvenirs. To get started, you can read this: shopping in Seminyak. The video below will also give you a good idea of what to expect during your Seminyak shopping spree.

4. Explore the uber-cool area of Canggu

Umalas is right next door to Seminyak, but a short and sometimes hectic drive through the Canggu shortcut will bring you to the vibrant area of Batu Bolong and areas like Echo Beach, Pererenan, and lets not forget Berawa. OMG, the amount of things you can do here is mind-boggling. Cafes, restaurants, beach clubs, gyms, coworking, padel tennis, and more. The list goes on. So grab a scooter or get your villa manager to arrange a car and spend the day roaming around, eating, drinking, perhaps an early morning surf and, of course, visiting all the cool shops.

@balivillaescapes

Early morning surf in Canggu beach, Bali. Great vibe, good waves, and fun times. #surfbali #balivilla #baliholiday #cangguvilla #canggusurf #balivillaescapes

♬ original sound – Bali Villa Escapes – Bali Villa Escapes

5. Head to Ubud

From Umalas, you can head inland and visit the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud. Take the kids and enjoy the Monkey Forest, lots of shopping, eating local food, or visiting the famous Tegallalang Rice Fields. It’s about 75 minutes by scooter and 90 by car, but Umalas is a great launch point.

@balivillaescapes

5 things to donin Ubud, Bali – theres so much to see and do but thee are just a few👍 #balivillas #balivillaescapes #ubudvillas #balifamilyholidays #baliholiday #unudholiday

♬ original sound – Bali Villa Escapes

About the author

Steven is a true Bali enthusiast and passionate surfer who knows the island like the back of his hand. When he’s not crafting articles or capturing videos of the latest restaurants, hidden gems, and must-see spots, you’ll find him riding the waves at Echo Beach or zipping around Seminyak, Berawa, and Canggu on his scooter. As part of the Bali Villa Escapes marketing team, Steven has been living in and out of Bali for over 15 years, soaking up the culture, beaches, and vibrant local scene. He loves sharing insider tips and favourite experiences to help visitors make the most of their Bali adventures.