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 and more about this action-packed little hood, which should be enough to entice you to visit. You might even decide to stay here 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. From the Hokkaido Scallops to the roasted octopus or the king prawns, Bonito is a delightful restaurant that’s also great for kids.
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, Fabbrica started in central Canggu and is so popular that it opened up in UYmalas 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 Mamoune
Spend your time in sunny Bali at the exotic Villa Mamoune, a tropical gem hidden in a private area of Umalas, Bali. It’s a huge retreat with opulent decorations, where you can absorb the authentic Balinese ambience surrounded by lush gardens. The villa has 6 fully air-conditioned bedrooms, chefs to prepare breakfast, and friendly housekeeping, all near trendy beach clubs and family-friendly restaurants. to top it off, there is a private butler, villa manager and security.
Visit: Villa Mamoune
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 15 FIT g ym, 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
Steven is a die-hard Bali island addict and committed surfie. When he's not writing or taking videos of the latest restaurants or cool places, he's at Echo Beach surfing or riding his scooter around Seminyak, Berawa or Canggu. Steve is part of the Bali Villa Escapes marketing team and has been living in and out of Bali for the last 15 years.
