Ultimate Guide to Umalas: Where To Stay, Eat & Play in Bali’s Most Stylish Residential Neighbourhood

Where can you find quiet streets & emerald green rice paddies in South Bali? Umalas – a hidden gem that borders the bustle of both Seminyak and Canggu…

It’s no secret that South Bali is the spot for beautiful beaches, hopping beach clubs and five-star resorts. It’s where your biggest problem is shortlisting places to eat and sights to see. But you might be wondering, where can you have the best of both worlds: peace and quiet, yet still close to all the must-visit hotspots? That’s where Umalas steps in – a hidden gem that borders the bustle of both Seminyak and Canggu.

This family friendly neighbourhood is an up-and-coming residential area where you’ll find plenty of expats, young families and long-term Bali travellers, plus a few remaining lush green rice fields. Don’t be fooled by its size either. Despite its quaintness, Umalas is packed full of places to stay, eat and play – think cute cafes, award-winning restaurants, hip gyms and ultra-stylish abodes. Here’s all you need to know about the lovely Umalas ‘hood, and why it should make the list on your Bali itinerary…

WHERE TO EAT IN UMALAS – THE BEST CAFES & RESTAURANTS

1. Uma Garden

Nestled amongst Umalas’ emerald rice paddies and surrounded by greenery is Uma Garden – a fire-based restaurant with the humble philosophy of bringing people together over real food and good vibes. Just minutes from both Canggu and Seminyak, Uma Garden is a sanctuary away from the bustle, and with its stylishly rustic ambiance and prime address on one of Umalas’ most trendy streets, it’s fast become the go-to neighbourhood hangout for both expats and seasoned foodies alike. Start your evening with a pre-dinner aperitivo at the stylish lounge as you watch the open kitchen come to life. Then, make your way to the heart of the restaurant where communal tables set the scene for mixing and mingling over honest recipes and wood-fired flavours. Try the 24-hour slow-cooked pork belly, or the Wagyu beef and juicy prawns, ember-grilled to perfection.
Uma Garden, Jl Umalas 1 No. 8, p. +62 821 4736 9323; Open daily from 6pm.

2. Bonito Fish Bar

Fresh-from-the-net sustainably caught seafood is what’s on the menu at Bonito Fish Bar – the latest venture from Chef Maurizio Bombini and the sister to Seminyak’s acclaimed Mauri restaurant. In comparison to its fine dining predecessor, Bonito is a casual restaurant and seafood delicatessen, celebrating the flavours of the sea with its cooked and raw fish creations. And you can even choose your catch from the chilled display counter, or order the imaginative plates from the menu for a taste of Chef Maurizio’s culinary flair. From oysters and ceviche, to charcoal-grilled prawns and roasted octopus, Bonito Fish Bar gets three thumbs up from us.
Bonito Fish Bar, Jl Bumbak Dauh No. 88, p. +62 811 3811 888, e. [email protected]; Open daily 12pm – 11pm.

3. Kembali Bumbak

Kembali Bumbak restaurant - where to eat in Umalas

Flowery decor, cute furniture and family friendly vibes – we can’t get enough of Kembali Bumbak. This neighbourhood fave is where you can pop by for a breakfast of waffles, pancakes and smoothie bowls, or a hearty plate of wok-fried chilli crab and scrambled eggs with potato, sambal matah and coriander. For lunch, you can’t go wrong with the chunky sandwiches, burgers and salads, then swing by for superb pastas and Indonesian favourites at dinnertime. There are plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, as well as a fun kids menu. Keep your eyes peeled for regular deals, like two-for-one cocktails and pasta nights!
Kembali Bumbak, Jl Bumbak Dauh No. 41 – 45, Kerobokan, p. +62 812 9916 0601, e. [email protected]; Open daily 8am – 10pm.

4. Nook

Nook Restaurant - where to eat in Umalas

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, Nook is where you can escape the traffic for calming, panoramic views of lush rice paddies alongside a great selection of Indonesian and Asian-fusion dishes. We say, go for the traditional Nasi Campur where you can pick and choose between white or red rice, topped with different meats, seafood, veggies and sambal. Wash it all down with a chilled coconut, and finish off with a piping hot pisang goreng. And just like its name, you’ll find plenty of cosy nooks to cuddle up in…
Nook, Jl Umalas 1 Gang Nook, Kerobokan, p. +62 813 5386 7776, e. [email protected]; Open daily 8am – 11pm.

5. Monsieur Spoon

Monsieur spoon - cafe enak untuk brunch di Bali

If you thought Bali life couldn’t get any sweeter, settle in for brunch or lunch at Monsieur Spoon – the island’s favourite artisanal French bakery-cum-cafe that does food a la Francaise oh-so well. One of many locations on the island (also in CangguSeminyak and Ubud), you’ll want to try its oh-so creamy eclairs, shatteringly crisp croissants, velvety salted caramels and freshly baked breads that sit under buttery smashed avocado, gooey eggs or juicy bacon – and FYI, the coffee is great here too.
Monsieur Spoon, Jl Umalas II No. 43, p. +62 877 6116 0080; Open daily 7am – 3pm.

6. Bistro Anwa

Bistro Anwa restaurant - where to eat in Umalas

Located within the three-storey Anwa Bali, Bistro Anwa is a family-friendly Western-style bistro slinging organic, nutritious and fresh ingredients throughout the day. Start your day right with the creamy Eggs Benny, a fresh smoothie, or the sautéed mushrooms with garlic, poached eggs and Persian feta, plus a slice of sourdough to mop up all that goodness. Then for lunch, it’s all about hearty comfort food, like homemade pizzas, juicy burgers and zesty plates to share. You’ll want to bring the whole family too, because there’s regular happy hours for mums and dads (best enjoyed on the breezy rooftop), plus movie nights for kids (popcorn included!) and even a fully air-conditioned sports bar.
Bistro Anwa, Jl Umalas Tunon No. 23A, p. +62 821 4554 2105, e. [email protected]; Open daily from 7am.

WHERE TO STAY IN UMALAS – THE BEST HOTELS & VILLAS

1. Own Villa

Own villa - luxury eco-stay in Seminyak, Bali

Sitting on the outskirts of Seminyak at the gateway to Canggu, Own Villa in Umalas is an eco-traveller’s dream escape. This luxury eco-lodge was conceived to embrace nature, discover traditions, travel consciously, and experience the spirit of Bali. It’s built using recycled materials, with those striking thatched roofs inspired by the Batak houses of North Sumatra. Six one-bedroom villas are strategically placed to mimic an Indonesian village, AKA a “desa”, with the pristine pool taking centre stage. Hidden amongst greenery, every detail mirrors the villa’s natural environment, and all design elements are handmade. We love the in-villa spa treatments, and the private dining restaurant, Own Table, which blend Indonesian flavours and Italian home cooking.
Own Villa, Jl Umalas Tunon Gg. X No. 1A, p. +62 361 473 5790 / +62 831 1978 7824, e. [email protected]

2. Bloomfield Bali

Where to stay in Umalas - Bloomfield Bali

Overlooking the Umalas rice fields, Bloomfield Bali is a boutique hotel and spa that gives the gift of tranquillity. Formerly a private residence, it’s designed with the environment in mind with beautiful handcrafted furnishings and bamboo structures at every turn. You can choose from the various private rooms, but we say go all-out with the three-bedroom Villa Sawah with its own infinity pool that overlooks the sawah, AKA rice fields. Spend the whole day at the pool, join the yoga and meditation classes in the bamboo studio, or bliss out with a spa treatment at the open air bungalow…
Bloomfield Bali, Jl Bumbak No. 25, Gg. Pulau No. 6, p. +62 857 3888 3093, e. [email protected]

3. La Payesa

La Payesa - where to stay in Umalas: private villas

A Spanish-inspired collection of villas, La Payesa is a fully gated complex of four villas and a shared space. The villas range from two to four bedrooms, each with their own private pool, sun deck, spacious garden and a wonderful team of staff. The boho chic, two-bedroom Es Palmador is perfect for small families, while the four-bedroom Las Salinas sleeps eight lucky travellers. The open-plan living space is decked out with entertainment and a fully equipped kitchen for those cosy nights in. Or, rent out the whole complex (Las Salinas and Es Palmador, plus the three-bedroom Es Cavallet and Illetas) for up to 24 guests.
La Payesa, Jl Umalas II No. 108, e. [email protected]

4. Pandawa All Suite Hotel

Pandawa All Suite Hotel - where to stay in Umalas

Perfect for solo travellers and small families, Pandawa All Suite Hotel offers a number of comfy suites for you to call home. Each suite is a two-storey apartment with a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, plus a living space with a large flat-screen TV, a private bathroom with a bathtub, as well as a sun-soaked balcony. Choose from garden or pool views, or upgrade to an executive suite for more space!
Pandawa All Suite Hotel, Jl Umalas Klecung No. 8X, Umalas 2, Kerobokan, p. +62 361 8499 228 / +62 821 4639 4088, e. [email protected]

5. The Apartments Umalas

The Apartments Umalas - stay in rooms, apartments and villas

Clean, comfy and stylish, The Apartments Umalas offer something for everyone. The guest rooms are cute and cosy, while the two-bedroom apartments are perfect for small families. Whichever you choose, you’ll have access to the three shared pools and the on-site restaurant. And for those travelling in larger groups, choose the two- to four-bedroom villas that each sleep up to eight people. The villa is complete with a kitchen, living area, a private swimming pool and a tranquil garden too.
The Apartments Umalas, Jl Umalas Tunon Gang 5J, Kerobokan, p. +62 811 389 9455

6. Monolocale Resort

Monolocale Resort - where to stay in Umalas

Home to both modern suites and chic private villas, Monolocale Resort is an eclectic stay just minutes from Seminyak’s golden sands. Whichever room you choose, each one is decked out with amenities galore, from Netflix and Spotify, to bathroom essentials from Sensatia Botanicals. We love the suites for a bright and breezy staycay, while the one-bedroom villas are perfect for couples and small families who want to settle in for longer. Spend your days by your private pool or at the shared main pool, then hit up the resort’s Sanctuary Restaurant to fuel up for a weekend of island adventures.
Monolocale Resort, Jl Umalas 1 No. 88A, Kerobokan, p. +62 361 739 117, e. [email protected]

THINGS TO DO IN UMALAS

1. Cruise through the rice field roads

If you’re licensed to ride a scooter, it’s one of the best ways to explore Umalas’ quaint streets, which merge from urban laneways with cool cafes, to tiny paths that cut through the rice fields. It’s something that you don’t often find in Bali’s other southern neighbourhoods, so it’s definitely worth ticking off your bucket list!

2. Raise your heart rate at a top gym

Liga Tennis - fitness and sports things to do in Umalas

For the sporty bunch, you’ll be happy to know that Umalas is home to wellness destinations galore. The choice is yours, from fitness classes at the boutique 15 FIT gym, to tennis matches at Liga Tennis with five tennis courts, a squash court, plus basketball and padel too. Or, if you’d like to work on flexibility and strength, Umalas Pilates Studio is where you can go for a group class or a private session with top-notch pilates reformers.

3. Keep calm at a breezy yoga studio

Make use of the tranquil and serene nature of the neighbourhood and escape the daily hustle and bustle at one of the best yoga studios on the island, Nataraja Bali Yoga Shala . Here you can also fuel up with nutritious dishes at the studio’s Vedic Kitchen, or head out and visit the holistic wellness experts at Maja Healing.

4. Fill your Instagram feed

Este Leisure - Instagrammable things to do in Umalas

With so many cute cafes in the neighbourhood, your Instagram feed will be spoilt for choice in Umalas. But if you want to take things up a notch, make a stop at Este Leisure. This Moroccan-inspired restaurant, shop and photoshoot destination is blessed with pastel hues, intricate designs, and a tea-party inspired poolside picnic setup. Not only that, the all-day brunch menu and the boho shops are not to be missed either…

5. Shop up a storm in neighbouring Seminyak

Being in such close proximity to Seminyak, staying in Umalas is a blessing for jetset fashionistas. Just a few minutes drive from the main street, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Petitenget, home to hundreds of island boutiques, luxury brands and jewellery stores too. To guide you in the right direction, here’s a list of where to shop in Seminyak.

6. Mingle with the cool kids in Canggu

La Brisa - best bars on the beach in Canggu

Not only is Umalas close to Seminyak, you’re also just a short drive away from the hip and happening ‘hood of Canggu. A beach day in Canggu is a must, whether it’s for a long walk on the black sands, or to hit the famous waves. Along the beach, you’ll find Canggu’s coolest beach clubs where sunset cocktails await, and come nightfall, Canggu is home to some of the best restaurants on the island.

Love this guide to Umalas? Check out this guide to Seminyak too!

Source: https://thehoneycombers.com/bali/umalas-bali-travel-guide/

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