Conveniently tucked away between Seminyak and Canggu, Umalas doesn’t get the attention it deserves and this is largely because of the residential population who prefer to keep their favourite part of Bali to themselves. Favoured by Europeans, it retains a beautiful Balinese village charm, with pretty lanes and a slower pace.
With so many expats living in the area, businesses open to support them, and dining out in Umalas is an experience not to be missed. It’s also a great base to explore the best of Bali, with sneaky shortcuts to Berawa and Canggu and easy access to Ubud and Seminyak.
From spas to tennis, yoga to rice field walks and visits to Balinese temples are all part of the charm of laid-back Umalas as well. Le Cielo Resort Umalas has just opened in a quiet enclave in Umalas and we’d love to show you around our hood, and other parts of Bali.
Get fit:
We all love to think we’ll keep up our fitness regimes on holiday and sometimes it happens. The Liga Tennis Centre in Umalas is a popular destination for tennis lovers and also offers squash, padel ball and fitness classes, while 15 fit is a boutique wellness studio much loved by locals. Pilates lovers will love Umalas Pilates, or check out a yoga class at the new BK Village where there’s also a beautiful zen-like spa.
Dine out.
Great restaurants are just minutes away. Check out the stunning Bonito Fishbar where their 3-hour happy hour is a great excuse to enjoy a good glass of wine along with beautiful fresh seafood. Owned by renowned chef Maurizio of Mauri restaurant in Seminyak, it’s a highlight. For something French, try the new Leon restaurant front he team behind Metis where the bar is a popular hang out. Italian lovers can enjoy pizza by the slice at Tony’s or sit down for a feast at Pizza Fabbrica.
Explore.
In Umalas, you’re never far from some of Bali’s most iconic venues including Finn’s Beach Club, the new Atlas beach club and the fabulous grilled seafood on the beach at Cantina. Find some of the island’s favourite bistros including Mosto in Berawa and One-eyed Jack for great sushi.
Late night cocktail lovers will adore Shady Pig or hang out with the crew at the Plumber’s Arms, a proper English pub. Sunday brunches, sunset cocktails and so much more are right on your doorstep in Umalas, yet it’s also so nice to have a base where you can laze by the pool, order in a massage or simply chill out with a good book. Within the Le Cielo, Chef Ayu is famous for her vegan recipes as well as a range of local and international specialties.
Umalas is becoming increasingly popular in recent years as many guests want to escape the more crowded areas of Bali and discover a place where traditional Balinese villages retain their charm and rice fields are never far away. Umalas is a destination that reminds us that true beauty often lies beyond the obvious, waiting to be discovered by those who are willing to venture a little further and explore a little deeper.