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Seminyak is the very hip and very happening epicentre of Bali’s dining, shopping and beach club scene. But maybe you’d like to feast your eyes on some green ride paddies without venturing too far from the action? If this sounds ideal, then try Umalas, Seminyak’s laid-back neighbour.

The Best of Both Worlds

Tried and tested Seminyak or up and coming Canggu? These days, this might just be the most important question to ask when choosing a location for your Bali holiday.

Try Umalas: you get prime access to both!

Umalas hugs Seminyak seamlessly. This means you’re never too far from the action – you can reach the restaurants, shops and beach clubs of Seminyak in a short 10-minute drive and the same goes for Batubelig Beach.

Or maybe you prefer a day trip to the hip surfer neighbourhood of Canggu? You can reach Finns Recreation Club and Canggu’s trendy restaurant scene in a few minutes’ drive.

Sunset at the W Retreat in Seminyak
Old Man's | Canggu, Bali
Old Man’s beach bar in Canggu

Great Eats & Rice Fields

In addition to being surrounded by two of the coolest neighbourhoods in Bali, Umalas itself offers plenty of laid-back charm.

In a nutshell, the neighbourhood is central – but still pretty. This means there’s plenty of cute coffee shops and restaurants, but in between, there are stretches of unspoilt rice paddies. As a huge added bonus, the traffic in Umalas is far less hectic than in the neighbouring hotspots.

One of my favourite things about Umalas are the flowers which seem to be everywhere – a shower of white and pink flowers is spilling over every wall.

And it doesn’t exactly hurt that in Umalas, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to trendy coffee shops and yummy international dining. Since you’re outside the busiest tourist hubs, finding a table is never a problem.

Start your day with fresh croissants from Monsieur Spoon, the French patisserie which also has outlets in Seminyak and Canggu. When it’s time for lunch, enjoy some healthy gourmet food at the chic Eko Café. For dinner, make it Italian at the fabulous La Casetta restaurant.

As you can see, in Umalas, you really do have the world on a plate.

Bali Umalas Coffee
Bali Umalas Monsieur Spoon Cafe
Bali Umalas Eko Cafe

Where to Stay in Umalas

The rice paddies and coffee shops of Umalas share the scene with beautiful private villas.

One of the most unique offerings is Own Villa. This gorgeous retreat resembles a luxurious hidden village tucked amidst the tropics – and still just minutes from Seminyak! The four-bedroom villa is divided into pavilions inspired by traditional North Sumatran architecture, all facing a massive lagoon pool.

If you’re looking for unapologetic luxury for a big group, you can’t go wrong with Villa Umah Daun. This five-bedroom villa can sleep up to 12 guests and offers every luxury imaginable: 15-metre pool, Jacuzzi, kids pool, wine cellar, chef… and more.

Booking accommodation in Umalas means you’re never too far from the action, but you also have a relaxed sanctuary hidden away from the crowds. In our books, that counts as a total win-win.

Ministry of Villas offers hand-selected villas in Umalas and beyond. Our service goes beyond what you see online – contact our team to find out more.

Featured image: Bali Ethnic Villa

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