The Umalas Living Guide

Tranquil and trendy, Umalas is a wonderful place for people to live. Right in the middle of Seminyak, Kerobokan and Canggu, it is a prime area, especially for families. It is quiet and peaceful, but under a 10-minute scooter ride to some of the best surf spots, restaurants, cafes, bars and shopping in Bali. Umalas is home to many expats due to its beauty and glorious location.

Umalas and getting around

Umalas is a growing neighbourhood that has three main streets: Jalan Umalas l, Jalan Umalas ll and Jalan Bumbak. The traffic is considerably less than other parts of Bali and the green grass, rice paddies and cows adds an extra charm. One of the great things about Umalas is all the shortcuts one can take that connects to the Petitenget area, Canggu and other areas.

The fastest way to get around Umalas is on a scooter, as it gives you the means to be able to access the small gangs and laneways. If you are going to ride a scooter, make sure you have an international driver’s license and that you wear a helmet.

Food, shopping and fun

There are lots of places to eat, with new cafes, restaurants and bars popping up frequently. There is a variety of Western food to choose from, as well as traditional cuisine. With Seminyak just next door, the Umalas culinary scene is quite broad. Three of the best dining spots you can experience are:

• Mosaic Beach Club – opened by Frenchman and local celebrity chef Chris Salans. Mosaic sits on Batu Belig Beach road, which is a very short ride from Umalas. The food is exquisite and you can also enjoy a cocktail or two around the pool.
• Nook – if you want an amazing view to match the food, visit Nook. Overlooking the rice paddies, Nook serves a mix of Balinese and western food.
• Habitual – close to Nook is Habitual. This little gem is only open for breakfast and lunch but they dish up some incredible food, especially their burgers. The talented chef is American and this café is definitely popular among expats.

The nightlife and bar scene in Umalas is just as impressive. Sip on a cocktail while watching the sun set over the rice paddies or over the ocean, which is just minutes from Umalas. Many local and international DJs play at the beach bars close to Umalas and if you wish to head into the busier and louder clubs, Seminyak is just a hop away.

The shopping in Umalas is second to none, with plenty of boutique stores offering unique homewares and clothes. The shopping scene in Petitenget, Canggu and Seminyak is also fantastic. For those who wish to indulge in some self-love, Umalas is also home to some world-class spas.

Beaches

There isn’t an actual beach in Umalas, but there are many in the surrounding area. The closest beach is Pantai Batu Belig which is lovely to visit and explore, as it is still quite undeveloped. The famous Mosaic Beach Club, opened by Frenchman and local celebrity chef Chris Salans, sits proudly on this beach. One of the best surf spots on the island is Berawa Beach and that is a short ride away from Umalas.

Schools around this area

If you have children who are going to school, look no further. Umalas and the surrounding areas are home to some of the best international schools in Indonesia. You can take your pick from:

• French International School in Umalas
  They offer the French program. They have been around for more than 18 years and offer quality education.

• Australian International School in Kerobokan
  It was the first school to offer education for children with special learning needs and it also offers the International Baccalaureate program.

• Sunrise School in Kerobokan
  Sunrise aims to not only educate children, but also develop them as a person. It offers education for children ages 18 months to 15 years.

• Sekolah Lentera Kasih and Lollypop Preschool in Kerobokan
  They are Christian schools and the curriculum is based off Christian education values. SLK offers primary, secondary and junior college while Lollypop Preschool offers classes for toddlers, nursery and kindergarten children.

• Montessori Bali School in Brawa
  This school educates children through the Montessori system. Opening in 1998, Montessori Bali School caters to children from 3 to 12 years old.

• Canggu Community School in Brawa
  Canggu School educates children to be four things – lifelong learners, academically excellent, socially responsible and effective communicators.

• Alam Atelier School in Brawa
  Alam Atelier is all about teaching the child outside of the classroom and connecting with the natural environment.

• The Garden Early Learning in Brawa
  Also the Garden focuses on nature based and playful education for pre-school aged children.

Property

Because Umalas is quite an exclusive area, rental prices are not necessarily cheap, but you can still find houses, villas and apartments for a decent price. Just like any other area of Bali, renting a property is easier than buying for an expat. However, if an expat would like to buy or build a property, they can leasehold the land or villa. If you are searching for a property in Umalas, here you can find all villa rentals & leasehold sales in this area. Or simply contact us to kick off your search tailored to your needs!

Bali Treasure Properties is a Real Estate Agency based in Bali. Our mission is to provide a new form of personalized, consistent, transparent and honest service for renters, buyers and owners.

Whether you are searching for a long term rental or want buy property and looking for villas for sale & land for sale in Bali – we are happy to help. Contact us by mail info@balitreasureproperties.com and follow us on Facebook.