In short: Umalas is a quiet residential area of Kerobokan, set among rice fields between Seminyak and Canggu. It has no nightclubs, two schools within the neighborhood, supermarkets and healthy grocers, and the beach is about 10 to 15 minutes away by car. That is why so many families choose it.
Looking for a place to settle in Bali without the noise, traffic and nightlife of Seminyak or Canggu? Umalas, tucked between the two, has become a top choice for families and professionals seeking balance.
Umalas at a glance
Between Seminyak and Canggu
Approximate drive times outside rush hour
10–15 min
Nearest beaches (Batu Belig, Berawa)
In Umalas
Lycée Français de Bali and ProEd Global School
In Umalas
Pepito Express, Alive Wholefoods, 7AM Bakers Club
About 15 min
Canggu Community School
About 20 min
Hospitals (Siloam, BIMC Kuta)
About 35 min
Airport, up to an hour at peak times
A Peaceful Area With No Nightclubs
There are no nightclubs and no bar street in Umalas. A few restaurants serve cocktails, but evenings stay quiet. Traffic is much lighter than in Seminyak or Canggu, and the rice fields between the villas give the area its character. It is one of the few places on the coast where you can live peacefully while staying close to everything.
Quality Schools Nearby
For families, schooling is a key factor. Two schools are in Umalas itself and a third is about 15 minutes away, giving you a real choice between international and French-language education.
In Umalas · Jalan Umalas Kauh
French curriculum from age 2 to the final year of high school (Terminale). More than 400 students, recognized by the French and Indonesian education authorities. Open since 1997.
In Umalas · Jalan Bumbak Dauh
Cambridge-accredited international school, from Nursery to Year 13. From August 2027, the Umalas campus will teach Nursery to Year 9, and Years 10 to 13 will move to the school’s Nuanu campus.
About 15 min · Tibubeneng
Canggu Community School
One of the most established international schools in Bali, in the Canggu-Berawa area.
For curricula, fees and other options across the island, see our guide to the best international schools in Bali.
Everything You Need for Daily Life
Two Pepito supermarkets
For everyday shopping, including Pepito Express in Umalas.
Three healthy grocers
Alive Wholefoods, Bali Buda and Bali Direct for organic and local products.
7AM Bakers Club
The bakery opens at 7 a.m., in time for fresh morning pastries.
Restaurants and ice cream
Plenty of restaurants, cafés and ice cream shops to suit every taste.
Hospitals Close By
Having a hospital nearby brings real peace of mind, especially with young children. The closest ones, Siloam Hospitals Denpasar on Sunset Road and BIMC Hospital Kuta, are about 10 km away, roughly 20 minutes by car outside rush hour, and both have 24-hour emergency departments. Clinics in and around Umalas handle everyday care.
Green Spaces and Playgrounds
Umalas is ideal for families. The rice fields keep the area green, and children have plenty of places to play. Mookiland, a large family play park with inflatables, trampolines and a water playground, is right next door on Jalan Raya Kedampang, and the Umalas Equestrian Resort offers riding lessons for children.
A Perfect Location
- About 10 to 15 minutes from the nearest beaches
- About 35 minutes from the airport outside rush hour, up to an hour at peak times
- Between Seminyak and Canggu, so you can enjoy their restaurants and beaches whenever you want, without the downsides
Umalas vs Canggu vs Seminyak
| Umalas | Canggu | Seminyak | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Residential, among rice fields | Busy, surf and café scene | Upscale, shopping and dining |
| Nightlife | No nightclubs, a few restaurant bars | Beach clubs and late-night bars | Beach clubs, bars and nightclubs |
| Traffic | Lighter | Heavy at peak times | Heavy at peak times |
| Beach | 10 to 15 minutes by car | Berawa, Batu Bolong, Echo Beach | On the beach |
| Best for | Families and long stays | Surfers, digital nomads, young professionals | Holidays, dining and shopping |
Our guide to living in Canggu covers its neighborhoods in more detail.
Safety: Night Patrols
The neighborhood has night patrols, an essential point for residents and families.
Buying or Renting a Villa in Umalas
In November 2026, our Umalas listings include 99 properties. Ninety of them are leasehold villas, with a median asking price of about USD 335,000, from about USD 125,000 to USD 2.7 million. A few freehold villas and plots of land complete the selection, and some villas are offered for yearly rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Umalas a good area for families?
Yes. Umalas is a quiet residential area with no nightclubs, two schools within the neighborhood (the Lycée Français de Bali and ProEd Global School), supermarkets and healthy grocers, and play areas such as Mookiland next door. The beach is about 10 to 15 minutes away by car.
Is there a French school in Umalas?
Yes. The Lycée Français de Bali is on Jalan Umalas Kauh. It teaches the French curriculum from age 2 to the final year of high school, has more than 400 students and is recognized by the French and Indonesian education authorities.
How far is Umalas from the beach and the airport?
The nearest beaches, Batu Belig and Berawa, are about 10 to 15 minutes away by car. Ngurah Rai International Airport is about 15 km away: around 35 minutes outside rush hour, up to an hour at peak times.
Umalas or Canggu: which is better to live in?
It depends on your lifestyle. Canggu suits those who want cafés, beach clubs and nightlife within walking distance. Umalas suits families and anyone who prefers quiet streets, while staying a short drive from the restaurants and beaches of Canggu and Seminyak.
Can foreigners buy or rent a villa in Umalas?
Yes. Most villas in Umalas are sold on a leasehold basis, the usual route for foreign buyers in Bali, and some are offered for yearly rent. Our team can show you what is currently available.
Conclusion
Quiet, convenient, safe and family-oriented: Umalas has everything you need to settle in Bali for the long term.
Want to visit Umalas or rent a villa there?
Contact us to discover the area. Our team can arrange viewings and show you the villas available for sale or for yearly rent.
Related reading: Best international schools in Bali in 2026 · The pros and cons of living in Canggu · Families relocating to Bali in 2026 · Inside a 4-bedroom villa overlooking Umalas rice fields
