Kenderan is a quiet village north of Tegallalang, surrounded by rice terraces and forest, away from the busy streets of Ubud and the crowded tourist spots of Tegallalang. It is a 30 to 40 minute drive from central Ubud (about 13 km) and 1.5 to 2 hours from Ngurah Rai Airport (about 55 to 60 km), which suits travelers who want a real break from the crowds.
A good starting point for this Kenderan hotel guide is Equipoise Resort Ubud, an adults-only eco resort with 18 villas. It sits just three minutes on foot from Manuaba Waterfall, so you can enjoy a quiet natural setting without going far from your villa.
Where Is Kenderan, Bali?
Kenderan village is in the Tegallalang District of Gianyar Regency, north of Tegallalang and about 13 km from central Ubud. It has a rural feel, with terraced rice fields and green valleys, and is much quieter than the nearby tourist areas.
From Ngurah Rai Airport, the drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (roughly 55 to 60 km), depending on traffic. From central Ubud, it takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Manuaba Waterfall is located within the village, so it is easy to reach.
What Kenderan Village Is Known For
Kenderan is known for its unspoiled Balinese nature and its distance from the busy tourist routes nearby. Visitors mainly come for two things: a hidden waterfall and views of rice terraces.
Manuaba Waterfall
Manuaba Waterfall sits in the middle of Kenderan’s green valley and is reached by a walking path through the trees. It is more secluded than other popular waterfalls around Ubud, so the atmosphere is usually calm, and you can enjoy the sound of the water without the crowds.
Rice terraces and village life
The rice terraces of Kenderan stretch between local homes, combining green scenery with everyday village life. Visitors can watch farmers working in their fields, stroll along village paths, and enjoy the slow pace of rural Bali. Compared with the busier Tegallalang Rice Terrace nearby, the setting here feels much more relaxed.
The Best Place to Stay in Kenderan: Equipoise Resort Ubud
Equipoise Resort Ubud is a top choice for a stay in Kenderan, especially for couples. Its villas use bamboo architecture and stone that blend into the valley landscape. The resort is on Jl. Raya Desa Kenderan, just a three-minute walk from Manuaba Waterfall, so the village’s natural scenery is right outside your door.
This eco-luxury resort is built around the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which values harmony between people, nature, and the divine. You can see it in the natural materials and calm atmosphere. With 18 villas, it is an adults-only resort (minimum age 17), which keeps the setting private and quiet for couples and travelers who want to get away from the crowds.
Terra Verte serves a Mediterranean menu with views of the rice terraces from the dining area. Riserva is a steak restaurant with limited seating and a more intimate feel. One suits relaxed meals by the rice fields, the other a quieter evening out.
Hammana Spa offers Wariga readings, a Balinese tradition that assesses personality and personal balance based on the Balinese calendar. The results guide personalized treatments, so each guest receives care that fits their needs.
What to Expect: Facilities and Experience Pools
If you are looking for where to stay near Ubud, Equipoise Resort Ubud is a boutique resort in Ubud that suits a slow luxury wellness getaway. Located on Jl. Raya Desa Kenderan, it brings the pool, spa, and sleeping quarters together for a restful stay. Here is what to expect:
- Private villa pools
Every villa, from the One-Bedroom Villa to the two-bedroom Presidential Villa, has its own private pool. The infinity pools overlook the rice fields, so the greenery seems to meet the water. Poolside sunbeds are a good spot to relax, and a Jacuzzi is available for an afternoon soak.
- Main pool
Besides the private pools, the resort has a shared pool for guests who want more room to swim or a change of scenery. It sits in the resort gardens, so you can swim in the cool morning air of Kenderan.
- Floating breakfast and flower bath
Both can be arranged in your villa. Breakfast arrives on a tray that floats in the pool, and the flower bath is set up in the hot tub. It makes mornings feel special without leaving your villa. For couples celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary, these options add a romantic touch.
- Fitness center and yoga shala
The resort has a fitness center and a yoga shala. Guests can keep up their workout routines or start the day with a calm yoga session. Exercising surrounded by nature feels more relaxed than a city gym, which fits well with slow travel in Bali.
- Sleep Concierge
Guests can choose calming scents, skin-friendly linens, and their preferred pillow. Options include curated aromatherapy and soothing soundscapes, which turn bedtime into a personal evening ritual. For guests who often sleep poorly in new places, this may help them wake up refreshed. It is a good example of a bespoke resort experience.
Getting There and Practical Travel Tips
Kenderan is north of Tegallalang, so it helps to plan ahead. This guide covers the practical details to know before you go.
- From Ngurah Rai Airport
The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. The resort offers an airport shuttle, so you can book your transfer in advance and skip the search for transport after a long flight.
- From Ubud town center
The distance is about 13 km, or a 30- to 40- minute drive. Ubud is still easy to reach for dinner, shopping, or a visit to Ubud Palace. Travel time can be longer during peak hours, so allow extra time if you have reservations.
- From nearby attractions
Manuaba Waterfall is just three minutes on foot from the resort. Tegallalang Rice Terrace is about 7 km away, so it is easy to combine with other activities in Ubud.
- Arrival and parking
You can check in from 3:00 PM. If you drive your own vehicle, free parking is available at the resort.
- Best time to visit
The dry season (roughly April to October) brings clear skies and easier waterfall paths. In the rainy season, the rice fields look even greener, but bring a raincoat and shoes with good grip.
- What to bring
Comfortable shoes or sandals for the waterfall trails, a change of clothes, and a light jacket for the evening. Kenderan sits higher than Ubud, so the air is usually cooler.
- Accommodation policies
Equipoise accepts adult guests aged 17 and older only, and pets are not allowed. Please make sure everyone in your party meets these requirements before booking.
Is Kenderan Right for Your Trip?
Kenderan suits travelers who want peace and quiet away from the crowds. The village sits with daily views of rice terraces and valleys dotted with waterfalls. Couples, honeymooners, and anyone who wants to recharge will get the most out of a stay here.
Keep in mind that Kenderan is not a busy tourist hub. There are no cafes, shops, or nightlife venues within walking distance, so you will need to drive to Ubud for these. Some guests also find the on-site resort activities limited, so this location works best for a trip focused on rest.
If you want both calm and culture, Kenderan offers a good balance. Spend your mornings at the villa, the spa, or the waterfall, then head to Ubud in the evening for sightseeing and dinner. That way, you stay close to Bali’s cultural heart and still return to a calm setting at the end of the day.
Book Your Stay in Kenderan
Kenderan is a quiet village of rice terraces, forest, and waterfall trails, and Equipoise Resort Ubud puts you right in the middle of it. With 18 villas, each with a private pool, an adults-only setting, and Manuaba Waterfall, it is a calm base for couples and travelers who want rest over crowds. Ubud stays within easy reach for dinner or sightseeing when you want a change of pace.
If this Kenderan hotel guide has helped you plan your trip, the next step is to secure your dates. Book with Equipoise Resort Ubud to choose your villa and arrange extras in advance, such as the airport shuttle, floating breakfast, or flower bath.
