Kenderan Ubud offers a peaceful mix of natural scenery and authentic Balinese culture. Located about 5 km north of central Ubud, the village is known for its beautiful rice terraces, Manuaba Waterfall, ancient sarcophagus sites, and Equipoise Resort. Its calm atmosphere makes Kenderan a great choice for travelers looking to experience a more peaceful, rural side of Bali.
If you’re planning to visit Kenderan Ubud, this guide will take you through the village’s main attractions, interesting history, and recommended places to stay, helping you make the most of your time in this charming part of Bali.
Where Is Kenderan Ubud Located?
Kenderan Village is located in Tegallalang District, Gianyar Regency, about 5 km north of central Ubud. From Ubud town, the drive to Kenderan Ubud usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Getting to Kenderan Village is fairly easy. From central Ubud, you can head north via Jalan Raya Tegallalang or Jalan Raya Pujung, then continue onto the village road. The route is mostly well-paved and suitable for both cars and motorbikes. Some sections become a little narrower, but the surrounding greenery makes the journey feel calm and scenic.
History and Meaning of the Name Kenderan
The name Kenderan comes from the term Ke-Indra-an, which means the “Palace or Kingdom of the God Indra.” According to local beliefs, the name is connected to the legend of King Mayadenawa, who transformed himself into a Widyadara, or celestial being, from Kendran while fighting against the forces of God Indra.
The village’s fertile land and beautiful natural surroundings are also often compared to Indraloka, the heavenly palace of Indra.
Beyond its mythology, Desa Wisata Kenderan also has an interesting archaeological history. In the Manuaba Traditional Village area, researchers have found prehistoric remains, including two stone sarcophagi and a stone mold used to make a bronze nekara or drum.
These discoveries are estimated to date from around 500 to 200 BCE, showing that the Kenderan area has been an important settlement since the megalithic period.
The Sarcophagus Site and Ancient Remains
Kenderan Tourism Village keeps part of its ancient history alive through several megalithic remains, including an ancient sarcophagus site at Pura Puseh Manuaba in the Manuaba Traditional Village. Here, visitors can see stone coffins carved from tuff that were once used in traditional burial practices by ancient Balinese communities.
These archaeological remains are also included in the village trekking experience. Along the way, visitors walk through rice fields and local neighborhoods while learning about Kenderan’s spiritual history, archaeology, and traditional wisdom from local guides.
Attractions in Kenderan Village
Kenderan Village is home to a mix of natural scenery and local culture. Some of its main attractions include Manuaba Waterfall, peaceful Kenderan rice fields, sacred springs, and a local art gallery featuring works by artists from the village.
Together, these places make Kenderan an interesting stop for travelers who want to experience a quieter side of Bali cultural tourism.
1. Manuaba Waterfall
Manuaba Waterfall is one of the village’s most popular natural attractions. Surrounded by lush greenery, the waterfall is also known for its seven sacred springs, or pancoran sakral. Locals and visitors sometimes come here for melukat, a traditional Balinese purification ritual believed to help cleanse the body and mind.
The waterfall is also a popular stop during village tours, especially for visitors looking to enjoy nature, take photos, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this Gianyar tourism village.
2. Trekking and Rice Fields
Kenderan trekking usually starts from the Kenderan Village Head’s office, or Kantor Perbekel. The route generally takes around two to three hours and follows small paths through rice fields, local neighborhoods, and several natural and historical sites.
Along the way, visitors can enjoy views of the Kenderan rice fields while getting a closer look at everyday village life, local traditions, and the natural surroundings.
Accommodation and Resorts in Kenderan
1. Equipoise Resort
Surrounded by the peaceful scenery of Kenderan Village, Equipoise Resort is one of the standout places to stay in the area. The resort blends naturally into the rural landscape, offering a luxury experience focused on privacy, calm surroundings, and a closer connection to nature.
Built with a bamboo-inspired architectural concept, Equipoise is designed around the idea of balance between modern comfort and the natural environment. This philosophy can be seen throughout the resort, from its organic design to its wellness-focused experiences and respect for the local surroundings. Guests who want to discover experiences around Kenderan at Equipoise can enjoy a stay that feels closely connected to the village itself.
For travelers who want to learn about Equipoise Resort’s home in Kenderan, the setting is part of what makes the stay special, combining thoughtful design, peaceful village life, and the natural character of Kenderan.
2. Aksari Resort
Aksari Resort is five-star luxury resort, managed by Ini Vie Hospitality, is located on Jalan Raya Desa Kenderan No. 88A. Surrounded by the green Kenderan valley and a peaceful river, the resort offers a romantic and relaxing atmosphere that feels closely connected to nature.
Aksari Resort provides several accommodation options, from spacious suites with valley views to one- and two-bedroom villas with private pools and Jacuzzis. Guests can also enjoy facilities such as a tiered infinity pool overlooking the valley, Svaha Spa, a yoga chapel, Ankhusa Restaurant for Indonesian and international dishes, and Kojin Teppanyaki Restaurant for Japanese cuisine.
For couples, honeymooners, or travelers looking for a quiet wellness escape, Aksari Resort is a comfortable place to stay in the heart of Kenderan Village while enjoying modern luxury surrounded by nature.
How to Get to Kenderan From Ubud
Getting to Kenderan Village is fairly easy, with access available by both motorbike and car through the main roads around Ubud and Tegallalang.
From central Ubud, the drive usually takes around 15 to 25 minutes and covers roughly 5–7 km, depending on your starting point and traffic conditions.
From I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), the journey takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, covering approximately 40–45 km via the Ngurah Rai Bypass toward the Gianyar and Ubud area.
Feel the Calm of Kenderan Village at Equipoise Resort
Kenderan Ubud is a peaceful destination where natural beauty, village life, and ancient Balinese heritage come together. From rice fields and waterfalls to archaeological sites and local traditions, the village offers a quieter way to experience the Ubud area.
To experience Kenderan Village more closely, consider staying at Equipoise Resort. Surrounded by the village’s natural landscape, it offers a relaxing base where you can enjoy the calm atmosphere and discover the character of Kenderan firsthand.
FAQs
Kenderan Village is located in Tegallalang District, about 5 km north of central Ubud. It takes around 15–25 minutes by car or motorbike; see the location section above for route details.
The name Kenderan comes from the term Ke-Indra-an, meaning “the Palace or Kingdom of the God Indra.” It is connected to local mythology about King Mayadenawa and the God Indra. The name also reflects the village’s fertile land and beautiful surroundings, which are often compared to a heavenly palace.
Some of the main attractions include Manuaba Waterfall with its seven sacred water spouts, ancient sarcophagus sites at Pura Puseh Manuaba, scenic terraced rice fields, village trekking routes, and local art galleries. These attractions offer a mix of nature, culture, and history.
Two well-known luxury resorts in Kenderan Village are Equipoise Resort and Aksari Resort Ubud. Equipoise Resort is known for its bamboo-inspired design and focus on balance with nature, while Aksari Resort Ubud offers private pool villas, tiered infinity pools, Svaha Spa, and a peaceful valley setting.
