Bali, Indonesia — 25 August 2026 — A group of 18 senior travellers from Portugal is currently discovering Bali through a tailor-made cultural journey organised by Melali Indonesia Journeys in collaboration with Passepartout Viagens e Turismo, Portugal.
The group arrived in Bali on 21 August and, during the first five days of the programme, has explored a selection of the island's cultural landmarks, spiritual sites, natural landscapes and culinary experiences. The journey continues until 1 September, with the next stage beginning on 26 August as the group heads towards North and East Bali.
Discovering Bali from South to Central Bali
The journey began in Kuta before moving to some of Bali's most iconic cultural attractions.
At Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park, the group discovered one of Bali's major cultural landmarks and admired the monumental Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue. The programme then continued to Uluwatu Temple, spectacularly positioned on the southern cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean.
As the sun set, the travellers enjoyed the renowned Kecak Fire Dance, experiencing traditional Balinese performance, storytelling and music against a dramatic coastal backdrop. The day concluded with a seafood dinner in Kedonganan, offering an opportunity to experience local flavours in a relaxed atmosphere.
On 23 August, the group travelled towards central Bali, beginning with a visit to Tanah Lot Temple, one of the island's best-known sea temples. The journey continued inland to Tegenungan Waterfall, surrounded by lush tropical scenery.
After lunch at Bebek Joni Restaurant in Peliatan, the group visited Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), an important historical and cultural site featuring ancient structures, sacred bathing pools and peaceful temple grounds. The group then continued to Ubud for an overnight stay.
Ubud: Culture, Rice Terraces and Conservation
On 24 August, the travellers explored the cultural landscape around Ubud, beginning with the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
The journey continued through the Balinese countryside to the famous Tegallalang Rice Terrace, where the group experienced one of Bali's most distinctive agricultural landscapes and gained an insight into the island's traditional rural heritage.
After lunch at d'Alas Restaurant, the group visited Mason Elephant Park, learning about the care and conservation of Sumatran elephants. The visit focused on observation and conservation awareness and did not include elephant rides or interactive activities.
Spiritual Heritage and Mount Batur
The fifth day, 25 August, took the group further into central Bali.
At Tirta Empul Holy Spring Temple, the travellers experienced the peaceful atmosphere of one of Bali's revered water temples and gained an insight into the island's spiritual traditions.
The group then visited Penglipuran Village, known for its distinctive traditional architecture, well-maintained surroundings and strong community heritage.
The day concluded in the Kintamani Highlands, where the group enjoyed views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur, accompanied by lunch at Grand Puncak Sari Restaurant.
Together, these first five days have provided the Portuguese travellers with a varied introduction to Bali, combining culture, spirituality, nature, gastronomy and authentic local experiences.
A Programme Designed for Senior Travellers
According to Dr. Ketut Jaman, Managing Director of Melali Indonesia Journeys, the programme was developed specifically with the interests and travel preferences of senior European travellers in mind.
"This programme was designed together with Ms Ana Martinho, a travel consultant based in Lisbon, to create a journey that combines Bali's cultural heritage, natural landscapes, gastronomy and local experiences while maintaining a comfortable and well-balanced pace for senior travellers."
Dr. Ketut Jaman emphasised that collaboration with travel professionals in international source markets helps destination specialists develop programmes that are more relevant to the expectations of their clients.
"Our objective is not simply to show visitors Bali's famous attractions, but to help them experience the island in a meaningful, comfortable and personalised way."
Next Chapter: North and East Bali
Beginning 26 August, the group will continue its journey towards North and East Bali, discovering another side of the island.
Building Stronger Portugal–Bali Travel Connections
The journey highlights the potential of Bali as a destination for European travellers seeking more than traditional beach holidays.
By combining cultural heritage, nature, gastronomy, spirituality and local encounters across several regions, the programme demonstrates how Bali can be presented as a diverse and immersive destination for senior travellers and other discerning European markets.
The collaboration between Melali Indonesia Journeys and Passepartout Viagens e Turismo also reflects the importance of strong partnerships between Indonesian destination specialists and European travel professionals.
As the Portuguese group continues towards North and East Bali, their journey offers another example of how carefully designed travel experiences can connect international visitors with the cultural richness and diversity of Indonesia.