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February 1, 2023

The Trip We Never Took to Cambodia

Maybe a better title is “The Trip We haven’t taken YET to Cambodia.” You see, we tried to go to Cambodia. Twice. Both times we had issues with our plane tickets and ended up in Bangkok and then Western Australia. But I digress. The point is, I had this trip planned. Planned out to a T. I was so excited about the place(s) I found to stay, the tours to do in Siem Reap and the best restaurants to eat. I spent hours compiling this information and I feel like it shouldn’t go to waste, so I will share it with you here. 

I’ve been to Siem Reap before, but it has been a good 20 years, so it was fun to see how things have changed and the possibilities that exist with a few more dollars in my pocket than I had as a 22 year old. Siem Reap is full of socially responsible hotels, restaurants and tours, making this an amazing trip to plan.

Where to stay:

Phum Kmer Lodge. Beautiful traditional wooden houses decorated perfectly. We loved that they had 2 bedroom options, giving us a bit of space. From $70/night

 

 

 

Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel bills itself as an ethical tropical oasis. A social enterprise

promoting responsible travel, this place looks amazing in terms of a lovely place to stay that also helps build up the local community. Rooms start at $60/night, family rooms at $90/night.

 

 

 

 

What to do:

Obviously we would have toured the famous temples. My goal was to buy the 2 day pass, and maybe hire a guide or just a tuk tuk driver to take us around as I’m not sure my kids would have managed to sit through long explanations.

Lavender Jeep Siem Reap

I was so excited to find this tour company. They are a women owned cooperative and have taken American jeeps left behind from the Vietnam war, painted them purple and now give adventure tours. We were going to do the Banteay Srey tour as it included going to the beautiful temple but also a stop in a local village where one of the drivers is from to share a meal. $125

 

Phare Circus. This one sounds like a can’t miss. Nightly performances are held in a big top with street food available for purchase beforehand. Prices start at $18 for adults, $10 for kids 5-11 and kids under 5 are free. 

Tonle Sap Tour. We wanted to explore the floating village by boat as well as have a local experience. The tour with Osmose Tours included a weaving class with hyacinth leaves that I’m sure my kids would have enjoyed. $224 for all of us on a private tour.

I found a group called Ayana Journeys that offers a course on an Intro to Buddhism that I thought would be fun for the adults. 

And if we still needed more to do, there are tons of cycling tours available where you can either travel slowly through the temples and/or into the countryside. 

Where to Eat

Siem Reap is famous for having all kinds of food (at every price point). One of the places I had really wanted to visit was Sala Bai, a hotel school training their students in fine dining. 

Lum Org farm to table restaurant was recommended by friends and looks so good!

What did I miss? Have you been to Siem Reap Lately? What do you recommend to do? Where to stay? 

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Family Travel Guides & Tips to Keep Parents Sane Bali Guides in Link Below👇👇👇 💌 alison@semicuratedlife.com
  • After 3 years living in Bali and staying at MANY places, here are 5 more we’d stay at again:

📍Save this post for your next trip to Bali with kids! 

1. Bali Eco Stay. We first stayed here 10 years ago on our honeymoon and it was just as great with kids. If you want to see firsthand what sustainability and working with the local community looks like, stay here. Think meals prepared with ingredients from the property and handicraft classes taught by a local grandfather. There is no pool, just swimming in streams and the on-site waterfall. Heaven. @baliecostay 

2. Rimba by Ayana. Besides the largest indoor/outdoor kids club in Bali, this place has so much to do. Pools, tram rides, elevators to the private beach, cultural dinners and an amazing spa - you’ll never need to leave the resort for everyone in the family to have a good time. @rimbabyayana 

3. Munduk Moding Plantation. We loved our stay here in a working coffee plantation. There is a slew of activities each day from horseback riding, guided plantation tours, cooking classes and even making crafts out of recycled plastic. The pools and hot tubs have amazing views over the rest of Bali. @mundukmodingplantation 

4. Coral View Villas. This is the perfect base for families to explore Amed. The beachfront villas are perfect for families and the snorkeling off the beach is world class. There is no kids club here but our kids couldn’t care less, spending their time running around the gardens, splashing in the pool and treasure hunting on the beach. @coral_view_villas 

5. Subak Tabola Villa. If you want your family to experience the true magic of Bali, book a stay here for a couple nights. Located in Sidemen, one of the most beautiful countrysides in all of Bali, you’ll be able to wake up early with Mama Ati to participate in daily prayers and join school children in the afternoon to make traditional offerings or learn Balinese dance or try your hand at gamelan music. @subaktabola_villa
  • Who else has taken their kids on a rush hour train in Tokyo 😅

It’s cultural, right?! 😂
  • When I first moved abroad I felt like I needed to keep so much of our lives from America the same. Cooking familiar dishes, keeping up the same pace of life… 

But so much has changed these past few years. I’ve learned to slow down, to find ways to make life easier and that allow me to spend more time with my family. Food delivery has been a godsend.

Follow @semicuratedlife for more on how we’re living the American Dream OUTSIDE the United States 🇺🇸
  • Planning a trip to Bali with kids? 😅✨
I’ve been there—literally. After 3 years of living in Bali with two little ones, I’ve created the guide I wish I had when we first arrived.

This isn’t just a list of cute cafés and tourist traps—it’s a comprehensive, parent-approved playbook for making your Bali trip unforgettable (and actually enjoyable 🙌).

✔️ 125+ kid-friendly activities
✔️ Where to stay by region + budget
✔️ Emergency info, rainy day plans, diaper brand recs & more
✔️ Created by a real mom who’s explored every corner of the island

Whether you’re coming for two weeks or two months, this guide will help you skip the overwhelm and focus on making memories. 💛

The link for my Bali guide is in my bio! 👆🏼

#balifamilytravel #baliwithkids #travelwithkids #familyadventure #momswhotravel #balitravelguide #bali2025 #familyvacationplanning
  • Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
  • And snacks. Snacks all over the place. People handing out snacks as you walk down the terminal 😂
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@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
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After 3 years living in Bali and staying at MANY places, here are 5 more we’d stay at again: 📍Save this post for your next trip to Bali with kids! 1. Bali Eco Stay. We first stayed here 10 years ago on our honeymoon and it was just as great with kids. If you want to see firsthand what sustainability and working with the local community looks like, stay here. Think meals prepared with ingredients from the property and handicraft classes taught by a local grandfather. There is no pool, just swimming in streams and the on-site waterfall. Heaven. @baliecostay 2. Rimba by Ayana. Besides the largest indoor/outdoor kids club in Bali, this place has so much to do. Pools, tram rides, elevators to the private beach, cultural dinners and an amazing spa - you’ll never need to leave the resort for everyone in the family to have a good time. @rimbabyayana 3. Munduk Moding Plantation. We loved our stay here in a working coffee plantation. There is a slew of activities each day from horseback riding, guided plantation tours, cooking classes and even making crafts out of recycled plastic. The pools and hot tubs have amazing views over the rest of Bali. @mundukmodingplantation 4. Coral View Villas. This is the perfect base for families to explore Amed. The beachfront villas are perfect for families and the snorkeling off the beach is world class. There is no kids club here but our kids couldn’t care less, spending their time running around the gardens, splashing in the pool and treasure hunting on the beach. @coral_view_villas 5. Subak Tabola Villa. If you want your family to experience the true magic of Bali, book a stay here for a couple nights. Located in Sidemen, one of the most beautiful countrysides in all of Bali, you’ll be able to wake up early with Mama Ati to participate in daily prayers and join school children in the afternoon to make traditional offerings or learn Balinese dance or try your hand at gamelan music. @subaktabola_villa
3 days ago
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•
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Who else has taken their kids on a rush hour train in Tokyo 😅 It’s cultural, right?! 😂
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
When I first moved abroad I felt like I needed to keep so much of our lives from America the same. Cooking familiar dishes, keeping up the same pace of life… But so much has changed these past few years. I’ve learned to slow down, to find ways to make life easier and that allow me to spend more time with my family. Food delivery has been a godsend. Follow @semicuratedlife for more on how we’re living the American Dream OUTSIDE the United States 🇺🇸
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
Planning a trip to Bali with kids? 😅✨ I’ve been there—literally. After 3 years of living in Bali with two little ones, I’ve created the guide I wish I had when we first arrived. This isn’t just a list of cute cafés and tourist traps—it’s a comprehensive, parent-approved playbook for making your Bali trip unforgettable (and actually enjoyable 🙌). ✔️ 125+ kid-friendly activities ✔️ Where to stay by region + budget ✔️ Emergency info, rainy day plans, diaper brand recs & more ✔️ Created by a real mom who’s explored every corner of the island Whether you’re coming for two weeks or two months, this guide will help you skip the overwhelm and focus on making memories. 💛 The link for my Bali guide is in my bio! 👆🏼 #balifamilytravel #baliwithkids #travelwithkids #familyadventure #momswhotravel #balitravelguide #bali2025 #familyvacationplanning
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 

The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! 

We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
@semicuratedlife
@semicuratedlife
•
Follow
Many of you have asked why we’re leaving Bali and moving to Portugal. 🇵🇹 The main reason why is that we want to be closer to our families. It is currently a minimum travel time of 30 hours to get to our families in the US. We’re looking forward to being able to pop back for a few days here and there when we want to or need to! We’re also feeling really sad about leaving Bali. We love our life and community and friends here. Starting over again feels daunting but being clear on the reasons we’re doing this makes us know we’re doing the right thing. I’ll be posting more about our move and the process of it all here so stay tuned for more in the coming months. ❤️
1 week ago
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And snacks. Snacks all over the place. People handing out snacks as you walk down the terminal 😂
2 weeks ago
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