hot take: Undoubtedly a natural wonder with bucket list potential, the real-life journey to see it left us disappointed. (3.0 stars)
pro tip: Lower your expectations so you can appreciate the experience for what it is, instead of what you wish it could be.
Read Morehot take: A spendy treat, a microlight flight is the perfect antidote to the crowds of Angkor. (4.0 stars)
pro tip: Book in the morning to avoid the strong winds mid-day and email directly to get a discount.
Read Morehot take: The Angkor complex, including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm, is a bucket list worth destination, but expect to suffer the elements (heat and crowds) for your photographic reward. (4.0 stars)
pro tip: Explore early to avoid the worst of the heat and the tour bus crowds…also visit the Angkor National Museum before you go for some much-needed context and history (in the comfort of AC)
Read Morehot take: Not a bad place for a long layover, Kuala Lumpur is a bit too commercial while lacking the polish of a true modern metropolis. (2.5 stars)
pro tip: Traffic is a real killer in KL, but the trains are excellent (and cheap), so choose lodging with easy access to the downtown area.
Read Morehot take: Bali has meals at all price points to satisfy most palates across a wide range of cuisines...Ubud especially was a treat. (4.0 stars)
pro tip: Some of the best meals we had were in empty restaurants (and we had some marginal meals in busy ones), so be confident in your research to get the best meals.
pro tip: Some of the best meals we had were in empty restaurants (and we had some marginal meals in busy ones), so be confident in your research to get the best meals.
Read Morehot take: Seeing the unimagined is why we travel…the hidden gems of Bali delivered more than we could have ever hoped. (5.0 stars)
pro tip: Make a plan so you can be at these sites either early or late to get to really connect with the place (instead of just tripping over other tourists). (aside from our #1, which was surprisingly empty mid-afternoon)
Read Morehot take: An easy hour’s drive South from the main tourist areas of Bali, Uluwatu delivers a more sophisticated (and expensive) take on the Bali experience. (4.0 stars)
pro tip: Renting a scooter is a must as the hills are killers, but the roads were the nicest and least crowded of anywhere in Bali.
Read Morehot take: Cliff Park is a gem of a 3-star accommodation that proves you don’t have to spend a ton to get something amazing. (4.0 stars)
pro tip: Book well ahead of time Cliff Park is regularly sold out.
Read Morehot take: Best resembling that rugged island that you were picturing in your head when you booked your trip to Bali, Nusa Pineda delivers adventure and wonder for adventurous souls. (4.5 stars)
pro tip: start your day as early as you can (for land tours, earlier means less crowding for photos…for ocean trips, the wave action is weaker).
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