Sekar Arum Yanvi, Author at Villa Finder Magazine

See & Do

12 things to do in Wanaka – Make the most out of your New Zealand trip

By Sekar Arum Yanvi

Wanaka is a big little heart stealer! Surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and snow-covered mountain peak, this area is also known as ‘the Alps of New Zealand! Wanaka used to be a sleepy town but with her stunning beauty and all-year-round activities, the town is grabbing the attention of more and more travellers. Nature lovers, outdoor sports fanatics, families, couples, Wanaka has got something to thrill everyone. The natural beauty of Wanaka is overwhelming and the town itself is very charming and pedestrian-friendly. The list of things to do around the massive Wanaka Lake is endless. The location is superb with close proximity to Queenstown (just a 1-hour drive away). One note of warning: once you set foot in this charming mountain town, you will want to stay forever! Check out these 12 things to do in Wanaka: 1. #ThatWanakaTree #ThatWanakaTree is one of the most iconic places to visit…

New Zealand Guide

Transportation in Queenstown – Bus, Taxi, Uber or Car Rental?

By Sekar Arum Yanvi

Queenstown is a beautiful lakeside town with a small but very charming city centre and it is surrounded by majestic snowy mountain peaks and famous ski fields. The town is found on New Zealand’s South Island and it is the main gateway to get to the Southern Alps. It is also known as the Adventure Capital of the World and it is one of the most popular tourist towns in all of New Zealand. Planning to stay in Queenstown this coming holiday? Great idea! No matter when you are travelling to Queenstown, it is always a good time to come! Here’s what you need to know to navigate your way around this lovely town: Getting to Queenstown, New Zealand By air Queenstown Airport (ZQN) has got frequent daily flights coming in from big cities in New Zealand and Australia. Whether you are coming from Aukland, Wellington or Christchurch, Sydney, Melbourne,…

Queenstown Activities

Things to do in Queenstown: 10 activities you should not miss

By Sekar Arum Yanvi

Queenstown, wild at heart but oh so beautiful! Whether you came for the breathtaking views of snowy mountains, lakes, valleys and snowfields or you came to get the adventurer out with adrenaline outdoor sports and thrilling experiences, Queenstown has got it! Also known as the Adventure Capital of the World and a longtime backpackers paradise, Queenstown attracts all kinds of travellers with her stunning natural beauty and the wide range of amazing activities. Let’s take a closer look at this adventure paradise in the southwest of New Zealand’s southern island; 10 things to do in Queenstown you should not miss: 1. Go Bungee Jumping in nature Bungee jumping may not be for everyone but if you dare to make the jump, there is no place on planet earth more incredible than right here in Queenstown, New Zealand. In fact, the first human being that ever made a bungee jump and…

Bali Guide

Shopping, spas, luxury villas, sunset cocktails – it’s a girls’ trip to Seminyak

By Sekar Arum Yanvi

There is a reason why Seminyak is one of the most popular tourist destination towns in all of Bali. It’s the island’s fashion capital, it’s a shopping and surfing haven, there are tons sophisticated restaurants and exclusive spas, gorgeous private pool luxury villas in the heart of town and just outside in the rice fields, and the nightlife is happening and ongoing. The wide stretch of sunset beach, the waves and the sunset cocktails – Seminyak is a great place for a girls’ only holiday. Here is our guide for your girls’ trip to Seminyak: Girls’ activities to do in Seminyak Check into your ladies-only holiday retreat and off you go to explore this lively, sophisticated little beach town. Here’s what you’ll love to do: 1. Shopping, shopping, shopping Shopping at souvenir shops and local markets is lots of fun but Seminyak offers more than this with its classy, trendy shopping…

Eat

8 Restaurants in Queenstown, New Zealand You Must Try At Least Once

By Sekar Arum Yanvi

Queenstown has got a vibrant dining scene, allowing visitors to get a real good taste of New Zealand’s fresh local produce, seafood and meat. Wondering where to eat in Queenstown? Go stroll around the charming city centre and the options are plentiful. Here are some Queenstown restaurants you will definitely want to check out when your belly starts to rumble, including 1 incredible restaurant in nearby Arrowtown: 1. Fergburger When travelling in New Zealand, you probably have already heard about the famous ‘Fergburgers’ on South Island – You just got to come down to Queenstown and order one of these babies to know what all the fuss is about. Staying in Queenstown? Even better! You can come here more than once and try out several burgers on the menu. Don’t be surprised if you have to line up! This place is probably the most popular food hot spot in town!…

Queenstown Family Guide

10 Best family activities in Queenstown: Explore New Zealand with kids

By Sekar Arum Yanvi

While Queenstown is a paradise for adrenaline junkies and outdoor adventurists, this lakeside beautiful town is also a great holiday destination for families with kids! Stunning nature, private family homes, ski fun, water fun and an array of family-friendly activities, Queenstown is a heavenly playground with an adventurous twist for young and old. Looking for inspiration on what to do? Here are some ideas: 1. Gondola Skyline – the steepest cable car in the southern hemisphere Give your kids an experience they’ll never forget and take them on the Skyline Gondola in Queenstown, it is the steepest cable car in the southern hemisphere and quite a thrilling ride with unbelievable views. The Gondola will take you 450 metres up into the sky and drop you off at Bob’s Peak. From up there, you can see Lake Wake Wakatipu and Queenstown, surrounded by those dramatic snow-capped mountains: Coronet Peak, The Remarkables…

Bali Dining Options

Halal Restaurants in Seminyak – Finding Halal food in Bali’s chic district

By Sekar Arum Yanvi

There are plenty of amazing restaurants in cosmopolitan Seminyak. From the famous ‘Eat Street’ in Oberoi to the buzzing Petitenget Strip and Batu Belig, you will find the best of the best such as Metis, La Lucciola, Bambu, Jemme, Sardine and many more. However, most of these celebrated places to eat in Seminyak are not certified as Halal. I asked around and even the traditional Indonesian restaurants such as Merah Putih and Sarong serve pork. Well, we are on the island of Bali after all, where the traditional and most loved dish is ‘babi guling’ – suckling pig. So, where does this leave you? Well, after a little bit of research and driving around, I found more than a handful of warungs and restaurants that do serve up 100% halal food. Check out these places for the best halal food in town: 1. Batik Bali 100% halal, 100% Instagrammable 100% authentic…

Bali Villas

Top 12 Seminyak Villas Within Walking Distance to the Beach

By Sekar Arum Yanvi

So, you want to stay right in the action of buzzing trending and fashionable Seminyak and you want to be as close to the beach as possible, living the good life in a gorgeous private pool luxury villa? We don’t blame you! How to track down the perfect Seminyak beach villa? Don’t sweat, we’ve already done the hard work for you and made an awesome list of the best Seminyak villas near the beach. Check them out below and make your inquiry directly or contact our talented team of villa experts to get even more amazing beach villa options. Let’s go! Villa Zenitude Villa Zenitude is a really tropical and utmost charming stay in the heart of Seminyak. Housing 2 deluxe villa suites, this private pool vacation home is perfect for couples and small families. The villa features a traditional Balinese open-plan living room and a lovely private tropical garden with…

Bali Guide

Understanding Seminyak – From Double Six to Oberoi & Petitenget

By Sekar Arum Yanvi

Everybody’s heard of Seminyak – the most iconic, fashionable beach town on the island – but when booking yourself a private Seminyak villa in or just outside of the city centre, you need to know just a tiny more about the different areas in town. Although the centre is not very big, it is gradually expanding towards neighbouring Umalas and Kerobokan. Petitenget, for instance, used to be a different village but today, it is the chicest and trendiest area of Seminyak with famous restaurants and beach clubs such as Sarong, Bambu, Metis and Potato Head. Petitenget is not comparable with easy-going, laid-back Double Six nor with the party scenes going on at Dhyana Pura. Confusing? Let’s sort things out and take a look at Seminyak from up-close so you get a better understanding. We’ll highlight all the different areas in town and tell you where to have coffee, dinner, drinks and more. Double Six…

Bali Dining Options

Popular places in Seminyak – 2018 Edition

By Sekar Arum Yanvi

Seminyak is always trending and innovative, never losing her sense of coolness and fashion. There are hot new hang out places, cafes and restaurants opening up every month and here’s what to check out so far in 2018: 1. NamNam Noodle Bar When walking past this restaurant outside on the street, you wouldn’t expect the paradise that awaits inside. The gorgeous interior design, the endless choices of charming seating places, the open-kitchen, the incredible rice paddy views and of course, the authentic Vietnamese food, NamNam Noodle Bar is already a celebrated restaurant in Singapore and Jakarta and now finally in 2018, it has opened its doors up in Seminyak. I am a definite fan of pho (the traditional Vietnamese rice noodle soup spiced up with coriander, chilli peppers, Thai basil and more goodness), however, at NamNam Noodle Bar, I went out of my comfort zone and tried out some new…