Senggigi is the main tourist centered area in Lombok and offers a n excellent selection of beachside boutique villas and restaurants as well as a selection of boutique and market style shopping and a variety of excellent restaurants. Senggigi does not appear to be as popular as it has been in past years although the tourist industry is set up and waiting for the number of visitors to pick up again. This is starting to happen but prices are still much lower than they have been and it is possible to book into a luxury resort of a similar standard to that of Nusa Dua or Jimbaran in Bali for far cheaper and receive a less crowded atmosphere with a much nicer beach. Senggigi is located on the West coast of Bali and is very close to the ferry port from Bali meaning it is a perfect stop of point if you are traveling in this area and if you are choosing somewhere to stay for an extended period of time in Lombok than Senggigi is also perfect.
The beach at Senggigi is white sand and is lined with palm trees, there is very little to no rubbish on the beach at any point and you only have to walk a short way down the beach before there is not a single tourist in sight and you have your own private beach area to yourself. To get up to the main village you must travel up the winding roads that lead you through tropical woodlands and finally land you in the village that has many traditional aspects and qualities that are well worth seeing and also modern areas with some of the best shopping Lombok has to offer outside of Mataram which is the capital city.
Activities available in this area include a great right hand break for surfing and some other spots that are close by for the surfers although these waves break over reefs and are not really suited to beginners, there are some close by beach break areas that are good to have a go on. For surfers staying in this area, it is worth bearing in mind that these breaks only tend to work when the swell is very large. Other activities include diving and snorkeling and all sorts of beach activities including beach ball games and sailing.
All of the tourist facilities you will require are easily obtained at Senggigi such as ATMs, banks, police stations, tour operators and post offices etc. another point bearing in mind is the inadequate disabled facilities around the whole area, the locals and tour operators and staff will do their best to help you and if you notify your needs before leaving this is a problem that can be easily overcome. Also as far as tipping goes it is usually not necessary as there is often a service charge already present which we hope will actually get back to the staff although a 10 to 15% tip is greatly appreciated.
Senggigi Hotels and accommodation reservation directory provides recommended discount prices. It is easy find selected Senggigi Hotels, resorts and accommodation with special rates.
Where to Stay
There a lot of diverse range of hotel accommodations that you can choose to stay in Senggigi, from deluxe four-star resort properties to simple home-stays, Such as Holiday Inn, the Oberoi, Sheraton Senggigi, Melati Dua Cottage, Pool Villa Club, Panorama Cottage, and many more.
Moving Around
To go around Senggigi Beach, you can ride cidomos or if you wanted, you can go on foot.
Dining Guide
There are various foreign and local restaurants that offering international and local foods, cafes and entertainment venues. These all are available along the main Senggigi road and on certain areas along the beach. For inexpensive eating, try the food stalls along the beach, especially at the end of the road past the Senggigi Beach Hotel
Souvenir Tips
There are many souvenir shops along the main Senggigi road that offering you many kind of Lombok souvenir, starting from clothes, paintings, handicrafts, wooden crafts, etc.
Other Things to See or Do
1. Swimming off the beach is safe.
2. You can also do canoeing here in Senggigi.
3. Visit Pura Batu Bolong on a rocky point south of Senggigi.
4. There's good snorkeling off the point and in the sheltered bay around the headland
Travel Tips
1. Dont forget to equipped yourself with sun protection.
2. Bring a bathing suit and extra clothing's.
3. Several places rent mask-snorkel-fin sets. Try at the beach near tha Art Market or the Senggigi Beach Hotel.
source: Indonesia Official Tourism Website
