Senggigi Beach Lombok
Senggigi is Lombok’s oldest and most famous resort area.
The Senggigi region is the main tourist destination on Lombok and is centred around the beach town of Senggigi on the West coast of the island of Lombok.
A perfect place to relax, Senggigi boasts a series of white sandy beaches and safe swimming areas. The point at central Senggigi has good waves for surfers. This place has a colourful reef which provides shelter to a variety of marine life and exquisitely shapped coral and makes it a perfect place to snorkle.
In the dry season, there is an interesting variety of boats moored in the bay. The town of Senggigi spreads out along nearly 10 kilometers of coastal road. This road continues north to Bangsal, the port for the Gili Islands.
The Senggigi region is formed by several different nearby areas all lying along the same two-lane coastal road. The exact boundaries of each area can seem rather ill-defined. While pockets of development can be found in some areas, long stretches of open undeveloped land lie in between. Nightlife and major restaurants are concentrated in the central township of Senggigi. The first time visitor should be aware of these distinct regional differences. Simply booking a hotel in Senggigi could mean a relatively remote location where the town centre can only be reached by taxi or public transport.
* Mangsit — a little to the north of Senggigi township it has a well established hotel strip running along a long tranquil sweeping beach with traditional outrigger boats resting on the sand. Mangsit is the gateway to the northern area of activities at Gili Islands, Tanjung and Mount Rinjani. It has well established resort hotel choices but few other tourist activities, such as shopping and nightlife. Mangsit can be quickly and conveniently reached from the center of Senggigi by taxi or public bemo.
* Kerangdangan — in a large quiet bay to the immediate north of the Senggigi township with some rental villa’s in the valley behind the beach.
* Senggigi (center) — not a typical tourist resort town, such as may be found in Bali where a day can be spent shopping and socializing at the local bars and restaurants. However there are enough bars, pool tables, TV screens with sports broadcasts, relaxing lounge areas and beach side restaurants to keep people occupied should that be their focus. Many visitors use Senggigi as a home base and take day trips to the waterfalls, the Gili Islands, or just go exploring the still authentic villages, temples, and forest habitat found within a couple hours drive.
* Batu Bolong — is to the immediate south of Senggigi and has a sparsely spread out collection of hotels, cafes, restaurants, several karaoke style establishments and a large barn like nightclub all situated along the coast road. A smaller restaurant and hotel strip is concentrated at the Senggigi end. It feels in the most part like a southern satellite extension of the Senggigi township. In the valley behind Batu Bolong is a large housing complex catering to both Indonesian and expatriate long term residents and visitors. Taxis, or Bemo if during daylight hours, give very quick access the center of Senggigi.
Both Mangsit and Batu Bolong are more focussed on the hotels situated along their respective beachfronts where at night the centre of Senggigi has a more lively street feel to it with live music playing and people moving about from one venue to another.
Lombok’s tourism sector has had a difficult past decade and tourism activity in Senggigi went through a very subdued period with many developments halted and businesses closed. Recently things have been starting to improve again, with a few new villas going up and new shops and tourism ventures opening. Senggigi is now becoming increasingly popular with visitors seeking out the stunning scenery and unique culture and flavours of Lombok.
How to Get to Senggigi
Senggigi is about 15-20 minutes north of the island’s capital Mataram and nearby airport. Airport Taxis (by fixed price coupon) charge Rp 57,500 to central Senggigi and Rp 83,500 (Jan 2010) for the trip to Mangsit.
In daylight hours the bemos will cover the distance for around Rp 2,500 from near the airport entrance gate to Ampenan market, and then another Rp 5,000 for a second Bemo up the coast to Senggigi, plus extra charges for any larger items of luggage carried.
Some of the larger hotels offer pick up transfers to and from the Airport. You will need to book ahead for this.
From Bali
Some visitors travelling from nearby Bali prefer the option of taking a fast boat direct to the Gili Islands and Senggigi. Travel agents or the operators can normally assist with any necessary transfers.
If you are frugal or intrepid and take the slow ferry from Bali, it’s best to arrange transport in advance from the ferry dock to Senggigi, since the Lembar port on the Lombok side is in a remote spot. Travel agents in Bali offer transport from any point in South Bali to Senggigi, including the ferry ticket, for about Rp 140,000.
Senggigi is the most developed area for tourists on Lombok. You can find a variety of restaurants, bars, discotheques, travel agents, photo processors, money changers, souvenir shop and a range of accommodations starting from budget guest house to 5 star hotels. Restaurants and small cafes line the colorful main beach road. Swimming off the beach is safe.
The town of Senggigi spreads out along nearly 10 kilometers of coastal road. This road continues north to Bangsal, port for the Gili Islands. Along the way, a fantastic scenery of the north west coast of Lombok awaits. Most travelers start or end their stay at Senggigi because of the easy access to Mataram Airport and accommodations options are available to all budgets. If you are frugal or intrepid and take the slow ferry from Bali, it’s best to arrange transport in advance from the ferry dock to Senggigi, since the dock on the Lombok side is in a remote spot several kilometers south of Mataram.
There are plenty of activities you can do to complete your holiday. Sightseeing or touring organized by reputable local tour operators is the best option to discover what Lombok has to offer. Renting a car or motor cycle is also good alternative to get around, either self-driving, or with a driver so you can relax and enjoy the view. Car rental in Lombok is more expensive than Bali. Tip driver pocket money for meals if you stop for lunch or diner. If you are pleased with service, tip the driver or local guide at the end. If you collide with anything, or it collides with you, you are responsible for all costs.
INFORMATION
Senggigi Post Office located on the main street of Senggigi, opposite from Pamour Art & Antique shop. Health Centre or Puskesmas located near Hotel Puri Saron. Drugstore or Apotik available next to the gate of Intan Lombok Hotel. Dentist available at Meninting Puskesmas 10 minutes drive from Senggigi towards direction to the airport.
Bank BNI available during office hours 5 days a week located near the Post Office. ATM’s (Automatic Teller Machine) are easy to find. ATM BCA, ATM BNI, ATM Mandiri are available, you can swift your credit card and withdraw local currency IDR (Rupiah).
Police office located in Senggigi Art Market, near The Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort. Telephone Service (Wartel) available near Melati Dua Hotel. Internet Cafes are: Millenium Internet (opposite Papaya Restaurant) and Star Internet Service located in Senggigi Plaza with dedicated broadband speed at reasonable rates. Cellular phone in Indonesia is GSM and CDMA. If you have brought your cellular handphone, you can purchase prepaid calling cards to make outgoing calls at lower cost than calling on your home SIM. Shops which sell these cards are prolific. Major service providers are: Telkomsel, Satelindo and XL Ritel. Look for signs and banners with those markings.
Money changers are available almost in every corner of Senggigi. Double count your money before leaving the money changers to get the accurate amount. Hotel reception also change foreign money with lower rates.
Mini markets are located next to Bank BNI and near the Papaya Cafe.
Local Indonesian Foods sells nasi campur and warung Padang can be found right opposite from Taman Restaurant. At night, you can find the famous Nasi Goreng at Warung Cak Poer.
Tipping
Most larger hotels and restaurants automatically add Government Tax and Service charge up to 21% to the bill. Tipping is expected in main tourist area, but you’re not compelled to tip at restaurants. If you like your driver or local tour guide, a tip of 10-15% is appreciated.
Carry small changes with you as taxi drivers often have none.
Airport or hotel porters expect Rp. 2000 – 10,000 per bag depending on the size and weights.
Disabled
Wheelchair ramps and van lifts are non existent. Many major hotels have limited handicapped facilities and accommodation. Advise your tour operators or hotel for special assistance.