Senggigi

The jewel of Lombok’s Senggigi region is Senggigi Beach, a long, curving stretch of soft sand edged by tall coconut trees and forest vegetation. Senggigi Beach offers relatively calm waters perfect for young families and snorkelers, resorts and restaurants to suit all tastes and stunning sunsets. The wider Senggigi region has seaside temples, lush forests, interesting villages and remote waterfalls waiting to be explored.

The town of Senggigi is Lombok’s principal tourist centre. Its main road runs parallel to the beach. From the beach, pull on a mask and a pair of fins and snorkel among the corals of Senggigi Reef or hire a sea kayak and try your hand at fishing. When the wind is up, surfing is also possible. Surfboards, snorkelling gear and kayaks can be rented from beachside vendors. Chat with a local boat operator to arrange a scenic trip along the coast or out to the Gili Islands. If you’re feeling less adventurous, re-energise your body with a massage from one of the therapists offering their services on the beach. Choose from a range of treatments from full body massages to pedicures.

Take a leisurely walk south along Senggigi Beach and follow the peninsula walk to Pura Batu Bolong, a picturesque Hindu temple high on a headland overlooking the ocean. Afterwards, spend an hour or two browsing the Art Market between the Sheraton Resort and Santosa Villas and Resort, where you’ll find market stalls selling locally made handicrafts, T-shirts and souvenirs.

Senggigi Beach is also renowned for its views. Head to the beach at sunset as groups of onlookers gather to see Bali’s Gunung Agung volcano spectacularly silhouetted on the horizon.

Senggigi Beach is just a 20-minute drive north of Lombok’s capital, Mataram. Taxis and shared bemos, the island’s open-air minibuses, are plentiful. Many hotels offer scooters and bicycles for hire.