Senggigi was once thriving as Lombok’s main tourist area. Multiple factors, like the shift in tourism to Kuta in the south, an earthquake that caused significant damage, the pandemic, etc., have resulted in fewer travelers visiting the area and slowed growth of hotels, restaurants, and other tourist infrastructure. Despite that, there are still many things to do in Senggigi and the area still holds its charm.
I spent a few of my early childhood years in Senggigi, and it was great to come back on this recent Indonesia trip to see old friends and spend a few days exploring the area, just like past times. Here are some activities to add to your itinerary if you find yourself here.
Relax on the Beach
Senggigi is a beach destination, so chances are, you’ll be spending some time on the beach. Senggigi Beach runs the length of the town, with multiple spots marked as Senggigi Beach on Google Maps. So, along this stretch of island, there’s ample shore to spread out a towel and relax on. The beach is free to access, though you may have to pay for parking in certain areas if driving.
There are some nice sandy spots to swim at, particularly during higher tide when the water level is up further on the sandy shore. But, like many of the beaches on Lombok, you’ll find reef and rock in the water. So you may want to consider water shoes if you’re planning to do a lot of swimming or exploring tide pools during low tide.
Senggigi Beach is lined with various restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and more, making it a great place to hang out for the day. There are also some vendors selling souvenirs and snacks along the beach.
In addition to Senggigi Beach, there are various other great beaches in the area. You can easily reach them by taxi or your own transport just a short distance from Senggigi. Check out Pantai Malimbu, Pantai Nipah, Pantai Pandanan, Pantai Kerandangan, or Pantai Duduk.
Adventures Off-Shore
Looking to venture beyond the shore for more adventure? There are various water activities around Senggigi, like snorkeling, jet skiing, surfing, and kayaking. Around the town you’ll find surf lessons and rentals at spots like Holiday Surf School or Nemo’s Surf School, jet skis and tubing at Sunset Water Sports, and some kayak rentals along the shore.
The snorkeling in this area of Lombok isn’t as spectacular as the Gilis, but there are some snorkeling opportunities if you wish to do so. If you don’t have your own gear, there are a couple dive shops in town. Your hotel may have some available as well. One of the better spots to snorkel is off the point at the southern end of Senggigi Beach. Take note that the waves and currents off Senggigi Beach can be strong, which can be dangerous and make the visibility pretty bad. Pantai Nipah also has some decent snorkeling.
Shop the Markets
While the shopping opportunities aren’t as extensive as in larger cities like Mataram or more touristy areas like Ubud or Gili Trawangan, you can still find some great souvenirs around Senggigi.
The main market for handicrafts is the Art Market, where you can find a variety of goods, such as sarongs, bracelets, artwork, wooden crafts, purses, etc. There’s also the large Bayan Lombok handicraft store just down the street offering a wide variety of local-made goods. We got some masks and mango wood bowls there. There are various other little local shops and souvenir stalls set up around Senggigi that sell anything from magnets and t-shirts to wood furniture.
If you’re looking for additional items, like gold jewelry and pottery, head to the markets in Mataram.
For the markets, brush up on your bargaining skills!
Visit Pura Batu Bolong
Lombok is primarily Muslim, but there is a portion of the population that is Hindu. Sitting on a rocky outcropping along the ocean on the outskirts of Senggigi is Pura Batu Bolong – a pretty Hindu temple. It costs about 20,000 IDR, which is stated to be a “donation,” plus 5,000 IDR to park if you drive your own vehicle. This is a place of worship, so please dress appropriately and be respectful. You are given a sarong to cover up if you’re wearing shorts.
If you aren’t interested in entering the temple, you can see its exterior from the nearby beach.
Admire the Sunset
Because Senggigi sits on Lombok’s western coast, it’s a great spot to watch the sunset. Another thing that makes the sunsets here so special is the view you get of Gunung Agung – a volcano over on Bali. You can grab a seat at one of the many beachside restaurants or bars to watch the sunset or grab a drink and snack and admire it from the shore.
If you want a view over the pretty beaches and to watch the sunset from a higher vantage point, there are also some viewpoints along the coast that are popular as the sun goes down. Some of these include Malimbu Hill, Makam Batu Layar, and Sunset Point.
My sister and I on Senggigi Beach at sunset about 20 years apart
Treat Yourself at a Spa
There are multiple spas in the Senggigi area, offering various services, from facial treatments and manicures to massages. The spa treatments we saw across this Indonesia trip were generally a really great price as well. So if you’re looking to treat yourself to a relaxing spa day, Indonesia is a great place to do so!
Many of the hotels around Senggigi offer spa services, but you can also find some independent businesses, such as the Orchid Day Spa. Whether you want to book through your hotel or a spa in town, we’d recommend popping in in the morning or a day or two before to book a time.
Take a Day Trip
Senggigi is still a tourist hub and is a popular base used by travelers to explore the surrounding area. If you don’t have your own transport, there are tours operators available. You can find some options online on sites like Get Your Guide, Viator, and individual company sites, and there are also some tour offices in Senggigi.
Alternatively, you can hire a driver for a day. Your hotel can likely organize this for you, or you could ask your Bluebird Taxi or rideshare driver if they’d be available for an upcoming day and what they would charge for the itinerary you’re thinking of. We hired a driver for a day to take us around Mataram and to Benang Stokel and Kelambu.
Popular trips from the Senggigi area include Gili snorkeling trips; various waterfall excursions, like Tiu Kelep, Sendang Gile, and Benang Kelambu; Sukarara weaving village; Narmada Park, and more.
Looking to spend more than just a day in Gili Indah? Check out our Indonesia page for more info!
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