Senggigi Beach and Mangsit.
Senggigi sits in the west of Lombok and is a hub for tourism and beachside living. Restaurants and bars are scattered throughout the town, stretching across an expansive area, and there is no clear definition around where Senggigi starts and ends. If you opt to stay in the heart of Senggigi, be mindful that it isn’t a resort town, yet still provides enough entertainment and restaurants to keep travellers occupied.
Senggigi is often used as a base to explore surrounding areas, acting as a gateway to the Gili Islands with many travellers passing through. From beachfront resorts to quaint villas, accommodation options in the area are vast, and the distinction between town varies greatly. Mangsit sits north of Senggigi and provides a strip of hotels overlooking the beach, while Batu Bolong lies south of Senggigi and brings a mix of restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels to enjoy.
The Beach
The beach has many swimming areas as well as different breaks for surfers. Marine life is present in the area too, and canoeing is a popular activity for visitors. Surrounded by sweeping bays and beaches, Senggigi Beach is made up of white sand, sprawling out onto the coral reef. Depending on the time of year you visit, the sand colour changes and can be affected by the boats as well as the s
Views, Restaurants & Bars
The best time to visit is at dusk to enjoy the view from the beach or one of the many restaurants lining the water. The outlook across the water showcases Bali and Nusa Penida in the distance, and at sunset, the light outlines the island’s frame.
In the area, there is a mix of Western-style dining as well as Indonesian warungs to grab a bite to eat at, with barbecued corn available across the headland (popular street food in Indonesia). Senggigi is a favourite for locals, and on a Sunday you will notice the crowds pick up.
With its choice of restaurants lining the water, spend a day relaxing in the sun. You cannot compare Senggigi with tourist Kuta on Bali. There you can spend all day shopping and socializing in the local bars and restaurants. However, there are plenty of bars, billiard tables, TV screens with sports broadcasts, relaxing lounges and restaurants on the beach in Senggigi to keep the tourists busy if they needed it.
Remember
Many visitors, however, use Senggigi as a home base for day trips to the waterfalls, the Gili Islands, or simply looking for authentic villages, temples and jungle areas, which can be found within a few hours.
