Tourist Places mainstay on the island of Lombok West Nusa Tenggara

Where are your goal, if you have the opportunity to visit the island of Lombok? If you do not have a definite goal, according to friends who live in the city of Mataram, with no time 2 (two) days to visit all the tourist areas in Lombok, of course minus the Rinjani mountain climbing or staying on the island of Gili Trawangan.


Lombok is an island in West Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Barat or NTB) province, Indonesia. It forms part of the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands, with the Lombok Strait separating it from Bali to the west and the Alas Strait between it and Sumbawa to the east. It is roughly circular, with a "tail" (Sekotong Peninsula) to the southwest, about 70 km across and a total area of about 4,725 km² (1,825 sq mi). The provincial capital and largest city on the island is Mataram. It is somewhat similar in size and density with neighboring Bali and shares some cultural heritage, but is administratively part of NTB along with sparsely populated Sumbawa. It is surrounded by a number of smaller islands locally called Gili.
The island is home to some 3.16 million Indonesians ^[1][2][3] as recorded in the decennial 2010 census, and in 4 regencies along with the provincial capital Mataram
Below we will say a few areas worth a visit (although I have not had time to visit all of them), according to tourism brochure that I get from the hotel where I stay:

1. The Gili Islands, Lombok, Indonesia
Latitude : 8° 20' 60 S' Longitude : 116° 1' 60 E

Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air.

Turtle capital of the world.


Gili Trawangan is the largest of Lombok's Gili Islands and the only one to rise significantly above sea level. Measuring 3 km long and 2 km wide, it has a population of around 700.^{[citation needed]} Of the Gilis, Trawangan has the most tourist facilities; the pub Tîr na Nôg claims that Trawangan is the smallest island in the world with an Irish pub. The most crowded part of Trawangan lies on the eastern side. It was previously administered under Lombok Barat Regency along with Senggigi until 2010 when the Gili islands came under the jurisdiction of the new North Lombok Regency (Kabupaten Lombok Utara)^[1]).
On Gili Trawangan (as well as the other two Gilis), there are no motorized vehicles. The main means of transportation are bicycles (rented by locals to tourists) and cidomo (a small horsedrawn carriage). For traveling to and from each of the Gilis, locals usually use motorized boats and speedboats.
Some of the first inhabitants of Gili Trawangan were from Sulawesi who are fishermen and farmers. Previously Gili Trawangan was covered in forest and deer lived on the island. (Source: Inhabitants of Gili Trawangan — no printed source available)
The economy of Gili Trawangan centres on tourism, as the island is too small to support any broad scale agriculture, and too remote to allow economically viable industry or commerce.

• 

  View from the top of the hill on Gili Trawangan just after dawn; foreground is Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno is next and then Gili Air — Gunung Rinjani is backlit by the approaching dawn
  
• 

  View from the top of the hill on Gili Trawangan just after dawn; foreground is Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno is next and then a bit of Gili Air — Lombok is in the distance to the right
  
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  View from Gili Trawangan; in the foreground are island hopper boats anchored off Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno is the next island — Ginung Rinjani is in the distance
  

Gili Meno is an island in Indonesia, the middle of Lombok's three Gilis. It has a population of about 400, mainly concentrated on the center of the island.^{[citation needed]} The main income of the population comes from tourism, coconut plantation and fishing. On the west side of the island there is a small shallow lake that produces salt in the dry season. Until a few years ago there was also a small production of seaweed on the reef at the north end of the island. It has swimming beaches all around the island, as well as an impressive bird sanctuary.
The island attracts fewer tourists than Gili Trawangan and is the quietest and smallest of the Gilis.^{[citation needed]} However, honeymooners are often drawn to the crystal clear water and idyllic, secluded white beaches.
There is no fresh water on the island, it is imported daily.^{[citation needed]} Electricity is supplied by generators, although there are plans for renewable energy sources to be developed. There are also no cars or motorbikes and only a limited number of tourist accommodation options.

View of the west coast of Gili Meno looking south — Lombok is in the distance.

 

ili Air is the second smallest of the Gilis and it's closest to the Lombok mainland, making it popular with honeymoon couples and travelers seeking a quiet retreat. It has a population of about 1,000 and administratively lies in the West Nusa Tenggara province. The island offers excellent snorkeling and scuba diving off its east coast, and turtles can be seen along the coral reef.
Proximity to Gili Meno, (population about 300) the smallest and most secluded of the islands and to Gili Trawangan the largest island, known for its many restaurants and parties, makes Gili Air a happy Medium of seclusion with adequate services. Both other Islands are a quick boat ride away and provide many choices to from total seclusion to party central

Mount Rinjani from the south coast of Gili Air

Arcing away from the northwest corner of Lombok, are three idyllic atolls,
where the sand is still powdery white, the water a clear sparkling turquoise,
and the sunsets over Bali’s Agung in the west simply spectacular.

Home to the largest Irish bar on the smallest island in the world, an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant, a turtle hatchery, ominous sounding dive sites
like ‘Shark Point’ and miles and miles of white sandy beaches, Lombok's
Gili islands, or Gilis for short, makes a surprisingly ideal getaway destination
for everyone.

Getting there is easy and whichever way you choose, you will be guaranteed
to see some of Bali and Lombok’s breathtaking scenery.



Island Promotions can arrange all your Gili holiday needs;


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Helicopter sight seeing tours and sea plane charters, modern luxury private yacht charters are also available on request.

- ACCOMMODATION choices start from beach shacks, backpacker beach huts and budget hotels, a large selection of mid range hotels and boutique bungalows, through to resort style hotels and luxury private villas.


- ACTIVITIES including Scuba diving packages from beginner to experienced,
snorkeling trips, Sea Kayak experience, golf days, horse riding at sunset, wakeboarding, deep sea fishing, trekking Mt Rinjani and Komodo live aboard dive and culture trips.

We can also cater to weddings and honeymoons and private party nights.

And yes, there is good surf on the Gili islands.

Alternatively let us organise everything for you, we have many packages available suitable for single backpackers through to families and groups.

Or take advantage of our NEW VIP EXPRESS FAST FORWARD service and avoid all the queues at immigration, dealing with baggage handlers and
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2. Senggigi
The Senggigi region is formed by several adjacent yet subtly different areas all lying along the same 2 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 centre 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 (centre) — not a typical tourist resort town, such as may be found in Bali where a day can be spent shopping and socialising 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 of 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 centre 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 new villas and hotels 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.

Get in

Senggigi is about 15-20 min north of the outskirts of the island's capital Mataram and the Selaparang airport. Airport Taxis are available for arriving passengers and charged by fixed a price coupon system charge. The current charges are Rp 57,500 to central Senggigi and Rp 83,500 (Jan 2010) for the trip to Mangsit beach from the airport.
In daylight hours the a public bemo 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 then it is best to pre-arrange transport from the ferry dock to Senggigi, since the Lembar port on the Lombok side is in a remote location. Travel agents in Bali offer transport from any point in South Bali to Senggigi, including the ferry ticket, for about Rp 140,000. A popular and normally reliable supplier is Perama Tours. Please see the main Lombok article for further details.

Get around

[edit] By bemo

Bemos are small covered pick-up trucks with narrow padded seating benches in the rear. They are the main means of short and medium distance transport in the rural and coastal areas of Lombok and can be hailed down on many streets. They will happily take you even short hops around Senggigi and the fares are inexpensive.
An approximate fare from Senggigi to the produce markets in Ampenan is Rp 4,500-Rp 5,500/person. Prices for set distances can vary at time. Try and watch what local customers are paying for a similar distance to your own and if really in doubt just include Rp 1,000-Rp 2,000 extra. If chartering an empty bemo to a particular destination be careful to clarify the exact amount of payment required prior to getting into the vehicle.
Many bemo drivers are reluctant to venture further up the west coast than the northern end of Mangsit Village as the passenger densities drop dramatically from there on. The driver may want to turn back at this point if he does not have sufficient passengers.
Bemos have normally stopped running by dusk on the west coast of Lombok.
Travel agents can also get you on semi-regular shuttle services, which connect Senggigi, the airport, and the harbours of Lembar (for Bali) and Bangsal (for the Gilis).

By taxi

Lombok Taksi (Bluebird group), ☎ +62 370 627000, [1]. is the most common taxi available in the Senggigi area.  edit Both the Bluebird and white coloured Express Taksi have a radio despatch system and both companies cars are equiped with meters which should be used by their drivers at all times. Flag fall is approximately Rp 4,250 and the meter ticks up a few hundred rupiah for every hundred meters past 2 km. Taxis can often be hailed down on the street around Senggigi with the exception of the dark blue Airport Taksi the use of which is limited to arriving airport passengers only. Taxis can be booked in advance either by calling them yourself or by booking through your hotel. Late at night they can often be found congregated near the Marina nightclub in Senggigi. Taxis can often be found parked opposite the Holiday Resort in Mangsit and on the hill above the Sheraton resort at the northern end of Senggigi township both day and night.

By car

Renting a car is also an option and there are many places to rent from in the Senggigi area. Expect to pay Rp 150,000-Rp 175,000 (low end mid-late 1980s Suzuki mini jeep-Jimmy (2x4) to Rp 450,000 for a late model Toyota Kijang (2x4). Check over the vehicle very carefully before signing the rental agreement.

By motorbike

To hire a motrobike, expect to pay around Rp 50,000 for most models and possibly more in peak season when demand for rentals can be very high. Thoroughly check over the motorbike before signing the rental agreement. In Indonesia a helmet is required at all times, lights should be illuminated whilst on the road and

Drivers licence

A full home state issued motorbike licence and a companion International Drivers Permit (IDP) with a full motorbike endorsement must be carried at all times if using a motorbike. Visitors are also required to carry their Passport at all times, many choose to only carry a copy and that is normally acceptable if a rider is asked to present their passport during a traffic stop or following an accident. If reporting to a police station is required always take your original passport with you, taking a photocopy of the photo page and visa page is also advised.
Similar conditions apply to driving a car. Your home licence and IDP must match the vehicle class and type that your are intending to drive. If they do not then do not drive on the road.

By ojek

Prices are negotiable but a rule of thumb is Rp 5,000 Rupiah if the destination is nearby.

By horse cart

Horse-pulled carts, known as Cidomo, are very common around Senggigi and all across Lombok. They are a good method of transportation for short distances such as from your hotel to a restaurant. Make sure to agree on the price before the journey and before alighting the cidomo. Rp 10,000 is the maximum price to pay for a short journey.

By boat

Traditional fishing boats known as perahu ply the waters around Lombok. They are instantly recognisable due to their outriggers, two lengths of extra large bamboo sealed at either end and attached by bars on both sides like a catamaran affording greater stability in heavy swells. They can also be chartered on the Senggigi beaches, either directly from owners (in which case some knowledge of Bahasa Indonesian or Bahasa Sasak will come in handy) or via any travel agent, who will of course take an often generous commission.

By bicycle

Traffic is relatively light throughout the island so travel by bicycle is quite possible and provides a very different cultural experience to other means of transport. Some of the hotels have bicycles available and Senggigi has a bicycle tour operator.

• Lombok Biking Tour, Jl. Raya Senggigi (Situated next to Bumbu Cafe), ☎ +62 370 692 164, [2].  edit

See

Brahma's empty throne, Batu Bolong

• Pura Batu Bolong, 2 km south of Senggigi. Small Hindu temple located in a scenic spot at a small headland overlooking Senggigi beach, named after a rock (batu) with a hole (bolong). At the tip of the this headland is an empty chair representing Brahma, the god of creation. Free entry, but you'll have to 'borrow' a sash (Rp 5,000 a throw) from one of the urchins if you don't have one already. Sunsets seen from here can be very impressive.

• Senggigi Beach, A spit of sand stretching out from central Senggigi. This is Senggigi's raison d'etre but, by Indonesian standards, it's not all that spectacular. The beach is a sometimes a little dirty, the hawkers can be a nuisance and the Senggigi Beach Resort has grabbed most of the land. Some local surfers brave the smallish waves. A pathway has recently been built around the peninsular and it can be a pleasant promenade. The sunsets can be very beautiful.

• Kerangdangan beach, On Sunday afternoons Kerangdangan beach is a popular destination for Lombok residents. They go there to wander about and socialise or sit on the sandy beach or grassy area behind the warungs. People often take a swim in the sea and later eat satay and other snacks made by Kerandangan villagers and sold in the beachfront warungs. There are also two small and more expensive venues with informal outdoor dining in a cluster of small baruga's with big cushions and relaxed service. They are set a little back from the beach and are open most days and nights. Full menus are available at these two venues and they offer an interesting alternative to the Senggigi township offerings. Recently access to the area has become a little less obvious and the number of beachside warungs has been reduced due to a large parcel of land being annexed for a new development. Look for an entrance toward the northern end of the bay.

• Senggigi is a popular launch point for other activities on Lombok. Without the hassle of Mataram, you can visit several other locations and come back to the same hotel each night. Tour operators can arrange these trips for you at around Rp 350,000 for a very basic short trip for the day including a private car and driver. Excursions to more distant locations are up around Rp 800,000-1,000,000 and would most likely include a guide for the day. Overnight trips are easily arranged and the necessary accommodation charges for a guide and driver should be quite modest.

• Popular excursions that can be done in a day trip include:

• Village visits, including weaving villages and other handicraft-producers.

• Waterfall visits. During 2011 some very interesting new waterfall and village destinations are being opened up for tourism visits in the northern part of the island.

• Scenic drive the coastal road to the north of Senggigi has recently been extensively upgraded turning this road into a popular scenic route with stunning vistas of quiet kampungs, traditional rural activities, near deserted beaches and bright green rice fields with mountain backdrops. It has steep climbs over some of the headlands affording panoramic views of the coastline and the Lombok Strait. The drive northwards up the coast from Senggigi is a popular destination for young local couples and families going on Sunday outings. It is a stunning scenic and normally reasonably quiet drive and is serviced by small traditional roadside shops and warungs. Sundays can get a bit hectic on the roads, especially toward sunset.

Do

Most activities around Senggigi revolve around diving, snorkelling, and hiking.

• Surfing, Senggigi has some surf shops in the town, but there are reportedly better areas on Lombok for surfing.

• Traditional therapeutic massages are provide by local Sasak women both on the beaches, including Mangsit beach and at many of the hotels. It must be understood these are strictly traditional therapeutic massages provided by local Sasak practitioners.
  • Mangsit beach massage, Mangsit and Kelui beach, ☎ +62 878 6522 3140 (+62 813 5335 1199, hikmah@optusnet.com.au). 7 days per week. Rp 100,000/one hr.  edit
  • Santai Beach Cottages at the southern end of Mangsit beach or Windy Beach Cottages at the northern end are a good place to enquire. Just ask at the reception desk and they will summon one of the local traditional masseurs from the beach or nearby kampung for you. Santai will provide a nice beachside massage and fresh juices and tea can ordered from the hotel. At Windy Beach Cottages at the far north end of Mangsit Beach local village women have an arrangement to use a comfortable screened baruga in the hotel grounds. Enquiries can be made at reception or by yourself on the beach if not perturbed by often over interested beach traders. Bookings can also be made at the cellphone shop opposite the entrance to Windy Beach Cottages..

• Scuba diving, snorkelling and PADI certification courses, several of the major local operators have offices in Senggigi.
  • Blue Marlin Dive, Has branches in Senggigi at the Alang-Alang Resort, Senggigi Beach Hotel and the Holiday Resort, ☎ Blue Marlin Dive - Holiday Resort +62 370 693 719 (senggigi@bluemarlindive.com), [3]. Professional diving operation  edit
  • DiveZone-Lombok, Jl. Raya Senggigi kav. 15, ☎ +62 813 395 4499 (Dive@DiveZone-Lombok.com), [4]. professional diving operation  edit
  • Dream Divers Lombok, Jl. Raya Senggigi, ☎ +62 370 692 047 (info@dreamdivers.com, fax: +62 370 693738), [5]. Professional diving operation  edit

• Spear fishing and snorkelling, for extra interest and safety it is best to go with a diving buddy that has local experience with the currents and underwater geography of the coral reefs off Senggigi, Mangsit and Gilli Islands.
  • Eko (mangsit), the beach and sea at Senggigi, Kerandangan, Mangsit, ☎ +62 818 0571 1190 (ekomangsit@yahoo.com). all hours 7 days/week. Interesting personalised service providing a wealth of local knowledge and reasonable prices for all diving and accompanied and un-accompanied tours.  edit

• Bicycle rides, some of the hotels rent bicycles for riding around the Senggigi precinct, see the By bicycle section.

• Forest trekking, a local tri-lingual Sasak guide is provided who grew up far inside the hills and forests of West Lombok. He accompanies and provides interesting local knowledge on personalised treks into the kampungs and forest areas of West Lombok. Hotel pick-ups and lunch can be provided.
  • Pahrasat-Trekking Hutan, Senggigi, ☎ +62 813 3970 7130 (+62 819 3674 5275).  edit

• Sea Kayaking, follow the coast up to the Gili islands by sea kayak.
  • Lombok detours-Sea kayaking (Rinjani Club Tour & Travel Service), JL. Raya Senggigi Km 08, Senggigi, ☎ +62 370 693 202 (cellphone+62 817 573 0415, rinjaniclub@gmail.com), [6]. Kayaks, safety equipment such as vests as well as spray decks and paddles are supplied. Trips to Gili islands and Lombok beaches are available with an overnight stay on Gili islands. Support boat and guide are provided.  edit

Buy

Lombok-style woodenware, decorated with local creatures and geometrical patterns in shades of black, brown and red, is sold in several shops in town. The tall masks are quite distinctive, though potentially difficult to get on the plane home. Boxes and bowls are also numerous. It's not as intricate and refined as Balinese arts, but it has a distinctive look and charm, and is quite inexpensive.
Make sure you are aware of your home countries import and quarantine restrictions as some require wood to be fumigated and inspected for vermin and pests. Nearby Australia for example has very strict regulations and failing to declare many items including those made of timber, seeds and some shell items may lead to heavy penalties and confiscation. Check your home countries import regulations and do not forget to declare the goods on the way in when you get back home or when passing through 'transit' countries such as Australia if you are clearing customs there.
Persistent hawkers push Komodo freshwater pearls on tourists, and will sometimes follow visitors for the length of the town. The pearls are quite pretty as costume jewellery, and make nice gifts or souvenirs, but the hawkers play on a misunderstanding of their market value. They will often quote a starting price of around Rp 300,000 (less than US$30) for a strand, though they can be had for as little as Rp 35,000. Pearls for sale on the street tend to be the left-overs of the industry, with more flaws and variations in shape. They are normally fresh-water pearls and contrary to popular belief some of these come from China. Longer strands cost more. Better quality strands (rounder, more uniform pearls with fewer flaws) ought to cost more, though the hawkers seem not very sensitive regarding quality and will let you pretty much pick the one you want. Genuine (salt water) Lombok pearls are readily available and high quality examples can be found at one of the many speciality pearl dealers in Lombok.
There are also many handicraft items available as well as sometimes very good copies of antique artefacts such as Kris and many small traditional Sasak, Hindu and Buddhist items from Lombok's past as well as from nearby Sumbawa, and Bali
If you lose your watch or sunglasses, never fear. Street vendors are always at hand to provide a replacement.

• Senggigi Square.

• Senggigi Plaza.

Eat

There are plenty of eating options in Senggigi, with a surprising array of Western-style dishes on the menu. Alas, local chefs are often better with the names than the recipes for Western favorites, and seem to follow a philosophy of "when in doubt, add more butter." Promotors will follow you along the street offering business cards, 10% discounts, and free "cocktails" to draw you in. Beware of discount offers, and before you bite, ask if VAT and service will be added to the bill. A promised 10% discount can quickly become a 10% surcharge after they hit you with tax and service.

[edit] Budget

• Cak Por-cafe tenda is on Jl. Raya Senggigi opposite Senggigi Abadi supermarket and the BNI bank and ATM. This cafe tenda offers traditional local dining at very reasonable prices and has an interesting menu. The BBQ fish and their nasi goreng seafood is delicious and very good value. The BBQ chicken dishes are a little small but tasty. Local sambal is normally served with meals and a tomato salad can be ordered. Staff are helpful relaxed, and friendly. They have many juice drinks and cold beer. It is dining "tenda" (under a tent) sitting at rough plywood tables set back a little from the road. Closed Sundays, opens at dusk and often until very late, it is very popular with locals and visitors alike.

• Windy Beach Cottages Restaurant.[7] in Mangsit at the far northern end of the beach has a varied menu with many Indonesian dishes and a full bar. Dining is in the restaurant dining area or at barugas doted about the hotel grounds overlooking the beach. Lovely beach with great sunsets viewed from the gardens

• Santai Beach Inn [8] at the far southern end of Mangsit Beach. Was in established in Mangsit before the road even reached that far. Has a book exchange and dining in a large traditional berugak seated at a long communal table. Bookings in advance are essential as they have a set daily menu and cater to a set number of diners. Vegetarian and seafood based Indonesian food, fresh juices and cold beer available. Lunch Rp 30,000, dinner Rp 50,000 for all you can eat, cheaper for children.

• Pak Ismail's eating house. On Jl. Raya, Montong south of Hotel Jayakarta but before the turn off to Sandik/Gunung Sari and on the opposite side to the beach. Pak Ismail is from Bandung in central west Jawa and he has a distinct Sundanese influence to his food. It is a traditional Indonesian eating house or restaurant and has a very good menu of traditional Indonesian food. Prices are very reasonable but are not stated on the menu, you have to ask. Some staff at this restaurant can be a little unfocused but Pak Ismail is an attentive host with a passion for good food.

Mid-range

• Bale Tajuk, Jl. Raya Senggigi. Small but popular eatery offering a range of local and Western dishes, including a fairly decent Lombok style ayam taliwang Rp 20,000.

• The Office, A tourist-oriented restaurant on the water behind the market near the Sheraton. Its barn-style building is attractive, but the food is hit-and-miss and rather expensive. The soto ayam and chicken sandwich are pretty good though. They have a pool table a nice view of the beach and cold beer.

• Papaya Cafe, Jl. Raya Senggigi (Not far from the Perama Office) Worth a visit for their Chinese or Italian food. Rp 35,000 to Rp 50,000 will get a good main course. The restaurant has a rustic atmosphere with a spacious dining room open to the street. Live music plays every night after 8PM. The sound level can be a bit excessive for dinnertime conversation and in later hours becomes quite loud.

• Cafe Bumbu, Jl. Raya Senggigi. (In front of Papaya Cafe). Thai style food. Rp 30,000 to Rp 50,000 will get a good main course. During the night it provides candle lit tables.

• Taman, Jl. Raya Senggigi. (Near the Senggigi Beach Hotel). Serves Indonesian, Western and Indian food for a reasonable price. Expect to pay around Rp 30,000 upward for a main dish. They can disappoint at times, especially their breakfasts. They have an attached bakery selling rather ordinary breads and cakes. A hotel shuttle service is provided in the near Senggigi area but the driving style may give considerable alarm to many passengers.

• Yessy Cafe is on Jl. Raya Senggigi near the Sheraton Hotel. Indonesian, Western and Thai food for a reasonable price. Expect Rp 30,000 for a main dish. Friendly staff with complimentary hotel pickup and returns within the Senggigi area. The tax surcharge may surprise as it is not mentioned on the menu but is added to the bill total.

• Coco Beach Kerandangan beach. (Hidden away near the beach at the far end of Kerangdangan beach just north of the Senggigi township). Look for a small sign on the beach side of the roadway as you travel along Jl. Raya, Kerandangan. Mixed menu with Indonesian and European style food. Cold beer and other refreshments available. Choose carefully from the menu. May add a surprise tax surcharge to the bill.

• Sunshine Restaurant, Jl. Raya Senggigi (Almost opposite Marina nightclub). This restaurant has local Chinese Indonesian owners and provides a Chinese focussed menu. Beachside tables are available for dining or drinks and the kitchen serves good value and capably prepared meals. Table service is sincere but at times can be a bit too relaxed if someone is in a hurry, the kitchen however is normally very efficient. It is often overlooked by visitors but offers good quality food in a pleasant atmosphere at very moderate prices.  edit

Splurge

• Asmara, Jl. Raya Senggigi (nearby Senggigi Art market and Sheraton hotel), ☎ +62 370 693 619 (info.contact@asmara-group.com, fax: +62 370 693 790), [9]. Light meals, drinks, lunch and night time meals. Asmara has a European influenced menu and a full professional kitchen. A live seafood tank provides a choice of fish and lobsters however an advance order for lobster is recommended. European style bread is baked every day and available for purchase from reception or the kitchen. The open and airy restaurant is over two levels and includes a beer garden for informal drinks or coffee. A complimentary pick-up and drop-off is available in the Senggigi area. Free wifi is available to customers.  edit

• Ye Jeon, Senggigi Plaza 2F. Korean restaurant. Probably the only one in all Lombok. Single dishes are reasonable (try the bibimbap, Rp 35,000) but sets with a full spread of banchan appetizers are pricier at Rp 80,000 and up, with 21% service/tax slapped on top. It may disappoint some people familiar with Korean food. There is an eclectic range of souvenir items available on their ground floor level.

• De Quake (Senggigi beachfront), Jalan Raya Senggigi (Enter the Art market from the main road and walk through to the beach), ☎ +62 370 693 694 (eat@dequake.com), [10]. Light meals, drinks, lunch and night time meals. Modern, minimalistic, lounge style interior on the beach with sunset view. Upstairs serving contemporarily styled Indonesian and Asian food, downstairs reserved for drinks and sunbeds.  edit

• Square, Jl. Raya Senggigi Km. 08 (At the front of Senggigi Square), ☎ +62 370 664 5999 (+62 370 664 4888, square_marina@yahoo.com, fax: +62 370 623 975), [11]. Lunch, evening, open late. The most expensive and most stylish restaurant in town. Serves contemporary fusion style cooking in an airy and stylish upstairs terrace lounge overlooking the main road in the town centre. Dinner sets are good value and offer good mixtures. Vegetarians may have to get creative to find something other than pasta, noodles and tomato sauce, but adaptions to standard dishes are possible. Pay for service wifi internet is available. From around Rp 30,000++.  edit

• Cafe Alberto, Jl. Raya, Batu Bolong (On the beach at the far northern end of Batu Bolong and just a few min from the centre of Senggigi township), ☎ +62 370 693 039 (+62 370 693 313, info@cafealbertolombok.com), [12]. 9AM-12 midnight. Italian and Indonesian cuisine with a romantic beachside atmosphere. Restaurant, cafe with a pizza oven, light meals and drinks. The excellent location and stylish facilities may provide more satisfaction than the food served from the kitchen. Providing breakfast, lunch or dinner. Swimming pool, on-beach and poolside dining available. A complimentary shuttle is available servicing the Senggigi area from 6PM-9PM. Free wifi for guests.  edit

Biasa

• Warungs and small eating houses, Many roadside warungs sell local food to local people and visitors can join in. Some have very good food at a very reasonable price. Look for the busy ones and make sure you understand what you are buying. Watch and see how popular a warung is with the locals and you will have a strong indication of value and quality. The taxi driver rule is a good one to apply and it works in Lombok as well as anywhere else and they generally know where to eat and where not.

• The Senggigi strip including Batu Bolong and Mangsit have many warungs and small eating houses.

• At the far northern end of Mangsit Warung Saibi offers a reasonable example of a village food outlet and the food is always fresh. Saibi sells to the local villagers, hotel workers, beach vendors and students from the "Belindo" school opposite. It is a good place to buy something to eat on the drive north or to eat on the beach which is just a short walk down a little alleyway opposite that leads directly down to the sandy beach in front of Holiday Resort and Windy Beach Cottages.

• At Kerungdangan there are many traditional warungs all along the beach and the area is most popular on Sundays when local villagers and people from the city and elsewhere will go there to visit the beach and eat traditional foods such as Satay. You need to look for the entrance running toward the beach from the main road. A token entrance fee is charged for cars and motorbikes (on the way out) and the normally quiet and pretty beach is worth a visit anytime. Sunday is the big day.

• Klui beach is the next bay north from Mangsit beach and as with nearby Kerandangan it is a popular destination on Sundays. On weekends often till late at night Warung Tahur is open on the beach for snacks, local coffee, tea and sometimes light meals and satay. Very laid back and very basic. The warung attracts an interesting and eclectic group of locals from the nearby village and elsewhere, and sometimes some adventurous tourists from the nearby local JeevaKlui hotel. It offers an alternative to the tourist haunts of Senggigi. Have a coffee sitting on the beach or in the warung.

• On the hilltop between Klui beach and Setangi beach you can find Warung Manah and Adil right on the coastal highway on bend at the top of of the headland. Laid back and very basic, tea, coffee, other drinks, light snacks and sometimes light meals. Occasionally tourists will stop there, normally it is just frequented by locals from the nearby village or passing by. Great place to break a dive up the coast and enjoy the view to Bali or the sunset over Mount Agung.

• The roads and kampung lanes of Lombok are often lined with such places to eat. Some are better than others, and then there are the ones that are plain scary and that no sane person would ever eat anything from. They are always a good place to meet the locals and have a snack, light meal, a class of tea or coffee. Best to ask for no sugar (tanpa gula) unless you like it very sweet.

Drink

Senggigi's nightlife still suffers from far more supply than demand, with punters thinly spread and bars desperate for customers. Still places open and close but on Friday & Saturday nights the young crowd from Mataram push in a bit of life.

• The Beach Club, Jl Raya, Batu Bolong, [13] A great place to start your early evening watching the sunset over Bali and enjoying cocktails/drinks on the beachfront, open 10AM-10PM

• Happy Cafe, Jl Raya, Senggigi, live band with something extra. Local expats seem to come together here every Saturday night. A good place to start your night. 8PM-1:30AM.

• Marina Cafe, Jl. Raya, Senggigi, [14] Every month a new live band from Jakarta or Bandung. Professional setup, incredible sound. Mostly free entrance, sometimes gigs with admission, closes around 12midnight-2AM.

• Club 69, Jl.Raya, Senggigi. Karaoke and nightclub with ladies that entertain and encourage customers to sing with them. Open 8PM-2AM

• Garden Café, Jl Raya, Senggigi (In front of the Manna Kebun Villas and Resort). 7PM-12:30AM. Has a shack vibe to it. Local, Thai and western specialties. A variety of cocktails, spirits and beers. Live band playing every night doing renditions of classics, old rock and jazz songs; requests are welcomed.  edit

Sleep

Balinese garden, Puri Mas

Try to avoid lodging near the mosque if you are a light sleeper, as the call to morning worship can be quite loud.

[edit] Budget

• Bale Kampung Homestay, Jalan Kampung Kerandangan, Senggigi (travel north up the coast from Senggigi township, turn off Jl. Raya Senggigi-Kerandangan into the small side road leading into the village and look for the first small lane on the left, it is on the corner). Small, very friendly and basic accommodation suitable for backpackers and low budget travellers, includes light breakfast. wifi is free, TV and movies are available in semi-outdoor living area. Single Rp 90,000, dble Rp 120,000 net.  edit

• The Beach Club, Jl. Raya Batu Bolong (almost at the northern end of the bay and just before Senggigi), ☎ +62 370 693 637 (thebeachclublombok@hotmail.com), [15]. Has a dining room and bar area with a spacious lounge, TV satellite broadcast sport channels in bar/lounge, plenty of berugas for lying around on and WiFi internet access is available. The accomodation area has a very nice swimming pool situated near the beach at the rear of the bar. In addition to the budget accommodations small timber and thatched roof poolside bungalows are also available Double backpacker rooms Rp 105,000-165,000 and Bungalows from Rp 380,000 to Rp 410,000++ including continental breakfast.  edit

• Lina's, Jl. Raya, Senggigi (opposite Marina nightclub and bar). Right on the beach, it has clean rooms with clean bath, decent food, and in a nice area. The disco across the street can be a bit loud late at night. Rp 80,000-160,000.  edit

• Pondok Siti Hawa Backpackers, Jl. Raya, Batu Layar (The first place you come to when travelling from Ampenam to Senggigi, exactly 4.1 km before the Senggigi post office on the left hand side of the main road). Look for the red, white and green sign. Travel slowly as it is difficult to see. A variety of bamboo and brick bungalows just 50 m from the beach set amongst a lush garden. Hosts Siti Hawa and her son make you feel wonderfully welcome. Siti Hawa is a great cook and you will really enjoy staying here. It is clean, cheap and great value. These owners have a committed social conscience and are trying to make Senggigi a better place for all.  edit

• Raja's. In the centre of Senggigi, conveniently located at cheap prices. around Rp 75,000 per night.  edit

• Hotel Ray. Nice building but situated near to several entertainment venues so a good night's sleep can be hard to come by. Rooms have cold water only and a fan. Rp 100,000 per night including breakfast.  edit

• Santai Beach Inn, Jl. Raya Mangsit (Second hotel at the southern end of Mangsit beach, on the beach side of the road), ☎ +62 370 693 038 (contact@santaibeachinn.com, fax: +62 370 693 038), [16]. Santai was the first accommodation venue established in Mangsit in 1989, before the road even reached that far. There is a spacious book exchange with adjacent lounge and dining area in a large traditional Barugak. Diners are seated at a communal table. Vegetarian and fish dishes served as well as fresh fruit juices. Traditional bungalows some with large bathrooms, two with hot water. Set in a lush tropical garden with laid back friendly staff. Assistance is available for car and motorbike rental at normal market rates and the reception staff will help with your tour and travel arrangements. WiFi internet access is available in rooms and lounge area. Rp 100,000-300,000 +10% tax inc breakfast.  edit

• Sonya Home Stay, Jl. Raya, Senggigi 54, ☎ +62 370 693 447. A traditional low cost losmen converted for use by budget travellers rather than a homestay. Small self-contained rooms are offered with a compact common access galley kitchen and guest refrigerator. This is very basic but clean accommodation and the owners are very helpful and friendly. Sonya Homestay offers very reasonable rates to both their own guests and others for daily tours in a brand new vehicle with their own driver.  edit

Mid-range

• Puri Bunga, Jl. Raya Senggigi, ☎ +62 370 693 013 (info@puribungalombok.com, fax: +62 370 693 286), [17]. The hotel stretches between two green valleys within comfortable walking distance from Senggigi Beach, and has good views from the hillside location. Standard, deluxe and suite cottages, bar and restaurant, swimming pool and other facilities. US$40-75.  edit

• Puri Saron, Jl. Raya Senggigi, Krandangan (near the Sheraton), ☎ +62 370 693 907 (info@lombok-purisaron.com), [18]. A 15-min walk from central Senggigi, this fairly small Balinese-style resort hotel has direct access to the beach, a decent pool and a cheap dinner buffet for Rp 55,000, but the musty rooms, while clean, have seen better days. Still, most rates include airport pickup and breakfast, this may be a good choice if you just need to overnight in Senggigi before striking out the next morning. US$35.  edit

• Sunset House Hotel, Jl Batu Bolong, Senggigi Km 02 Batu Bolong Beach (Just before the hill approaching Senggigi township), ☎ +62 370 692 225 (sunsetlombok@gmail.com, fax: +62 370 692 225), [19]. On the beach at Batu Bolong, 6 rooms catering to small groups, singles and couples. Convenient access to Senggigi over the nearby hill, nearby to local warungs, small bars and restaurants. From Rp 400,000++ with packages available.  edit

Splurge

• Holiday Resort Lombok (previously known as Holiday Inn Resort Lombok), (just past the middle of Mangsit on the beach), ☎ +62 370 693444 (reservationmgr@Holidayresort-lombok.com, fax: +62 370 693 092, +62 370 693 206), [20]. Large beachside resort with spacious rooms, many with sea views, well maintained grounds, good facilities, pleasant well trained staff, lagoon style pool, child minding facilities, and a health clinic. Spacious 2 bedroom apartments also available on the grounds. Some aspects of the hotel are a little style-dated, but it still has a modern and well kept feel to it. It would be difficult to be too disappointed with this establishment. Banquet and function experience and facilities. On site medical clinic with qualified nurse and doctor on call. US$67-102++.  edit

• Jeeva Klui, Jalan Raya Klui Beach No 1 (On the beach just over the hill at the end of Mangsit beach. The location is described on many maps as ''Kelui''), ☎ +62 370 693035 (reservations@jeevaklui.com, fax: +62 370 693 036), [21]. Small resort style boutique hotel at Klui in a pretty location fronted by a long quiet beach. Klui is a quiet location and this is the only hotel or tourist venture on this beach. Contemporary styled rooms open onto outdoor terraces and lounge areas with views across the water to Bali. 25 m swimming pool and open air hotel restaurant. with opening specials from US75++ to US$82++.  edit

• Manna Kebun Villas, Jl Raya Senggigi (entrance nearby to Sheraton hotel), (booking@mannavillas.com), [22]. Nestled in a small valley at the northern end of the township, contemporary design and fittings. Plantation/hillside setting. Each villa has 1-3 bedrooms, tea and coffee making facilities and its own private pool. Located a few min away from the Senggigi restaurant and bar strip. Villa Cendana has self contained facilities. Angsana US$250 ++, Balsa US$300++, Cendana US$750++.  edit

• Puri Mas Beach Resort, Mangsit, ☎ +62 370 693 831 (info@purimas-lombok.com, fax: +62 370 593 023), [23]. On the beach front at Mangsit beach and a short taxi ride to central Senggigi. Has a range of accommodations from basic but well appointed thatched cottages to small self contained modern bungalows with separate facilities. Large pool with sea views and a beach side restaurant and bar. US$75.  edit

• Qunci Hotel and Poolside Villas, Jl. Raya, Mangsit (middle of Mangsit on the beach), ☎ +62 370 693 800 (stay@quncivillas.com, fax: +62 370 693 802), [24]. A small boutique resort where the staff know and greet you by your first name. A nice medium size swimming pool which looks as if it is part of the sea. The rooms do not have TV in order to 'detach' the guests from the outside world. Two separate restaurants both serve modern international style food at reasonable price. Meals can be enjoyed directly on the beach or in one of the open air dining areas. Hotel has a contemporary and stylish feel and an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction. US$80-275++.  edit

• Santosa-Villas and Resort, Jl. Raya Km8, Senggigi (Large formal entrance on the main road), ☎ +62 370 693 090 (info@santosalombok.com, fax: +62 370 693 175), [25]. A beachside hotel and resort in the centre of Senggigi. Rooms have A/C, a flat screen TV with 40 international channels, a coffee/tea maker and mini-bar. The hotel is equipped for large functions and adjoins the Senggigi beach with a swimming pool, spa, restaurants, and room service. US$65-500++.  edit

• Senggigi Beach Hotel Pool Villa Club, Jl. Pantai Senggigi (turn left of the main road toward the beach near the centre of town), ☎ +62 370 693 210 (booking@senggigibeachhotel.com, fax: +62 370 693 200), [26]. Large facility with a range of rooms, many with a nice sea view. The location is nice as it is easy to walk on the beach or access the shops and travel bureaus in town. The grounds are enjoyable and there are several good restaurants on the premises. Deluxe and Villas from US$250-450 are also available. US$80-160++.  edit

Private villas

Villas listed here are completely private individual properties with their own pool and self contained support facilities including food preparation areas. One should always remember the label 'Villa' is one of the mostly widely abused words in the Indonesia travel industry.

• Villa Qusia and Villa Qunan (affiliated with Qunci hotel at nearby Mangsit beach), located in the Mangsit foothills (follow small lane that turns off the main road opposite Qunci poolside villas), ☎ +62 370 693 800 (stay@quncivillas.com, fax: +62 370 693 802), [27]. Butler and Chef provided to the villa  edit
  • Villa Qunan - is a stylish luxury 2 bedroom villa with private pool and luxurious facilities, wonderful gardens and breathtaking sunset views across the Lombok Straits to Bali. US$295++
  • Villa Qusia - is a luxurious 3 bedroom villa which is positioned on its own private property on the hill above the village of Mangsit, good views of Bali’s Mt. Gunung Agung across the Lombok Strait to Bali. US$474++

• Verve Villa, Jl Raya Mangsit, Senggigi (About half way along Mangsit beach), ☎ +62 878 6143 9394 (info@vervevillas.com), [28]. Located on Mangsit Beach with views across Lombok Strait towards Bali. Private villa on 800 m². Butler Service 7AM-11PM. Villa sleeps maximum 6 people. Airport pick-up provided at Ampenan. Verve Villa is located very close to Mangsit's smaller Mosque so if the call to morning prayers may cause upset due to interrupting your sleep then you may want to consider an alternative. Depending on personal sensitivity, calls to prayer or other daily announcements broadcast from the Mosque may not be found excessive but it is quite difficult to miss. 3 Suite Villa, inc private recreational facilities& pool, US$420-US$640++/night. also available per suite-accom for 2 persons inc shared recreational facilities and pool, US$110-US$150++/Night, inc breakfast, Extra Bed US$25 net inc extra B/F.  edit

Get out

Much of Lombok can be accessed easily from Senggigi.

• Take a boat to the Gili Islands for snorkeling or diving
• Climb up Mount Rinjani, an active volcano (these can be suspended for long periods during the rainy season)
• Travel northward up the scenic coast road to Tanjung
• Visit Kuta and Tanjung A'an in Lombok's south

[edit] Cope

[edit] Hospitals

Several hospitals are located in Mataram including the islands main public hospital Rumah Sakit Umun and also the Risa Hospital in Cakranegara near Mataram mall.

• Please see the Lombok main article for a list of medical facilities available in Mataram.

Medical clinics

• Holiday Resort Lombok-Medical clinic, Mangsit beach, Senggigi (halfway through Mangsit beach,the clinic is downstairs, on northeast corner of main building), ☎ +62 370 693 444 (fax: +62 370 693 092, +62 370 693 206). On site medical clinic with qualified nurse and doctor on call.  edit

• Klinik Risa (Risa Centra Medika Hospital), Jl. Pejanggik No.115, Cakranegara (just east of Mataram Mall on the right hand side of the road), ☎ +62 370 625 560. 24 hours Emergency room. Full hospital facilities available on site, specialist consulting rooms and Dentist.  edit

• Puskesmas Senggigi (Local health Clinic Senggigi township), Jalan Raya Kerandangan (Situated on the main road at the southern end of Kerandangan just past Puri Saron and Pacific Hotel). Very limited hours, normally in the evenings. This is a local municipal health clinic catering to the residents of the surrounding district rather than an emergency medical centre.  edit

Emergency service

• Ambulance +62 370 623 489
  In emergency dial - 118

The reality is that unless within the confines of the main city of Mataram/Ampenan/Cakranegara an ambulance is normally too far away to provide prompt transport in the case of a true emergency. Most often a taxi, police vehicle or a private car is used to get someone requiring urgent medical attention to a hospital. The ambulances in Lombok are more often used in the role of assisted patient transport rather than for first responder/paramedic supported emergency assistance and transport.

Contacts

• Lombok Regional Police (National) (Polda), Jl Gajah Mada No7, Ampenan, ☎ +62 370 693 110. 24 hour emergency number 110  edit

• Tourism Police Senggigi (Pos Polsek Senggigi), Jl. Raya Senggigi km 1 Senggigi (near the Art Market), ☎ +62 370 632 733.  edit

• Post Office (Kantor Pos), JL Raya, Senggigi (opposite Bank BNI), ☎ ++62 370 693 711. Postal code : 83355  edit
• Bank BNI (PT.Bank Negara Indonesia), JL Raya, Senggigi, ☎ +62 370 693 308, [29]. Senggigi's only bank branch, has forex facilities and normal BNI teller services. ATM