Senggigi Gili Air ferry

Senggigi Guide

What is there to do in Senggigi?

Senggigi embodies much of the Indonesian islands; alluring bays and light sand beaches decorate the landscape, tropical mountainside towers over the town and an influx of tourists engulf the main strip. It is that main strip formed by myriad of small clubs, food stands and decadent nightclubs that holds much of the focus – many young people from across the globe adorn Senggigi’s centre until the early hours of the morning. Over the past few years it has transformed into a haven for backpackers on a budget, taking advantage of the cheap accommodation and alcohol. The infrastructure may have gradually been designed to appeal to travellers, but there is enough to tempt families into staying on Lombok’s west coast for a few days. The beach to the south of the peninsula remains quiet and relaxed even amidst the height of summer, perfect for a refreshing dip in the waters. For the adventurous types, scuba, snorkelling and paddle boarding are available, and for something in between tranquillity and adventure, boat tours offer the chance to swim in the idyllic environment.

How do you get around Senggigi?

Touts will flock around tourists, offering them deals on rental cars, rides on motorbikes and taxis, but they are to be avoided. Bemos are shared pick-up trucks which offer very affordable prices on their set route around the island – they are ideal for getting closer to the desired destination.

Gili Air Guide

Gili Air Ferry Port

Just off the western coast of the Indonesian island of Lombok are a line of three almost perfectly spherical islands known as the Gili Islands. Gili Air is the island found closest to the mainland. It is an area of tranquil tropical beauty, featuring swathes of lush palm-tree woodland and golden beaches that hem the ultramarine shallows of the Bali Sea. Those visiting the west-facing beach are treated to a spectacular view of the Mount Rinjani volcano that soars from the centre of Lombok. Gili Air is a popular honeymoon retreat due to its laid-back atmosphere and collection of stunning secluded spots. The coral-reefs that bedeck the coast are also superb spots for diving and snorkelling. Some local instructors even teaching free-diving, a form of the sport where people learn to dive on one breath without the aid of any breathing apparatus. The port of Gili Air is found on the shore of a small bay to the south of the island. It consists of little more than a narrow jetty topped by a sheltered waiting area from which passengers can board the incoming fast ferries. A small café and shop selling food and drink can also be found by the port entrance. There is no motorised transport on Gili Air meaning that travelling` to the port can only be achieved on foot or by riding one of the horse carts known locally as Cidomos. However due to the island’s small size no point is further than an hour’s walk away from the harbour, with most of the villages and resorts connected by a labyrinth of picturesque lanes. A number of ferry routes operate from the port throughout the week. Scoot Fast Cruises offers a number of services to the Balinese village of Sanur to the west, the village of Senggigi on the mainland of Lombok and the islands of Nusa Lembongan and nearby Gili Trawangan. Other services include a Freebird Express line to Amed in Bali and two Bluewater Express lines that sail to Padang Bai and Sarangan; a destination also serviced by a Marina Srikandi line.