Senggigi is Lombok's established beach resort, stretching along a series of bays on the west coast about 12 km north of Mataram. The setting is appealing: the beach faces west toward the Lombok Strait, and on clear evenings Mount Agung on Bali is visible above the water — a volcano-to-volcano view that is one of the more satisfying natural panoramas in the region.
Senggigi is more laid-back than Bali's Kuta: the beach is quiet, the restaurants are good, and the accommodation runs from budget to mid-range. The resort strip is modest but functional, and the town has the infrastructure needed for a comfortable base for exploring west and central Lombok. The diving and snorkelling off Senggigi is decent — less spectacular than the Gilis but far closer. Local boats to Gili Trawangan run from the harbour.