I don’t even know where to start writing about my adventures in Senggigi. To be honest, I had never heard of this place. Neither from fellow travelers, nor from my travel guide, or any other source. But in my typical style, I decided to just go and see what would happen.

I came across the name of this place while planning my Komodo trip, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn it was close to a Buddhist village I wanted to visit for the Waisak Celebration. The timing couldn’t have been better! But what excited me even more was discovering that Senggigi is known for several surf spots in the area.

After arriving, I looked up the nearest surf school and headed there to book a lesson. Initially, I was a bit disappointed to find it located next to the street instead of on the beach, as I had hoped to spend some time by the water. Nevertheless, the owner welcomed me with drinks and snacks, and I ended up having an incredibly fun nights with a group of surfers.

I quickly discovered how welcoming the locals are. They love showing visitors around and sharing their favorite spots in the area. If you’re willing to go with the flow, you’ll have an amazing time here. Senggigi itself is essentially one long street filled with local and international bars and restaurants, but the real charm lies beyond that.

In just a few days, I explored the beautiful surroundings, coastlines, hidden villages behind the busy streets, stunning viewpoints, multiple beaches, and, most memorably, breathtaking sunsets. I fell in love with Lombok, especially this area. Senggigi offers a unique culture and a perfect balance between authentic local living and a vibrant nightlife, where the easygoing local community still outnumbers tourists.

This is what made me want to stay here. Inspired by it’s hardworking, social, and incredibly friendly community that’s striving to rebuild its image post-COVID-19. Fun fact: Senggigi was the first place tourists flocked to after Lombok was “discovered.”

In conclusion, Senggigi is a charming coastal town on Lombok’s west coast. It’s a slice of paradise that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. It’s only 20 minutes away from the capital, Mataram (which is also worth a visit). Senggigi serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the island’s wonders, from the iconic Gili Islands to the towering peaks of Mount Rinjani, and it’s an excellent gateway for a tour to Komodo on Flores Island.

As the locals here say, and I only can agree, Senggigi is easy to come to, but hard to leave! I love living here and can’t wait to explore even more.