Every traveller to a new place needs to know the essentials… the best places to stay, where to eat, where to go, what to do, etc. In this first chapter of the “Lombok Essentials” we tell you which are the best bars in Senggigi, whether it’s for a sunset drink or a big night out on the town.
The Beach Club is situated on the main road, at the southern entrance to Senggigi. The property runs from the road right down to the beachfront, with a large bar in a pretty garden setting. There’s a lovely beachside bungalow for rent, with another one almost completed, and a stylish swimming pool overlooking the beach. Owned and operated by a fun Aussie couple, it’s a popular hangout for expats from Bali and Lombok, as well as a welcoming place for tourists.
Food: Tasty home-style cooking and snacks all day. Meals range from steaks and lamb to authentic Aussie pies and there’s a true blue Aussie BBQ on the last Sunday of every month. Drinks: The usual range of drinks and cold beer, with a good happy hour in time for the sunset. Ambience: Friendly and casual. There’s a large screen TV for watching sporting events. Guests are welcome to swim in the pool, read magazines and books from the library, play pool, or lounge on the beach deck all day. What’s great about it? Big comfortable lounging areas right on the beachfront, with fabulous views of the ocean and great sunsets.
The Office Bar and Restaurant is located on the beach at the back of the Pasar Seni (Art Markets) and a short stroll along the beach from the Sheraton, Santosa and Senggigi Beach Hotels. Owned and operated by an affable Englishman, it’s also popular with expats and tourists. There’s a lively pool competition every Tuesday night and regular get-togethers to watch the Grand Prix, football and other sporting events on the big screen TV. At other times, there’s good music and friendly bar staff to entertain. It’s a great place to hang out in the afternoon and meet new friends, with fresh breezes blowing in off the sea and fantastic views across Senggigi Bay.
Food: Very good food with breakfast, lunch, dinner and all day snacks. The calamari rings are especially good with a drink, and the owner is an avid fisherman, so there’s regularly fresh fish on the menu. Drinks: A better than average range of beers, spirits and cocktails, with a few decent bottled wines, all at reasonable prices. Ambience: Laid-back and friendly. It’s a good place to mingle and meet people, and can get quite busy at times. The sellers ply their trade along the beach, which can either be annoying or a fun way to do some shopping or have your nails done, while having a drink. What’s great about it? Cool breezes and friendly atmosphere, with stunning views of the bay and sunsets over Bali.
Happy Café is on the main road, right in the centre of town, at the entrance to Senggigi Plaza. Although there’s not much happening until after dark, it’s the liveliest place in town almost every night of the week. The big draw cards are the friendly atmosphere and the great live bands that get the place rocking seven nights a week. The crowd is a cool mix of locals, tourists and expats and the staff are friendly, albeit rushed off their feet at times. The bands are all talented local musicians playing a good mix of rock and blues, and popular covers, mainly from the 80’s and 90’s.
Food: A good selection of snacks and main courses. The new Sushi Bar is a great addition and highly recommended (see Lombok Buzz). Drinks: A full range of beers, spirits and cocktails, all at good prices. Ambience: It really is a happy café! Comfy chairs and tables give a good view of the band and happenings, and the long bar runs the length of the café, with large screen TV’s placed to catch your eye when you’re not watching anything in particular. The music and atmosphere is guaranteed to put you in a happy mood. What’s great about it? It’s a fun place to go with a group of friends, or to meet new ones; to listen to good music and to dance the night away.
A few other bars in Senggigi deserve a mention, if you’re looking for a nice place to have a pre-dinner drink and catch the famous Senggigi sunsets. The Sunset Bar at the Senggigi Beach Hotel is located right on the beachfront and has great value happy hours, with sublime views of the ocean and sunsets. The Sunset Bar at the Sheraton Senggigi Resort is an upmarket place to enjoy a cocktail or two, set in beautiful gardens with gorgeous views of the beach. De Quake, also located beachfront in the Pasar Seni, is a stylish place with Zen ambience and fantastic drinks, including strawberry or kiwi fruit margueritas, and big comfortable lounges placed to take in the stunning views.
