Things To Do in Senggigi

The Pasar Seni (Art Market; Jl. Raya Senggigi; daily 9am-9pm) is just south of the Sheraton between the main road and Senggigi Bay, and can also be reached by the beach. The market sells handicrafts and souvenirs from around Lombok, as well as T-shirts, sarongs, and clothing. You will also find some more upmarket shops, such as Exotic Style, the Little Shop, and Treasure Chest, which all sell a great selection of gifts, homewares, jewelry, and resort wear.

Most shops are along Jalan Raya Sengiggi and are open daily 9am to 9pm. Ciokolata Boutique, next door to Senggigi Jaya Supermarket, sells a great range of designer resort and street wear. The boutique also has a small but lovely collection of expensive and exquisite Autore pearls, grown in Lombok. Bayan, next to Restoran Taman, has a huge selection of Lombok handicrafts ranging from hand-carved wooden furniture, oil paintings, light shades and lamps, ceramics, and homewares at ridiculously low prices.

In the far right corner of Senggigi Plaza, is House of Pearls, with beautiful fresh- and saltwater pearls and jewelry.

Street Pearls -- Although the sellers that stroll along the streets and beachfront can be pesky, they are usually polite and will leave if you just say "No" politely and firmly. The DVDs and watches they sell will be copies, but the pearls are authentic and make good gifts to take home, although they may not be the best quality. A classic medium length string of white pearls should cost around Rp100,000 to Rp150,000.

The hugely popular Happy Café ★ (tel. 0370/693984; daily noon till late), on the corner of the main street and Senggigi Plaza, has live music nightly. Popular with expatriates, locals, and tourists, Happy Café has a laid-back friendly atmosphere and a good selection of drinks, snacks, and main meals. Most people come for the music and the fun after 9pm.

Marina Café, Jl. Raya Senggigi (tel. 0370/693136; www.marinasenggigi.com; daily 6pm till late), is the busiest and most popular nightspot in town. Dining is available in the courtyard downstairs, and snacks are served from the bars on both levels. Marina regularly showcases top bands and DJs from around Indonesia. The regular house band plays covers of top-40 hits.

The Sahara Club, in Senggigi Plaza (tel. 0370/664-7077 or 0370/619-4143; daily 6pm till late; cover Fri and Sat Rp20,000), is regularly packed with locals, particularly the young and trendy set from Mataram. This Egyptian-themed club has live bands, floor shows, and top Indonesian DJs.