Overview
It was the island’s tourist centre before the Gilis and Kuta took that role, and it has been quiet since, which is now the reason to stay here: the same coast, a fraction of the traffic, and prices to match. Pura Batu Bolong, a Hindu temple on a black rock promontory with a natural hole through it, sits at the southern end and holds ceremonies at full moon. The coast road north climbs past the Malimbu and Nipah viewpoints, which look straight down onto the Gilis.
Highlights
Drive or ride the coast road north at the end of the day and stop at Malimbu; it is the view the island is photographed from. Snorkelling is better a few kilometres out at Nipah than on the town beach. Boats to the Gilis leave from Senggigi as well as Bangsal, and the crossing from here is longer but avoids the harbour touts.