Many people thought that the most beautiful beach in Indonesia is in Bali. However, I always believe that it is not in Bali (province) but in Lombok (province). The name of the beach is Senggigi.
The beach is very calm. It's not crowded like Kuta (in Bali), even at the weekend.
I went to Lombok twice, in 2001 and 2002.
The second visit, I was stayed in Lombok Raya Hotel in Mataram (the capital city of Lombok).
In front of my hotel there were many taxies waiting and all the taxi-drivers were very familiar with Senggigi. I choosed a taxi from Blue Bird company (a big and famous taxi company in Indonesia). I went there not very long before twilight.
It took around 30 minutes from the city to Senggigi.
I found several good cafes near the beach. They have various menus. Foods and drinks.
I picked up one cafe that has a best view to the sea. And I was waiting for my lovely sunset there; sitting on a wooden chair.
It's seem, at the time, it was only me and the sea-waves. So quiet. So tender. So still.
I was not in such of hurry to empty my glass. Time was stopped. I was remembering someone that I loved, and I wrote this poem (in Bahasa Indonesia):
SENGGIGI
Jam tujuh malam Hujan usai sudah Pasir basah
Angin menjauh Kau selalu menjauh Bahkan ketika rinai airmatamu Jatuh di bahu kiriku
Jam tujuh malam Kau tak pernah percaya Aku akan mati Pada jam tujuh malam
Garis pantai menjangkau langit Perahu berlayar sampai bintang Aku dan tebing ini seperti kekasih lama Yang merayakan pertemuan
Pasir basah Hujan usai sudah Pada jam tujuh malam
(2001)
The poem translation in English:
SENGGIGI
At seven in the evening Rain was stopped Sand is drenched
Wind has gone You were gone Leaving your tears Remains on my shoulder
At seven in the evening You never believe me I will absolutely die At seven in the evening
The coast-line touches the sky Ships were sailing to the stars I and this seashore are like eternal lovers Celebrating our gathering
Sand is drenched Rain was stopped At seven in the evening
(2001)
There's a direct flight from Jakarta (the capital city of Indonesia) to Mataram (the capital city of Lombok province); it will take around two hours.
There's also a direct flight from Denpasar (Bali province) to Mataram; it will take around 40 minutes. Boat also available from Denpasar to Mataram, but I will not recommend to use boat for safety reason.
It's easy to find good hotels around Senggigi, with various prices.
I am not quite sure, but people said that Senggigi has the longest coast-line in Indonesia. *
