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Just a few miles south of Ampenan, Senggigi is the most
developed tourist resort on Lombok, characterised by broad bays,
towering headlands and first-rate hotels and restaurants, and with
the only nightlife in Lombok. Being close to the airport it makes a
good first or last night stop for those intent on exploring the
island. The drive north along the coast from Senggigi to Pemenang
is a great day out for those with a car offering spectacular views
of the Gili Islands and across to Bali when the weather is clear.
The twisting road takes visitors to an expanse of coast that is
totally undeveloped with only a few coastal villages dotted behind
sweeping bays of turquoise water and palm trees. Just south of
Senggigi is the Batu Bolong Temple - weighed down under an excess
of lurid pink paint its shrines are spread around a rocky
promontory with fabulous views in both directions along the coast.
The main part of the temple is built over an archway in the rock,
the hole through which virgins were once supposedly sacrificed to
appease the gods. Today this is a quiet and peaceful spot and a
favourite with local fishermen.
