1

What kind of budget do you have? That will help with suggestions on places to stay. Not really a great need to stay in Sengiggi, especially if you were enjoying it down in Kuta or on the Gilis. You'll drive through it on your way up to Bangsal harbour and that's probably enough. Unless you want to base yourself there and take a day trip around Lombok and see Mataram, Narmada, east coast, Tete Batu, hand weaving or Lombok pottery factories. That's a worthwhile use of a day. Senggigi itself doesn't offer great beaches but there are many restaurants, ATMs, money changers and reasonably priced grocery shops to buy stuff to take with you

2

+1 for Jennifer's comments.

Sengiggi is a good stepping off point, but other than shopping it offers little of the wonderful variety of Lombok. I honestly don't think it warrants much time in a limited itinerary.

I know it's heresy to say this, but unless you can explore the countryside around Kuta, there is limited of interest there -- though Kuta is certainly a quiet beach place, you'll meet that aspect better on the "Gilis." It is also not on the way to anywhere, so when you get there you have to backtrack to get somewhere else. It is kind of redundant to the Gilis.

We found much more of interest around Tetebatu (great insights into village life, extraordinarily friendly folks) and on the other side of Gunung Rinjani at Senaru -- where you can take walks to local villages some of which will certainly be within the capability of your children.

A very nice thing about Lombok is that it is so compact you can get around easily by renting a car and driver for an afternoon, have a tour of part of the island and end at an interesting place to stay.

3

GILLI Meno and Air are a must to see. Avoid GILLI T.

4

+1 for Jennifer and north's comments.

I would say spend the extra time on Gili Air instead of Sengiggi, Gili Meno is expensive but beautiful so base on Gili Air and take a day trip Meno if you are on a midrange budget.

Gili T I would not say to avoid, it is a bit of a party island but would be worth spending a night there. The evening food market has some tasty cheap eats and you might get a bit bored with the quiet life everywhere else in Lombok, so Gili T could be a good night out with the family.