The administrative capital of the Province Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB). Public buildings, banks, post office, general hospitals and shopping malls are found here. A part of West Nusatengarra (NTB) province, Mataram is the capital and main city of Lombok. It includes the port town of Ampenan, the towns of Mataram and Cakranegara.

As a center of government administration, Mataram has many large, impressive public buildings and substantial houses. The city also has transportation and shopping facilities. The main square is used for art exhibitions, theater, dance, and wayang kulit (puppet theater) performances. In other parts of Mataram, there are a variety of old-style markets and neighborhoods featuring traditional craftwork like basketware and gold- and silver-threaded sarongs, or wraparound garments.

The port of Ampenan was once Lombok's main port, but it now relies mostly on fishing vessels. Cakranegara has significant Balinese and Chinese populations, the Chinese having been brought by the Dutch to provide cheap labor.

Cakranegara

The main commercial centre of Lombok, has a thriving Chinese and Balinese Community. Most of the shops and restaurants are run and owned by Chinese.

Ampenan

Once was the main port of Lombok. Old buildings with mix population of Chinese, Arabs, and Melayu. You can find many local restaurants with great Chinese and Sasak foods.

Although officially 3 separate towns, Ampenan, Mataram and Cakranegara actually run together, so it's difficult to tell where one stop and the next starts. There are banks, travel agents, mall, interesting shops, traditional markets and few things to see, but the town is not a major attraction.

Transportation

Mandalika Bus Terminal is the main bus terminal for the entire island.

PLACES TO SEE

Museum NTB

State Museum of the West Nusa Tenggara province. The museum collects 7,387 items (2006) related to Lombok and Sumbawa traditional arts (e.g. traditional kris, songket, basketware and masks) as well related subject such as geology, archaeology, architecture, biology, ceramic, paintings, and others.

Jl. Panji Tilar Negara No.6, Taman Sari, Kec. Ampenan, Kota Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Barat 83117

Taman Budaya 

The NTB Provincial Cultural Park is a center for fostering, preserving, developing, enhancing cultural arts with the main task and function of processing art as an element of culture.

Jl. Airlangga, Kekalik Jaya, Kec. Sekarbela, Kota Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Barat. 83125

Perpustakaan Daerah NTB

State Library of the West Nusa Tenggara province.

Jl. Majapahit, Dasan Agung Baru, Kec. Selaparang, Kota Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Barat 83125

Lombok Epicentrum Mall & Shopping Centre

Nice airconditioned shopping mall with a good variety of shops and restaurants. All sorts of shops so good for a few hours wandering around looking for bargains...

Jl. Sriwijaya No.333, Punia, Kec. Mataram, Kota Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Barat 83127

Mataram Islamic Center

Huge mosque with a colorful dome & island views from its tallest minaret, illuminated at night

Dasan Agung, Selaparang, Gomong, Kec. Selaparang, Kota Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Barat 83125

Lingsar Temple

Lingsar Temple brings a symbolic harmony between Hindu and Islam religions in Bali and Lombok. Residing 10 kilometres east of Mataram city, it is a short 20-minute journey by car.

Jl. Raya Lingsar, Batu Kumbung, Lingsar, Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Barat 83371, Indonesia

Golong Rinjani Golf Club

18 holes international standard championship course

Jl. Lapangan Golf Desa Golong Kec. Narmada West Nusa Tenggara. 83126

Mayura and Bale Kambang, Built on 1743 by Balinese Hindu's Dynasty; Anak Agung Gede Karangasem. It's now become a recreational park when seasonally used for Music Festivals.

Narmada Park,

Miniatur of Mount Rinjani and Segara Anak Lake. This summer palace has a spot corner where locals believed to have water fountain (air awet muda).

Suranadi, located up in the north east of Mataram, has a preserved forest for recreation and chill out.

Karang Bayan Village, located north of Narmada Park, image of the old tribe of the Sasaks, the major inhabitant who occupied 90% of Lombok's population

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