Western Lombok Mataram and Around

City of Mataram

Mataram is the first part of Lombok that Most travellers who visit spend some time in the western part of the island, not only because the airport Mataram and the main port Lembar for ferries to and from Bali are here. It’s the most populous part of Lombok, with the largest urban area centered on the Mataram conurbation, as well as the biggest tourist resort: the Senggigi beach strip. There are a number of attractive villages around Mataram, as well as some stunning coastal areas on the southwest peninsula. The capital, and main city on Lombok, is Mataram, although it’s actually a conglomeration of several separate towns – Ampenan the old port; Mataram administrative center; Cakranegara business center, which is often shortened to Cakranegara; and Bertais and Sweta to the east, home to the bus terminal. This urban area contains over a million people and stretches more than 10 km from east to west. It’s not an unattractive place, and has some broad tree-lined avenues, but as sights is slim on the ground, and as there are beaches close by at Senggigi, very few visitors choose to stay here.

Orientation of the four towns is spread along one main road – which is connecting Ampenan with Mataram and continues with Cakranegara and all the way to Sweta. We can get all the information about the town such as emergency police station in langko street if it realy urgunt you can dial 110. Public hospital which is place in Pejanggik Street Number 6 this is the best hospital in Lombok. They also have English speaking doctor and special attention for tourist service from 24 hours.

In mataram you can also find many internet café around Mataram Mall, Daddy Café and also around the school or university. In many place in Mataram you can also find ATMs center along the main road of mataram. Most of them will also change cash as well as traveller’s check. Most of Bank in Mataram they will open since 8 am to 5 pm. Monday to Friday. It is the best way to get money is while you are in the airport you can choose any ATMs that suite you.  

some sightseeing place that you can visit while in Mataram is:

MUSEUM NEGERI NUSA TENGGARA BARAT

museum NTB

This is modern museum which is located in Panji Tilar Negara Street Number 6; admission charge for a person about Rp 2500 opening Museum is since 8 am – 2 pm Tuesday to Thursday  and Saturday to Sunday, but in Friday they just open since 8 am to11am. This Museum has exhibits on the geology, history and culture of Lombok and Sumbawa. If you intend on buying antiques or handicrafts, take a look at the Lombok kris it is traditional daggers of indonesia, songket it is special handmade cloth from Lombok and basket ware and masks for comparison.

MAYURA WATER PALACE

mayura water palace

This palace located in Selaparang Street; admission charge it is only  Rp 2000 if requested; this Palce Open early in the morning at 7 am until 7.30 pm, Mayura Water Palace was built in 1744, and once part of the Balinese kingdom’s royal court on Lombok. It’s a pleasant retreat now, popular with fishermen and families, but in 1894 it was the site of bloody battles between the Dutch and Balinese. The complex contains a large artificial lake, with a modest replica of a bale kambang or floating pavilion in its center of artificial lake, connected to the shoreline by a raised footpath. The original pavilion was a court of justice. You’ll find that at the entrance to the walled enclosure of the palace is on the western side, of Selaparang Street.

PURA MERU

pura meru

On the Opposite of the Mayura Water Palace, there is Pura Meru. We can visit this pura with admission only by donation and it is up to you. Pura Meru is always open every day at 8 am -5 pm, Pura Meru is the largest temple on Lombok. Which is built in 1720 by Balinese prince Anak Agung Made Karang of the Singosari kingdom in an attempt to unite Lombok, it’s dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The outer courtyard has a hall housing the wooden drums that are beaten to call believers to ceremonies when June full moon is the most important of these Pura. The inner court has one large and 33 small shrine and as well as three Meru or multi roofed shrines, which are in a line to the central Meru, with 11 tiers, it is Shiva’s house; the Meru to the north, with 9 tiers, is Vishnu’s; and the 7 tiers Meru to the south is Brahma’s. Pura Meru are also said to represent the three great mountains, Rinjani, Agung and Bromo. The caretaker will lend you a sash and sarong if you need one.