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 basket ware 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 mixed 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, and bus
info
Mandalika Bus Terminal is
the main bus terminal for the entire island. It's also the eastern
terminus for the local yellow bemos (public transport) that shuttle
back and forth to Kebun Ruwek Ampenan. The official fares had just
been increased at the time of writing.
Public fares (near or far
in within Ampenan-Mataram-Mandalika) is Rp. 1200/person, student fare
is Rp. 700. Ampenan-Senggigi Rp. 1500/person, student Rp. 1000. Make
sure you have fixed money to pay, otherwise often there's no return on
changes. Lombok Taxi Ph: (0370) 627000, or Lendang Express Taxi Ph:
(0370) 644444 available 24 hours a day.
