Mataram - The City

Information

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, 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. 1500/person, student fare is Rp. 1000.

Make sure you have fix 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.

Places to stay

There are plenty of good quality hotels, hostels to stay in Mataram from medium to low budget. For either business or leisure, Mataram is a clean and friendly city to explore. Food stalls, shopping malls are the main attraction of this town. Most places to stay are centrally located in Cakranegara and a few old places in Ampenan.

Mataram is only 10 minutes by taxi from Selaparang Airport. It's easy to get around and metered taxis are available upon request.

Places to Eat In Mataram Lombok

RESTAURANTS, FAST FOOD CORNER, LOCAL FOOD, ETC

Mataram also attract visitors of its great taste of culinary. Food stalls are colouring the main street by night time. Never leave the island without a short visit to this beautiful town.

Along Jl. Udayana Mataram, near the airport, local food stalls started at around 17:00 PM till late. Locals used to chill out and have some coffee with their relatives and friends here.

Along Jl. Selaparang Cakranegara, starting from 19:00PM till late, lots of food stalls offer various kind of local specialties from fresh grilled chickens, seafood, etc. Prices are very reasonable. Good quality of food at local price.

LOCAL SPECIALTIES

• Ayam Goreng Taliwang - DUA EM
  Jl. Transito MajelukCakranegara Lombok
• Ayam Goreng Taliwang - IRAMA
  Jl. Ade Irma SuryaniKampung Taliwang Lombok
• Ayam Goreng Taliwang - H. MOERAD
  Jl. AA Gede NgurahCakranegara Lombok
• Rumah Makan Dirgahayu
  Pelataran Parkir Barat Mataram MallCakranegara Lombok
• Rumah Makan Sukaraja
  Jl. Yos Sudarso AmpenanLombok
• Rumah Makan Taman Sari
  Jl. Sayang-sayang RembigaMataram Lombok

FAST FOOD

• Mc Donald
  Lantai I Mataram Mall Jl. Pejanggik Cakranegara
• Kentucky Fried Chicken
  Lantai I Mataram MallJl. Pejanggik Cakranegara
• PIZZA HUT
  Jl. Pejanggik Cakranegara Lombok

INDONESIAN FOOD

• Airlangga Food Court
  Jl. Airlangga Gomong Mataram Lombok
• Oceanic Restaurant
  Lantai II Mataram Mall Cakranegara Lombok

SEAFOOD & CHINESE FOOD

• Seafood 99
  Jl. Subak CakranegaraLombok
• Rumah Makan Hongkong
  Jl. Hasanudin CakranegaraLombok
• Mie Ayam Jakarta
  Jl. Pantai AmpenanLombok
• Rumah Makan Aroma Seafood
  Jl. Panca Usaha Cakranegara Lombok

For Further information and reservation please contact:
A&T Holidays:
Jl. Gelatik 7D, Cakranegara 83231
Lombok - Indonesia
Phone: +62 370 640107 – 108 / (0370) 646888  (hunting) | Fax: +62 370 634533
Email : reservation@lombokandbeyond.com