Mataram City ~ The Other Side of Me

Mataram is the capital of Lombok. The town actually consists of four different towns Ampenan, Mataram, Cakranegara (Cakra) and Sweta. Ampenan has most of city sights, including Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat museum, which gives a good overview of the culture of Lombok. Cakra is the best place for eating, sleeping and shopping. It also has the Water Palace, which is worth a visit and the largest temple of Lombok, Meru Purse. Mataram is the administrative centre and Sweta the transport connection of the whole island.

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.

And if u have vacation in Lombok Island, u can try to visit some interesting place in Mataram city, such as:

Ampenan

The furthest west part of Mataram city is the old port town of Ampena. The descendants of early Chinese and Arab traders settled here in a maze of shop houses, although trading has long since ceased, and the warehouse on the coast and other heritage buildings are interesting relics of the past. Today Ampenan has a square and esplanade attracting particularly local people around sunset. It is home to a fishing community. It has a selection of restaurants, antique and art shops.

Meru Temple (Pura Meru)

Pura Meru in Cakranegara was built in 1720 under the instruction of Anak Agung Gede Karang Asem. This place of worship for Lombok's Hindu followers, is an impressive example of the Balinese temple.

Museum West Nusa Tenggara

This Museum shaped to resemble a Sasak swelling is located on Jalan Panji Tilar, Ampenan. The museum houses many historical artifacts including a 1239 manuscript in which the ancient history of the area was written using a native language which is no longer used the text.

Mayura park

This park was built in 1744 by Lombok's King Anak Agung Ngurah Karang Asem. The centerpiece of the garden is a delightful pool, in the middle of which is a Bale Kembang, a building called the Floating Hall. It is used for judicial lawsuits or important meetings. Influences from both Hindu and Islamic cultures can be seen in the architecture and choice of statues that are housed in the park.

Sekarbela, Pagesangan, etc

Pearls from Lombok are found mostly here. Pearls are one of Mataram's biggest assets. A great number of people are involved in the sale of this beautiful item. You'll see many different styles of jewelry decorated with pearls, including earrings, rings, necklaces, lockets, brooches and beads. To suit the quality of the pearls, all pieces of jewelry are made from gold or silver.

Sayang-Sayang

In this area there are two handicraft centers and many art handicraft shops close to the city offering good selections and prices. The Yayasan Syafa'at (Dasan Geria), a Dutch sponsored foundation has opened the Lombok Theatre, a beautiful building in the middle of the ricefields, featuring regular performances such as traditional dances, music and drama.

(source: department of culture and tourism, etc)

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