Mataram - The Capital City 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 basket ware and gold- and silver-threaded sarongs, or wraparound garments. Ampenan The oldest city on Lombok, once was the main port of Lombok. Old building with mix population like chinesse, arabian, and malay. You can find lot of activities and good places to eat range from local food to international food. Cakra Negara The main business center on Lombok, has thriving chiness and arabian community. Most of the shops and restaurants run by chinesse. Accommodations There are various range of hotels accommodation that you
can choose to stay at Mataram, From Deluxe four star Hotel
to simple home stays, such as Lombok Raya Hotel, Grand Legi Hotel, Lombok Garden, Nitour Hotel, Mataram Hotel, Graha Ayu Hotel and many
more. Transportation Mandalika Bus station is the main bus terminal for the entire island. It;s also the eastern terminus for the local yellow bemos that shutlle back and forth to Kenun Roek Ampenan. The official fares had just been increast at the time writing. Public fares is Rp. 1.500/person student Rp.1000. make sure you have fix money to pay, otherwise often there's no return on changes. Lombok Taxi Tel: 0370 627000, or Lendang Express taxi Tel: 0370 644444 available 24 hours a day.
 Places To See and visit Museum NTB Located on Jalan Panji Tilar Negara Mataram Mayura Temple; Built on 1743 Balinese Hindu's dynasty, Anak Agung Gede Karangasem. It's now become a recreational park on the seasonlly used for music festival. Narmada The Royal Park Miniatur of Rinjani Mount and Segara Anak lake. This summer palace has a spot corner where the locals believed to have water fountain (air Awet Muda). Suranadi Located up in the north east Mataram, has a preserved forest for recreation and chill out. Lingsar The oldest temple on the island where the Moslem wetu telu and the Hindusm held once a year ceremony together on this temple. | 
