Mataram is the capital city of the island of Lombok in Indonesia and the center of an urban sprawl that consists of two other suburban cities: Ampenan and Cakranegara. The legal border of Mataram is marked by the traffic light at Jalan Suprapto, and just before it is the regional tourism office along Jalan Langko road. Unfortunately, Mataram proper is only a city of government offices with really nothing of interest to visitors.
Attractions
The main attraction of Mataram is the Nusa Tenggara Barat museum, which is actually only a half-kilometer away on the right from the traffic light at Jalan Suprapto. The highlights are the cloth collection, the fine kris knives and a small Dongson drum, and there are good displays of tools and craftwork. Most of the displays have English captions. One showcase holds "mystical" paraphernalia with amulets used to acquire supernatural force, immunity from weapons or to foretell the future.
There is a good arts shop, Lombok Asli, at Jalan Gunung Kerinci 36, near the University of Mataram. The owners have encouraged craftsmen to improve the quality of their traditional work and designed new items for both the local tourist market and for export. These new items include colorful modern masks and silk clothing with traditional Sasak patterns. The store has a wide range of stock and can pack and ship for you.
Another attraction is the large governor's office building, which incorporates a bit of traditional Sasak architecture, but it is imposing only because of its size. The building is hard to miss, and it is on the main street, Jalan Pejanggik, at the corner of Jalan Cokroaminoto, which heads north toward the airport.
The end of Mataram comes after Jalan Pejanggik crosses the Berinyok River at the intersection where Jalan Bung Hatta heads north, and Jalan Bung Karno heads south. The best hotel in town, the Granada Hotel, has an aviary and tropical garden, and is just a couple blocks south on Jalan Bung Karno.
Temples
The only significant temple in Mataram is actually about six kilometers south of the capital. It offers some of the best views in Lombok on clear days: Mount Rinjani in the early morning, Bali’s Mount Agung during the late afternoon, and an extensive overview of rice fields all day long. The small shrine is located on top of a steep hill, which can be reached by walking up lots of stairs, escorted all the way by chattering monkeys looking for a handout. One of the altars holds a large egg-shaped stone firmly cemented in the seat of honor. An important harvest ceremony is held here around March or April. It is said that during this ritual a water buffalo is led to the top to serve as the main sacrifice. By far the most important ceremony here, called Anggara Keliwon Prang Bakat, is held once every other cycle of the Pawukon, the 210-day Balinese ceremonial calendar.
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