|
Mataram - The
Capital Town of West Nusa Tenggara
Mataram, 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. |
|
