Things To Do
in Mataram
Mataram is a city located on the island of Lombok in Indonesia. It serves as the capital of West Nusa Tenggara province. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, historic sites, and proximity to stunning beaches.
Mataram offers a mix of traditional Indonesian charm and modern amenities for visitors to explore and enjoy.
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat malam" - Good evening
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the Mayura Water Palace, where you can enjoy the beautiful gardens and historical architecture. Grab a traditional breakfast at a local warung nearby.
Visit the Lingsar Temple, one of the most important cultural sites in Lombok. Spend some time wandering the grounds and experiencing the serene atmosphere.
Head to the Mataram Mall for some shopping and dining options. Enjoy a local dinner at one of the restaurants offering traditional Lombok cuisine.
Begin your day with a trip to the stunning Narmada Park, where you can walk around the lush gardens and the iconic water features. Take some time for reflection by the large pool.
Have lunch at a local café and then head to the local market to shop for traditional handicrafts. Sample some local snacks as you explore the vibrant stalls.
Wind down at the beach in Ampenan to catch a beautiful sunset. Treat yourself to some fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with a blend of local Sasak traditions and influences from other Indonesian cultures.
- Beautiful natural scenery including beaches, mountains, and waterfalls for outdoor activities.
- Less crowded compared to other tourist destinations in Indonesia, providing a more authentic experience.
- Affordable cost of living and travel, making it a budget-friendly destination.
- Local cuisine offers a variety of delicious and unique dishes.
- Limited infrastructure and public transport options which can make travel within the area challenging.
- Language barrier as English is not widely spoken among locals.
- Some areas may lack modern amenities and services that travelers might expect.
- Tourism is still developing, which can lead to inconsistent service quality in accommodations and restaurants.
- Natural disasters such as earthquakes are a concern in the region due to its geological location.
Best Activities in Mataram
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the ancient temple complex to learn about the unique blend of Hindu and Muslim religious practices.
Relax on the picturesque sandy beach, go swimming or enjoy water sports such as snorkeling and diving.
Hike through the lush jungle to reach these beautiful waterfalls, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Tours
Uncover the best of Mataram with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Mataram
Visit one of these nice places.
A Hindu temple with a beautiful garden and lake, offering great photo opportunities.
A park with a hill offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area, perfect for photos.
A beach with stunning views of the sunset and plenty of photo opportunities.
Food in Mataram
Mataram Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Spicy grilled chicken dish marinated in a mixture of shrimp paste, garlic, and chili, typically served with plecing kangkung (water spinach in spicy tomato sauce). Try it at RM Taliwang Irama, a popular spot known for its authentic Ayam Taliwang.
Must-Try!
A simple yet flavorful water spinach dish drenched in a spicy sambal (chili paste) and usually served as a side dish. Visit Pasar Cakranegara for the authentic experience.
Skewered and grilled marinated beef served with a distinctive sweet and spicy sauce. Look for street vendors or Warung Sate Rembiga for a memorable taste.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Mataram better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling traditional market where you can experience the vibrant local food scene, from fresh produce and spices to ready-to-eat street food delights such as grilled satay and spicy plecing kangkung.
An excellent spot to savor authentic Indonesian street food like nasi jingo, sate pusut, and a variety of traditional snacks amidst the lively atmosphere of the market.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Mataram, Indonesia, it is respectful to greet others with a warm smile and a handshake. It is also common to use the traditional greeting 'Selamat pagi' (good morning), 'Selamat siang' (good afternoon), or 'Selamat malam' (good evening) based on the time of the day.
Respecting elders is an important cultural norm in Mataram. It is customary to address older individuals with deference and to show them utmost respect in conversations and interactions.
When visiting religious sites or attending formal events, it is important to dress modestly in Mataram. This typically means covering the shoulders and knees, and avoiding revealing clothing out of respect for local customs and traditions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Mataram with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Mataram
Ensure a smooth experience
In Mataram, Indonesia, tipping is not a common practice. It is not expected in most establishments, and if a service charge is included in the bill, there is usually no need to leave an additional tip.
Payment in Mataram, Indonesia is predominantly done in cash. Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, especially in smaller establishments. It is advisable to carry enough cash for daily transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Mataram.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Mataram, with lower humidity, little to no rain, and pleasant temperatures.
Expect heavy rainfall, high humidity, and the possibility of flooding, but lush and green landscapes.
Mataram at Night
Hiking in Mataram
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular trekking destination, Mount Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, offering stunning views and diverse landscapes, including waterfalls and savannahs.
Known for its beautiful vistas, Pusuk Sembalun offers challenging trails and is a great spot for hikers looking for a more quiet and serene experience away from the crowds.
A relatively easy hike that provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the city of Mataram.
Offering a short and scenic hike, Tebing Keraton features cliff faces and lush jungles, making it a perfect spot for photography and nature lovers.
This historical park features well-maintained pathways for leisurely walks, surrounded by beautiful gardens, providing a relaxing hiking experience.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Mataram through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Mataram by plane.
The primary airport serving Mataram and the Lombok region, offering both domestic and international flights.
Located in Bali, this is the nearest major international airport, approximately 1.5 hours by car from Mataram, serving a wide variety of international destinations.
Located in Surabaya, East Java, this airport is about a 1.5-hour flight from Lombok and serves numerous international flights.
Located in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, this airport is one of the largest in Southeast Asia and offers many international connections.
Situated near Medan in North Sumatra, this airport provides international services and is further afield from Mataram.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Mataram, the Sasak people are known for their unique customs and traditions, as well as their language, which is part of the Austronesian family.
The Balinese community, known for their rich cultural heritage and strong Hindu traditions, is significant in Mataram, contributing to the area's diverse ethnicity.
A smaller but notable population of Javanese people in Mataram, who bring with them their own language and cultural influences from Java.
The Chinese community in Mataram, which is involved primarily in trade and commerce, adds to the multicultural dynamics of the city.
A relatively small group from the nearby island of Sumbawa, contributing to the ethnic mosaic of Mataram.
The Soul of Mataram
Discover the essence of Mataram through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Mataram, with many local teams and communities actively participating in matches and tournaments.
Badminton enjoys widespread popularity in Mataram, with many players participating in both casual games and competitive events.
Volleyball is commonly played in schools and community events, attracting both male and female participants.
Various forms of martial arts, including Pencak Silat, are practiced widely across Mataram, often taught in local dojos and schools.
Basketball has been growing in popularity in Mataram, especially among youth, with several courts available for public use.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mataram.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many local eateries offer vegetable-based dishes such as sayur urap (mixed vegetables with spiced grated coconut), gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), and tumis kangkung (stir-fried water spinach). Look for traditional Indonesian warungs specializing in vegetarian cuisine.
While vegan options may be limited in some traditional establishments, modern cafes and restaurants like Sembahulun Cafe often cater to vegan dietary requirements with dishes like tempeh stir-fry, vegan coconut curries, and fresh fruit smoothie bowls.
Typical Indonesian cuisine heavily relies on rice as a staple, offering a natural advantage for those seeking gluten-free options. Dishes like nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice), soto ayam (chicken soup with rice), and tahu isi (stuffed tofu) are usually safe choices, but it's advisable to communicate dietary needs with the chefs or local guides to ensure a seamless dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Mataram with these cultural adventures.
