Mataram is the capital and the largest city on Lombok Island as well as being the capital of West Nusa Tenggara. The city actually consists from several different cities. Ampenan in the west of lombok, Mataram in the center, Cakranegara (Cakra) and Sweta in the east. Ampenan has most of city sights, including Nusa Tenggara Barat museum, which can give a good overview of the Lombok culture. Cakra is the best place for eating, sleeping and shopping. It also has the Water Palace and the largest temple in Lombok, Meru Purse. Mataram is the administrative centre and Sweta is 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. You can get around Mataram by horse and cart if you like. The main square is used for art exhibitions and wayang kulit performances. In other parts of Mataram, there are a variety of traditional markets and villages that produces traditional craftwork like potteries, basket ware and hand weavings like gold threaded sarongs, and tenun ikat. Highlights in Mataram include the beautiful Mayura Gardens and Mataram Mall. The mall is Lombok's main shopping spot and the place to stock up before going on an expedition.

Mataram Mall is being popular for both shopping and eating. It is also the place for standard shopping and grocery shopping. Mataram Mall is the only mall in the entire city of Lombok. There are two international fast food outlets such as KFC and McDonald's and a Hero supermarket which sells more variety of goods than in small shops. These two outlets are the only international fast food that you can found in Lombok. Prices are quite reasonable than buying in small shops.
At Mataram Mall, you will also find several ATMs to withdraw cash and they accept other cards provided. It has PLUS, CIRRUS, VISA, MASTERCARD. You can find ATM’s at several places throughout the city and only in Mataram city. There is no ATM or Bank at Gili Islands. So it’s best for you to draw money first before coming to Villa Ombak in Gili Trawangan.