Located 45 minutes from Bangsal Harbor where you can reach directly by boat from your room at Villa Atas Ombak is Mataram. The fact is that capital city of Lombok comprised of four towns, Ampenan, Mataram, Cakranegara (Cakra) and Sweta. It is the hub of government administration. For art exhibitions, puppet shows or theatre be sure to head to the Mataram main square, which is about as busy as the whole island gets. Ampenan has the Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat museum, which gives a good overview of the culture of Lombok.

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.

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.