The sights
Islamic Center (Masjid Hubbul Wathan)
A vast mosque complex completed in the 2010s, with a tall main minaret and smaller towers, inspired by both Middle Eastern and Sasak design. Visitors can tour the grounds and, when open, ride up the minaret for views to Rinjani.
ℹ️ Open outside prayer times; modest dress required, robes may be lent. Small fee for the tower. Allow 1 hour.
Taman Narmada
A royal garden built by the Balinese rulers of Lombok east of Mataram, with terraces and pools said to represent Rinjani and its crater lake, a temple, and a spring believed to bring youth.
ℹ️ About 20–30 minutes east of the centre. Entry fee. Allow 1–1.5 hours.
Taman Mayura
A water garden in Cakranegara with a pavilion (Bale Kambang) standing in a large pool — once a court of justice and meeting hall of the Balinese kings — and a temple at the back.
ℹ️ In the city. Small entry fee. Allow 30–45 minutes.
Pura Lingsar
A temple complex north-east of Mataram shared by Balinese Hindus and Sasak Wetu Telu followers, with sacred eel pools. It is the setting of Perang Topat, a ritual “war” in which both communities throw rice cakes at each other.
ℹ️ About 20–30 minutes from the centre. Donation; sash required. Allow 45 minutes.
Pura Meru
The largest Hindu temple on Lombok, built in the 18th century in Cakranegara, with three tall multi-roofed meru shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.
ℹ️ Opposite Mayura. Donation; sash provided. Opening times vary.
Ampenan old town
The colonial-era port quarter by the beach, with old shophouses, a Chinese temple and a sunset beachfront where locals gather.
ℹ️ About 10 minutes west of the centre. Free. Best late afternoon.
