Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Immigration office
Kantor Imigrasi, Jl Udayana 2, Mataram (Mon-Fri 8.30am-3pm;
0370 632520). Visa extensions take much less time here than in Bali (see
Customs regula-
tions
).
Around Mataram
Within easy reach of Mataram are several worthwhile attractions, including the
potteries of
Banyumulek
, the formal gardens at
Taman Narmada
, the Hindu-Muslim temple of
Pura
Lingsar
and the monkey-infested forest along the road north to Pemenang.
Gunung Sari and Pemenang
Heading north out of Mataram on the Pemenang road, it's a couple of kilometres to
GUNUNG SARI
, the location of a lively morning market. From here the road is very scenic,
twisting upwards through lush, towering forest to
Pusuk Pass
, then down again for 10km to
the plains and the village of
PEMENANG
, near Bangsal, the port for
the Gili Islands
.
Grey
monkeys gather expectantly in groups along the roadside, and strategically located stalls sell
bananas.
Banyumulek
Any Lembar-bound bemo from Mandalika terminal will drop you at the junction at Rumak, close to the enorm-
ous mosque, Masjid Jami' Asasuttaqwa, from where it's 1km west to the Banyumulek showrooms on foot or by
cidomo
The village of
BANYUMULEK
, about 7km south of Mataram, is one of the main
pottery
centres on the island, its access road filled with workshops and showrooms including the re-
commended outlet Berkat Sabar (daily 8am-5pm; 0370 681556). The range of designs is
impressive - engraved, painted and plain, taking in everything from teacups to metre-high
vases - and the pots come from all over Lombok as well as Banyumulek itself, though they're
not especially cheap. Potters work on site and packing and shipping services are offered.
