Island of a thousand mosques
The crown of Lombok's mosques.
Road97 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Si Gam — CC BY 4.0 · 伊賀上野ニンニン — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ezreon — CC BY-SA 4.0
The symbol of Mataram and the largest mosque in West Nusa Tenggara province, within the Islamic Center complex, named Hubbul Wathan, love of the homeland. Lombok is known as the island of a thousand mosques, as most of its people are Muslim Sasak, and this mosque is its crown, with a great dome and ornament inspired by the patterns of traditional Sasak textiles. Slender minarets surround the mosque, the tallest a soaring tower that visitors ride a lift up to a gallery at the top, overlooking all of Mataram, the sea and, on clear days, Mount Rinjani. The prayer hall is broad and decorated with Arabic calligraphy and golden ornament, with squares, gardens and facilities for Islamic classes and events around it. Entry to the mosque is free; it is open for prayer at prayer times, and going up the minaret costs a token fee at set times. Non-Muslims visit outside prayer times in modest dress, with robes available at the entrance. It is the handiest mosque for Friday prayer in Lombok, and close to the city centre. The best time to go up the minaret is just before sunset, as the mosque and city light up below you.
The crown of Lombok's mosques.
A lift to a view over the city.
Patterns drawn from traditional weaving.
Jalan Langko, central Mataram, Lombok's capital
Very: most people are Muslim, mosques are everywhere and halal food is easy, unlike neighbouring Bali. It is known as the island of a thousand mosques.