Back off the beach, you’ll find a better collection of accommodation, cafes and restaurants along with a multitude of travel agents, clothes shops, surf board rental and other tourist services. This is a tourist town slowly making a transition from backpacker hideaway to a more mainstream destination.

Kuta Lombok: There will always be a dog in your photo.

For years Kuta ticked over at a fairly sedate pace, but with the shift of Lombok’s airport from Mataram to Praya (just 20 minutes away by taxi), development—not all good—is coming fast. The influx of tourists and their cash has seen a corresponding influx of less desirable elements, and theft remains a problem in Kuta—especially from the room. If you have a room with an “open to the sky” bathroom, make sure that you keep the door between your room and the bathroom locked—this is a common means of access for thieves. Travellers should also exercise care late at night on the beach, and about town for that matter as visitors have been assaulted in and around Kuta. These risks can be mitigated by staying in control and hanging out with people ... Travelfish members only (Full text is around 900 words.)