Kuta was a small fishing village only a few short years ago but is now the most popular tourist destination on Lombok island. Which is no surprise given its position over looking the Indian Ocean and the promise of stunning coastal drives and beautiful white sand beaches to both the east and west.
Kuta is also set to become the home of the Indonesian Moto GP so expect to see alot more development in coming years.
For now though, Kuta Lombok has a laid-back, low-key vibe, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Kuta Beach in the centre of town has an ethereal, fairy-tale like quality with its clear, blue horseshoe-shaped bay flanked on either side by craggy mountains.
There is a story that Mandalika Hill on the eastern side of the bay is named after Princess Mandalika who jumped from the hilltop to escape having to choose between a number of local princes all competing for her hand in marriage.