Lombok's Kuta doesn't have the buzz and millions of tourists of Bali's, but there are big plans to develop a large stretch of the south coast with luxury hotels, so it's probably better to visit now rather than later. Still, outside of the main tourist season, Kuta is quiet and very laid back.
These small coral-fringed islands have become enormously popular with visitors who come for the very simple pleasures of sun, snorkelling and socialising. It's cheap, and the absence of cars, motorbikes and hawkers adds greatly to the pleasure of staying on the Gilis.