Heartbreaking pictures of deserted Kuta show how Bali is struggling through the coronavirus pandemic without tourists

Haunting images of deserted streets once-bustling with activity in Bali have captured the 'harsh reality' of coronavirus and its impact on tourism. Photographer Jon Gwyther, 50, has documented the effect of the pandemic in Kuta - a party-centric, coastal tourist destination - in a series of confronting images taken while walking in 'search of a fading memory'. His photographs show desolate streets with shop doors covered with graffiti and eateries shut.

The only inhabitant Mr Gwyther was able to capture along a once-bustling lane of Kuta was a white dog sitting on its lonesome (pictured).

Photographer Jon Gwyther has documented the pandemic's effect in Kuta (pictured). He compared the 'world of emptiness' and 'oppressive energy' he faced in the area on Saturday to the Chernobyl disaster in the Ukraine in 1986. 'The human devastation is painful as hell. It's just sad, but the Balinese are doing it with such dignity,' the 50-year-old said.

His harrowing footage shows desolate streets and graffitied doors to shops and eateries shut (pictured). Mr Gwyther told Daily Mail Australia it was 'really weird' seeing the streets vacant as the area was known for being a tourist hotspot, with bars, eateries and live entertainment.

Mr Gwyther detailed how his 'heart grew heavy' with every step he took into Kuta's small lanes. Pictured: A man Mr Gwyther was able to photograph in Kuta's small lanes.

Businesses are closed in Kuta (pictured) as a result of the coronavirus pandemic engulfing Indonesia. 'A lot of people are unemployed, especially in areas like Kuta, which heavily relies on tourists - and so many people are scared about not having enough food,' said Mr Gwyther. 'There is no $600 per week payout like there is in Australia.'

Once-bustling streets are now deserted (pictured) as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The country has recorded 127,083 cases and 5,765 deaths as of Wednesday, according to John Hopkins University.

Mr Gwyther's pictures of the brutal reality of businesses closing and residents not having much to do throughout the coronavirus pandemic (pictured) has attracted more than 100 comments and been shared more than 1,000 times.

Kuta (pictured) is a party-centric, coastal tourist destination usually aflutter of activity. Now businesses are closed and streets remain bare.

Tourist hotspot Kuta (pictured) is now deserted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A man Mr Gwyther was able to capture along the small streets of Kuta.

Haunting images of deserted streets once-bustling with activity in Bali (pictured) capture the 'hash reality' of the coronavirus and its impact on the tourism industry.

Businesses have been damaged in Kuta (pictured) as well as closed due to the coronavirus pandemic and lack of tourists.

Businesses usually bustling with activity are now desolate and closed (pictured).

Another resident in Kuta Mr Gwyther was able to capture while walking the empty streets of Kuta (pictured).

A business, usually open from 10am until 8pm daily, advertising its closure due to the coronavirus pandemic (pictured).

A laundry service closed due to the coronavirus pandemic (pictured) which Mr Gwyther was able to photograph.

Shopfronts closed in Kuta's small streets (pictured).

Mr Gwyther did not see another soul, except for residents and businesses owners, while walking the usually busy streets of Kuta (pictured).