PADI IDC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
PADI IDC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
A Philosophy Rooted in Conservation and Community Since opening its doors in 2010, Oceans 5 Gili Air has embraced a philosophy that goes far beyond teaching scuba diving. From the very beginning, conservation and community have been at the heart of its operations. Oceans 5 …
Giving Back to Gili Air Gili Air is more than just a tropical paradise for divers and holidaymakers—it’s a small, close-knit island where the environment, the community, and local businesses are deeply connected. Life here depends on a delicate balance: the health of the ocean …
This week, a massive beach cleanup took place at the harbor of Gili Air, organized by Oceans 5 Gili Air’s very own divemaster, Zain. With the wind picking up in the afternoons and the swell carrying more and more rubbish to the shore, the timing could not have been better. The cleanup drew a large crowd of enthusiastic volunteers—tourists, locals, and dive professionals—who rolled up their sleeves and got to work along the stretch of beach right in front of the dive center.
Their combined efforts paid off. In just one afternoon, the team managed to collect an incredible 65 kilograms of rubbish. Plastic bags, bottles, packaging materials, fishing lines, and countless smaller items were removed from the coastline—items that would otherwise pollute the marine park and harm the fragile ecosystems that make the Gili Islands such a special place to visit.
During this season, the Gili Islands are facing a recurring challenge: the ocean brings in more debris than usual due to strong afternoon winds and increased swell. As a result, the otherwise pristine beaches can quickly become lined with floating plastic, tangled fishing nets, and waste carried from nearby islands or even distant lands.
These conditions make beach cleanups a necessity—not just for aesthetic reasons but also for the health of marine life and the local community. Tourists travel from all over the world to experience the white sand beaches and vibrant reefs of Gili Air. Maintaining a clean environment isn’t just a matter of pride—it’s a duty for everyone who lives on or visits the island.
Oceans 5 Gili Air has been organizing beach cleanups since 2010, making them one of the longest-standing conservation contributors on the island. What makes their efforts unique is that they are entirely self-funded. There’s no support from NGOs or external donations—just a dive center that believes in doing the right thing.
Every cleanup is organized with simple tools: gloves, rubbish bags, tongs, and a positive attitude. After each cleanup, Oceans 5 rewards volunteers with cold drinks and a warm smile, thanking them for their support in protecting the coastline and keeping the Gili Islands clean and inviting.
If you love the Gili Islands and want to support their conservation, there are a few simple things you can do:
Oceans 5 Gili Air isn’t just a dive shop—it’s a community hub for conservation and sustainability. Their beach cleanups are not isolated events, but part of a bigger effort to inspire responsible tourism and long-term environmental protection. Whether you live on the island or are visiting for just a few days, you can be part of the solution.
As the sun sets over the harbor, the freshly cleaned beach is a powerful symbol: that even with 65 kilograms of rubbish removed, there is still much more to do. But with people like Zain, the Oceans 5 team, and the incredible volunteers who showed up this week, there’s every reason to believe that the Gili Islands will continue to shine.
See you next week at 17:00 at Oceans 5 Gili Air. Let’s keep our island clean—together.
From Divemaster to Dive Instructor After 20 days of dedication, growth, and hard work, Jo, Dania, Nata, and Filippo have officially become PADI Instructors. Their journey at Oceans 5 Gili Air started with passion and ambition, and it ended with the successful completion of the …
What’s Next After Becoming a PADI Instructor? Becoming a PADI Instructor is a milestone achievement — the result of weeks (or even months) of dedication, study, and training. For those who complete their Instructor Development Course (IDC) at Oceans 5 Gili Air, the journey doesn’t …
The Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air — are more than just stunning tropical getaways with white sand beaches and turquoise waters. They are located within one of Indonesia’s top ten marine parks, the Gili Matra Marine Park, a sanctuary created to protect and preserve one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the country. Established to safeguard this underwater paradise for future generations, the Gili Matra Marine Park is a place of both exceptional beauty and scientific importance — but also a park under growing pressure.
In 2011, a remarkable discovery put the Gili Islands firmly on the map of marine biodiversity hotspots. Dr. Bert Hoeksema of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, the Netherlands, found that the Gili Islands host the greatest diversity of mushroom coral species in the world.
Even more fascinating? This biodiversity was concentrated in the harbor of Gili Air — an area not typically thought of as pristine due to its boat traffic. Yet the harbor proved to be a haven for these unique corals, showcasing just how resilient and rich the local marine ecosystem can be when given the chance to thrive.
The waters around the Gili Islands are also home to an abundance of sea turtles, making the area one of the best places in the world to encounter them while snorkeling or diving. The most commonly seen species include:
These charismatic animals are not just a tourist attraction — they are key indicators of the health of the marine ecosystem. The relatively high population of turtles in Gili Matra shows that the park has the potential to support thriving marine life when protected.
Another gem of the Gili Matra Marine Park is its population of juvenile white tip reef sharks. These elegant predators are most commonly spotted around dive sites near Gili Trawangan, using the reef structures as nurseries. The presence of juvenile sharks suggests that the area once offered a healthy, supportive environment for new generations of reef predators.
In the past, divers also had the privilege of seeing Leopard Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, and large schools of Bumphead Parrotfish, particularly around full moon events. Deep Turbo near Gili Trawangan and Gili Air Wall used to be popular sites for shark sightings — a sign of a balanced and thriving marine food chain.
But things are changing.
In recent years, many iconic species and marine spectacles have started to vanish. The massive schools of Bumphead Parrotfish, once a regular highlight during full moons, have become increasingly rare. Leopard Sharks and Grey Reef Sharks have all but disappeared from regular sightings.
These changes raise concern about the health and stability of the marine ecosystem. Although the Gili Matra Marine Park is officially protected, enforcement remains a challenge. Issues such as coastal development, construction of sea walls, and overdevelopment on the islands are placing pressure on the very ecosystems the marine park is designed to protect.
While tourism brings opportunity, it also brings risk. Unregulated construction along the beaches, poorly planned infrastructure, and increasing human activity near sensitive reef zones have begun to disrupt the delicate balance of marine life.
The construction of ocean protection walls may be intended to guard the shoreline, but they often alter wave patterns, limit coral growth, and cause sand erosion elsewhere. Without strict regulations, even small-scale changes can have ripple effects throughout the ecosystem.
Despite the challenges, Gili Matra Marine Park remains a beautiful and inspiring place to visit. Divers and snorkelers still encounter vibrant coral gardens, turtles cruising through shallow reefs, and schools of reef fish in dazzling colors. For many, it’s their first introduction to the richness of the underwater world — and a memory they’ll never forget.
Every person who comes to the Gili Islands with respect for the marine environment plays a role in supporting its future. By diving responsibly, supporting eco-conscious dive centers, participating in cleanups, and learning about local conservation efforts, visitors can help protect what remains and even aid in its recovery.
The Gili Matra Marine Park is a national treasure — a place where coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks, and thousands of marine species coexist in an underwater symphony of life. But this harmony is fragile.
To protect it, we must do more than admire it. Government agencies, local communities, dive centers, and visitors all have a role to play in:
Oceans 5 Gili Air, for example, is actively involved in conservation, working with the University of Mataram, BKKPN, and NGOs to promote scientific research and environmental education.
If properly protected and managed, Gili Matra has the potential to recover its former biodiversity and once again become a global example of successful marine conservation. It is a place of wonder, of beauty, and of immense scientific value.
Let’s not wait until it’s too late to act.
Whether you’re diving for the first time or returning to your favorite reef, remember: this marine park needs our protection as much as we need its inspiration. Let your visit be more than a holiday — let it be part of a movement to preserve Indonesia’s underwater treasures for generations to come.
The Divemaster Internship at Oceans 5 Gili Air The Divemaster Internship at Oceans 5 Gili Air is more than just another box to tick on your path to becoming a dive professional — it’s an investment in quality training, fair employment, and a sustainable future …
Transform Your Diving Career: Upcoming PADI Instructor Development Courses at Oceans 5 Gili Air If you’ve ever dreamed of swapping your office chair for a wetsuit and turning your passion for the ocean into a rewarding career, now is the time to take the plunge. …
When you hear the name “Gili Islands”, your mind probably conjures images of palm-fringed beaches, turquoise water, and a laid-back tropical vibe. But for scuba divers, the true treasure of these islands lies beneath the surface — in the vibrant, protected waters of the Gili Matra Marine Park.
Nestled off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia, the three Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air — form part of this officially protected marine area, known locally as Taman Wisata Perairan Gili Matra. This marine park, covering over 3,000 hectares, has been a conservation priority since its establishment in 1993, long before marine protection became a global movement. Yet the story of the Gili Matra Marine Park is not only about stunning marine biodiversity — it’s about responsible diving, community efforts, and choosing the right dive centre to help you explore it all in a way that supports its future.
One dive centre that stands out is Oceans 5 Gili Air — a PADI 5 Star Career Development Centre and a local pioneer in blending quality dive training with real, everyday conservation action. Let’s take a closer look at why diving the Gili Matra Marine Park should be on your bucket list, and why Oceans 5 is a solid choice if you care about having an enjoyable, safe, and meaningful underwater experience.
First, let’s talk about what you’ll see. The Gili Matra Marine Park sits right within the famous Coral Triangle, often called the “Amazon of the Seas”. This region hosts the highest marine biodiversity on the planet, with more than 500 coral species and over 3,000 species of reef fish recorded across its expanse. The Gilis themselves may be tiny dots on the map, but their fringing reefs and slopes are alive with life — from tiny macro critters to charismatic megafauna.
Here’s just a sample of what you can expect:
Another reason the Gilis are so beloved by divers is the diving conditions themselves. The water temperature here hovers between 27–30°C (81–86°F) year-round, so you can leave your thick wetsuit at home. Visibility is generally excellent, averaging 20 meters or more. And the dive sites are all within 15–30 minutes by boat, which means you spend less time commuting and more time underwater.
Most dive sites are suitable for all levels, from first-timers to seasoned divers. Beginners love the easy slopes and calm bays, while advanced divers can explore drift dives where the current carries you effortlessly along vibrant walls and ridges.
Of course, paradise is fragile. Like many beautiful places, the Gili Islands face threats from overdevelopment, plastic pollution, and the impact of mass tourism. While the Gili Matra Marine Park was created to protect these waters, the reality is that rules are sometimes loosely enforced, and the reefs depend heavily on responsible tourism operators and active local conservation groups.
Dive centres have an important role to play here. When you choose where to dive, you’re not just paying for a boat ride and a tank of air — you’re casting a vote for the kind of tourism you want to support. This is where Oceans 5 Gili Air makes a difference.
Oceans 5 Dive Resort, located right on the harbour front of Gili Air, is not just another dive shop. It’s a PADI 5 Star Career Development Centre — the highest level of recognition for PADI dive centres — and the only one of its kind on Gili Air. This status means Oceans 5 not only teaches beginner and fun dives but also trains dive professionals, including Divemasters and Instructors.
But certifications aside, what really sets Oceans 5 apart is its commitment to conservation, quality teaching, and community engagement.
At Oceans 5, you won’t be crammed onto crowded boats with dozens of divers. They keep their groups small — a maximum of 4 divers per guide — ensuring you get personalized attention, better safety, and a calmer underwater experience. Their instructors and Divemasters are experienced, multilingual, and genuinely passionate about the ocean.
This small-group approach applies to all courses, from Discover Scuba Diving to the Open Water Diver course, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, specialties like Drift Diver, Deep Diver, and even professional-level training.
Oceans 5 has been organizing weekly beach and reef clean-ups since its founding in 2010. Every week, staff, guests, and Divemaster candidates head out to collect trash from beaches and the surrounding reefs. Oceans 5 also partners with local and national conservation organizations, including the University of Mataram’s Faculty of Marine Science. Together they conduct reef surveys and share valuable data with government bodies, helping inform policy and management of the marine park.
Many dive shops use the word “eco” for marketing — Oceans 5 backs it up with daily action.
One of Oceans 5’s core philosophies is that good divers are also stewards of the ocean. Their courses don’t just tick boxes to issue certifications; they train students to dive responsibly, with good buoyancy skills that minimize contact with fragile reefs.
Their professional courses — Divemaster and Instructor Development Courses (IDC) — emphasize realistic teaching methods suitable for a marine park. For example, they focus on teaching neutral buoyancy from the start, rather than kneeling on the reef or sandy bottom. New instructors leave with a deeper understanding of their role as ocean ambassadors, not just dive leaders.
The experience at Oceans 5 goes beyond the water. The resort includes cozy pool bungalows, a beautiful pool area for confined water training, and an onsite restaurant. The vibe is laid-back and social — the perfect place to meet other travelers and divers over coffee or a post-dive drink.
And because Oceans 5 is located right on Gili Air’s harbour, it’s easy to get to — just a short walk from the fast boat jetty. No motorbikes, no traffic — just the sound of the waves and the hum of island life.
When you choose a dive shop that genuinely cares for the environment, your holiday becomes part of a bigger picture. Your dives help fund reef monitoring, beach clean-ups, and training for local conservation leaders. You learn, you enjoy the beauty of the ocean, and you return home knowing you didn’t just take — you gave back too.
Before you book your dives, here are a few things to keep in mind:
The Gili Matra Marine Park is more than just a collection of dive sites — it’s an underwater classroom, a sanctuary for threatened species, and a reminder of what’s at stake when humans and nature share the same space. By diving here, you get to witness some of Indonesia’s most accessible reef life up close. By diving with a centre like Oceans 5 Gili Air, you ensure your dives make a difference.
So, if you’re dreaming of warm water, turtles drifting by, and evenings spent watching the sunset over Lombok’s mountains — all while knowing your holiday is helping protect one of Indonesia’s most precious marine environments — pack your mask and fins, and come discover the magic of the Gili Matra Marine Park with Oceans 5 Gili Air.
Your adventure — and your positive impact — awaits.
For more information about diving courses, conservation projects, or how to book your next underwater adventure, visit Oceans 5 Gili Air’s website or get in touch directly. The ocean is calling.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Inclusion at Oceans 5 Gili Air Every diver remembers that first breath underwater—a moment suspended between nerves and exhilaration. Learning to dive is a deeply personal journey. For some, it’s about mastering buoyancy or clearing a mask without panicking. For others, …