SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
The Gili Islands Just off the northwest coast of Lombok lies a small cluster of islands that feels like a different world altogether: the Gili Islands. For many travelers, the Gilis represent what they imagine a tropical island holiday should be—white-sand beaches, turquoise water, coral reefs …
Oceans 5 Gili Air Maybe you have already heard some rumors.Maybe you noticed subtle changes on our website, on social media, or around the dive resort itself.Or maybe you are reading this as a returning guest, a future student, or simply someone who cares about …
On the 13th of December, something special happened in the heart of the Gili Matra Marine Park. Before most of the islands were awake, 86 runners—a mix of local residents and international participants—gathered with one shared goal: to take part in the Tri-Isla-Thon, a unique endurance run that connects Gili Air, Gili Trawangan, and Gili Meno into one continuous journey of approximately 17 kilometers.
This was not a race defined by podiums, medals, or finishing times. Instead, the Tri-Isla-Thon stood for community, fitness, connection, and support for local education on Gili Air. Among the runners was Oceans 5 Gili Air Instructor Irene, who embraced the challenge—an experience she describes as demanding, inspiring, and deeply rewarding.
The Gili Islands—Gili Air, Gili Trawangan, and Gili Meno—are best known for their white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and relaxed island lifestyle. Together they form the Gili Matra Marine Park, a protected area that balances tourism, conservation, and local community life.
The Tri-Isla-Thon offers a completely different way to experience these islands. Instead of viewing them from a boat or underwater, runners explore the entire coastline on foot, feeling the changing terrain, the humidity of the early morning air, and the gradual rise of the sun over the Lombok Strait.
Running across all three islands in one morning is no small achievement. Each island has its own rhythm, surface conditions, and atmosphere—making the Tri-Isla-Thon as mentally engaging as it is physically demanding.
The day began early—very early. At 5:00 a.m., while most of Gili Air was still quiet, runners assembled at the starting point. The sky was just beginning to brighten, and the temperature was still forgiving, offering the most comfortable conditions of the entire run.
Starting on Gili Air set the tone for the event. Known for its community feel and laid-back pace, the island provided a welcoming and encouraging start. Locals waved, fellow runners exchanged smiles, and conversations flowed easily in the first kilometers.
For many participants, including Instructor Irene, this early stage was about finding rhythm rather than speed. The sound of footsteps on sandy paths, the occasional call of morning birds, and the sight of fishing boats preparing for the day created a calm yet energizing atmosphere.
After completing the loop around Gili Air, the runners continued toward Gili Trawangan, the largest and busiest of the three islands. The transition marked a noticeable change in both energy and environment.
Gili Trawangan’s wider paths and longer stretches allowed runners to open their stride. At the same time, the island was beginning to wake up—bicycles appeared, staff prepared restaurants, and early-morning beach walkers offered encouragement from the sidelines.
Despite being known for its nightlife, Gili T showed a different face that morning: one of sport, health, and community engagement. The mix of local and international runners was especially visible here, reflecting how sport can bring together people from very different backgrounds around a shared experience.
Instructor Irene later shared that this middle section felt strong and motivating. The group energy helped maintain pace, and the sense of running “together” rather than competing made the kilometers pass quickly.
The final leg of the Tri-Isla-Thon led runners to Gili Meno, the quietest and most tranquil of the three islands. By the time participants arrived, the clock was moving toward 8:00 a.m., and the sun was fully up.
According to Instructor Irene, this was where the run truly became challenging.
“The last island was the most tiring,” she explained. “The heat and the sun really started to kick in.”
Gili Meno’s peaceful nature means fewer distractions—no busy streets, no crowds—just long stretches of path, open sky, and rising temperatures. Fatigue set in, legs felt heavier, and hydration became critical.
Yet this final section also embodied the spirit of the Tri-Isla-Thon. Runners encouraged each other, slowed down together when needed, and made sure no one was left behind. The focus remained firmly on finishing as a group, not on finishing first.
At around 8:30 a.m., the run came to an end on Gili Meno—smiles, tired legs, and a strong sense of accomplishment all around.
What makes the Tri-Isla-Thon special is its philosophy. This event is not about competition. There were no elite categories or prize money. Instead, the emphasis was on:
In a destination often associated with holidays and leisure, the Tri-Isla-Thon reminds everyone—locals and visitors alike—that the islands are also home to real communities with real needs and shared responsibilities.
By linking sport with social impact, the event gives running a deeper purpose. Every step taken around the islands contributes not just to personal health, but to the future of local children and educational opportunities on Gili Air.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, instructors are known not only for their diving skills, but also for leading by example above water. Instructor Irene’s participation in the Tri-Isla-Thon reflects exactly that mindset.
As a dive professional, Irene promotes an active, balanced lifestyle—one that includes fitness, mental resilience, and community involvement. Completing a 17-kilometer multi-island run shows the same determination and preparation that she brings to her work underwater.
Her experience also highlights an important message: you don’t need to be a professional athlete to take part. With training, motivation, and the right mindset, challenges like the Tri-Isla-Thon become achievable and enjoyable.
Irene has already set her sights on the future.
She is looking forward to the next Tri-Isla-Thon and has already started training for next year’s run—proof that the event doesn’t just end at the finish line, but inspires long-term commitment to health and fitness.
For many participants, the Tri-Isla-Thon offered a completely new perspective on the Gili Islands. Running the full circumference of each island reveals details that are often missed:
It’s an experience that connects people more deeply to the place they live in—or are visiting—transforming familiar islands into a shared challenge and achievement.
With 86 runners taking part this year, the Tri-Isla-Thon is clearly growing. The mix of local and international participants shows strong community support and increasing awareness of the event’s goals.
As more people become interested in combining sport, social connection, and positive impact, the Tri-Isla-Thon has the potential to become a fixed highlight on the Gili Islands calendar—something people train for, look forward to, and return for year after year.
For Oceans 5 Gili Air and its team, seeing instructors like Irene actively participating reinforces the dive center’s broader philosophy: being part of the island means contributing beyond your own business, supporting health, education, and community initiatives whenever possible.
The Tri-Isla-Thon is more than a 17-kilometer run. It’s a reminder that movement brings people together, that community grows through shared effort, and that even in paradise, meaningful challenges have a place.
As the sun rose over Gili Meno and the last runners crossed the finish point, one thing was clear: this wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of training, planning, and anticipation for next year’s Tri-Isla-Thon.
And if Instructor Irene’s enthusiasm is anything to go by, many familiar faces will be back at the starting line at 5:00 a.m., ready once again to run the islands together.
Oceans 5 Gili Air in 2025 Oceans 5 Gili Air has always believed that a dive centre should be more than a business operating on an island. From the very beginning, Oceans 5 has taken the position that respect from the local community is not …
A New Chapter for Oceans 5 Gili Air: Change, Growth, and the Same Heartbeat If you’ve seen our recent social media posts, heard whispers around the island, or caught a few rumors online, you might already know: after 15 incredible years, Oceans 5 Gili Air is …
For more than 15 years, Oceans 5 Gili Air has stood not only as a dive centre dedicated to high-quality training but also as a place deeply rooted in the local community. Since opening in 2010, the goal has always been simple yet powerful: create opportunities. Opportunities for education, opportunities for employment, and opportunities for Indonesians to grow into confident professionals in the global diving industry.
The 2025 Divemaster Internship Program for Indonesian Citizens is one of the clearest examples of this mission in action. This year, Oceans 5 offered 15 fully sponsored divemaster internships, giving Indonesian divers the chance to take their first steps into the world of professional diving without financial barriers. At the end of the selection period, seven talented Indonesians—Tegar, Ziki, Yani, Mul, Fajar, Zain, and Adrian—took the opportunity and committed to a three-month professional journey that will prepare them for a long, sustainable, and meaningful career in diving.
And their journey is only just beginning.
The diving industry in Indonesia is growing rapidly. From Bali to Komodo, from Raja Ampat to the Gili Islands, Indonesia has become one of the world’s most visited scuba destinations. But despite the booming tourism, many local divers struggle to access higher-level training. Professional courses are expensive, and many Indonesian divers simply never get the chance to continue beyond Rescue Diver level.
Oceans 5 believes that must change.
That is why the Divemaster Internship Program for Indonesian Citizens was created:
to remove financial obstacles, to transfer knowledge, to build confidence, and to prepare local divers for real careers—not just certifications.
In 2025, Oceans 5 committed to providing 15 fully sponsored divemaster programs, and seven motivated candidatesstepped forward. These candidates were not chosen based on financial need alone. They were chosen based on passion, willingness to learn, and a long-term vision of working in the diving world. This program was never about collecting certificates; it was about building professionals.
Each of the seven interns brought their own personality, dreams, and strengths to Oceans 5. Together, they formed a unique team—supporting one another, discovering new skills, and learning the standards that make a great divemaster.
Known for his calm nature and natural people-skills, Tegar quickly became a favourite among instructors and fun divers. His ability to connect with guests, stay focused under pressure, and organise tasks made him an excellent future divemaster.
Ziki is proof that passion can take you anywhere. His motivation and enthusiasm were visible every single day—whether on the boat, in the classroom, or assisting instructors. He has a natural instinct for the ocean and is ready for the next step in his professional journey.
Already familiar with boat work and water activities, Yani was one of the fastest learners underwater. He is technically strong, responsible, and focused—qualities that the industry truly appreciates.
Quiet but incredibly dedicated, Mul learned quickly and consistently. His discipline and respect for standards made him stand out. He is exactly the type of professional the Indonesian dive industry needs: responsible, patient, and detail-oriented.
With a strong work ethic and a deep love for the ocean, Fajar showed great progress throughout the program. His friendly personality and teamwork spirit made him a key part of the 2025 internship family.
Always smiling, always curious—Zain reminded everyone why people fall in love with diving. He is passionate, social, and has a true enthusiasm for learning. These qualities will take him far.
Calm, thoughtful, and highly committed, Adrian developed a strong understanding of both diving and customer service. He completed his internship as a confident and capable divemaster.
The goal of the internship was never to “produce divemasters.” The goal was to create opportunities. And this is exactly what is already happening.
Some of the 2025 interns have taken their skills far across Indonesia:
This is not the end of their training. This is the beginning of their professional lives.
Interns do not simulate tasks. They assist on real courses, real students, and real daily operations. This creates true readiness for work in any dive centre in Indonesia or abroad.
Becoming a divemaster is not something that happens in two weeks. The Oceans 5 internship lasts three full months, allowing enough time for deep learning, skill development, and personal growth.
This ensures personal attention, close supervision, and proper mentoring. Oceans 5 will never train large groups of interns at the same time.
Oceans 5 is known for high standards, structured teaching, and strict adherence to safety. Even after transitioning away from PADI in 2026, the teaching philosophy remains the same:
quality, safety, professionalism, and environmental respect.
This program does not receive external funding. Oceans 5 finances everything: instructor time, equipment, training materials, boat costs, and supervision—all because supporting local Indonesians is a core value of the company.
The success of the 2025 internship confirmed one thing:
the local community needs and deserves this opportunity.
That is why in 2026, Oceans 5 will continue to support Indonesian citizens by offering a new round of free divemaster internships.
The structure remains the same:
This program is perfect for Indonesians who dream of a career in the dive industry but do not have the financial means to reach the professional level. Oceans 5 wants Indonesians to be well represented in the diving world—not just as boat crew or snorkel guides, but as professional divemasters, instructors, conservation leaders, and managers.
Being located on Gili Air means being part of a small, close-knit community. Many of the island’s families rely on tourism for their livelihoods. By training Indonesians to become professional divers, Oceans 5 is contributing directly to long-term, sustainable income opportunities for local communities.
Indonesia should not only be the world’s top diving destination—it should also be home to the best Indonesian divers.
Oceans 5’s philosophy is simple:
And the results speak for themselves: graduates now working across the country, improving their families’ lives, and creating real futures in the marine tourism sector.
If you are an Indonesian citizen and want to start a career in the diving industry, this is your chance.
You must meet the following requirements:
To apply or ask questions:
📱 WhatsApp: +62 8533 339 7823
📧 Email: [email protected]
Applications will be reviewed based on motivation, attitude, and long-term goals, not English level or previous experience in tourism.
The 2025 Indonesian Divemaster Internship Program has already changed lives. Tegar, Ziki, Yani, Mul, Fajar, Zain, and Adrian are the proof:
with opportunity, guidance, and mentorship, Indonesian divers can become world-class professionals.
Oceans 5 Gili Air is proud of each of them—and even more proud of the message this program sends:
Diving in Indonesia should be led by Indonesians.
The ocean belongs to everyone, but the opportunity to work professionally within it must be accessible to local communities first. Oceans 5 will continue to stand behind this principle—today, in 2026, and in every year ahead.
If you are ready to take the first step toward a career in the diving world, the next internship is waiting for you.
Your journey starts here. At Oceans 5 Gili Air.
Why Scuba Diving Is a Great Sport for Kids: A Lifelong Adventure Begins Underwater Family holidays often come with a familiar challenge: What can we do that is fun, meaningful, and unforgettable for the kids? While many families turn to beach games, snorkeling trips, or island activities, …
For many people, the Gili Islands bring to mind turquoise water, coral reefs alive with colour, and sunsets that paint the horizon in gold. What visitors often don’t see is the dedication and effort required to keep these islands clean and thriving. At the heart of that effort stands Oceans 5 Gili Air, a dive centre that has made conservation a core part of its philosophy from the moment it opened its doors. For well over a decade, Oceans 5 has organized weekly beach cleanups around the harbor of Gili Air, helping protect both the coastline and the reef that lies just offshore.
Last Friday, this tradition continued thanks to a passionate team of Divemaster and IDC candidates, supported by volunteers from the island community and travellers staying or diving with Oceans 5. Together they collected 48 kilograms of trash from the harbor area—an impressive amount, especially given that the rainy season has not yet fully arrived.
In about a month, the rainy season will start in earnest. Each year, the shift in weather brings a predictable and worrying challenge: rubbish washed from Lombok’s mainland rivers and coastlines rides the currents across the strait and lands on the beaches of Gili Air. Even now, at the tail end of the dry season, the occasional heavy rain shower is enough to push plastic, cans, nylon ropes, shoes, and other debris onto the island’s shoreline.
If these items are not picked up promptly, they do not simply disappear. A portion is blown inland, some is collected by informal waste pickers—but much of it is washed back into the sea. Once in the water, rubbish can sink and become trapped among corals, sponges, and rocks. In the harbor of Gili Air, just a few meters off the beach, lies a stunning coral reef, home to everything from juvenile reef fish to cuttlefish, shrimp, and pipefish. At night, one of the area’s most beloved creatures—the mandarin fish—can be seen emerging from the coral for its short, colourful mating routine.
Marine debris poses a serious threat to this delicate environment. Plastic bags can wrap around corals, depriving them of light and oxygen. Fishing lines and rope entangle marine life. Bottles can smother coral heads or create hazards for divers and snorkelers. What may look like a small piece of rubbish on the beach can have irreversible consequences underwater.
This is why the weekly cleanup is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a critical, practical action.
The harbor cleanup last Friday showed exactly how much can accumulate in just a short period. Under the coordination of Oceans 5’s divemaster trainees and instructor candidates, dozens of people joined forces to comb the shoreline, gather debris from the waterline, and separate recyclable items from general waste.
Gloves, refuse bags, and logistical support were provided by Oceans 5, as always, free of charge. Volunteers included tourists who had just finished dives, local shop owners, staff from other dive centres, and residents who understand the importance of protecting the beaches that support their livelihood. The atmosphere was energetic, positive, and purposeful. Children from the village watched curiously, some joining in for a short time, learning by example that caring for their island starts with something as simple as picking up a bottle or a piece of styrofoam.
By the time the sun began to set, 48 kilograms had been collected—an amount that would otherwise have dispersed throughout the marine park. It is a reminder that conservation is not an occasional campaign but an ongoing responsibility.
Oceans 5 Gili Air did not begin organizing cleanups in response to trends or public pressure. When the dive shop opened its doors, environmental commitment was already part of its foundation. Back in 2010, when there were few formal initiatives and almost no external funding for conservation in the Gilis, Oceans 5 launched weekly beach cleanups purely because it was the right thing to do.
Over the years, these cleanups have inspired countless individuals and organizations. Some dive shops and NGOs took their first steps in conservation after observing how Oceans 5 incorporated cleanup activities into their daily operations. Guests often arrived with the idea of diving or relaxing and left with a deeper understanding of marine protection and a desire to contribute.
This long-term consistency is what sets Oceans 5 apart. Their goal was never to launch a one-off event for publicity; instead, they built a culture of responsibility. Divemaster interns and IDC candidates are introduced to conservation not as an optional subject but as a professional expectation. They learn that protecting the environment is not separate from diving—it is part of being a competent dive professional.
The harbor of Gili Air is one of the busiest points of arrival and departure for boats. With constant movement of people and goods, it can be a magnet for trash. But what many don’t realise is how close the reef is to shore. In some parts, it begins just a few fin kicks from the beach. This is exactly where the mandarin fish live—bright, shy creatures whose colourful bodies contrast with the coral rubble where they hide during the day.
Without ongoing cleanup efforts, debris would quickly migrate to these sensitive zones. Once waste settles underwater, removal becomes far more difficult and resource-intensive. Preventing rubbish from entering the sea is simply the most effective strategy.
By combining beach cleanups with education and reef-awareness campaigns, Oceans 5 is safeguarding a habitat that divers treasure. Every Friday’s effort is effectively a coral reef protection mission dressed as a beach walk.
Oceans 5’s commitment extends far beyond the sand. Over the years they have worked with a range of partners—some local, some national, some international—to launch or support conservation initiatives. From marine data collection to coral restoration, from student training to plastic recycling projects, the dive centre has quietly helped other groups get started.
What makes this cooperation special is that Oceans 5 has never positioned itself as the hero of the story. Instead, it has acted as a platform, connecting people, organizations, and communities. Some partners focus on waste management, others on reef rehabilitation, marine research, or environmental education. Each one contributes to the bigger picture of protecting Gili Matra Marine Park.
In 2025, Oceans 5 will take another major step in public awareness by opening the first Conservation Exhibition Centre on the Gili Islands. The building, located close to the dive shop, is currently under renovation. Once completed, it will be open to both tourists and locals at no charge.
The concept is simple but powerful: provide a space where all of Oceans 5’s conservation partners can present their work, missions, methods, and successes. Each partner will have its own wall or display section to showcase its projects—whether that involves coral nurseries, waste recycling, marine park regulations, sea turtle monitoring, or school outreach.
This exhibition centre will serve several purposes:
For many tourists, it will be the first time they realize how much effort is required to protect the island they are enjoying. Instead of short signs or social media posts, they will have a full space to explore, ask questions, and discover ongoing projects.
One of the key messages Oceans 5 has always sent is that you do not need grants, sponsors, or external financing to begin positive environmental action. From the start, the weekly cleanups were self-funded and volunteer-driven. The dive shop contributed time, staff, gloves, bags, and logistics not because someone paid them to do so, but because they believe that every business in a marine park has a duty to act.
Their upcoming Conservation Exhibition Centre will follow the same philosophy: free to access, created in partnership, and focused on sharing knowledge rather than promoting a single brand.
The 48 kilograms removed last Friday were not posted on social media as a victory for likes. They were physically removed from the harbor to keep the reef safe. This practical, no-nonsense approach is typical of Oceans 5. While many organisations talk about sustainability, Oceans 5 demonstrates it every week through direct action, capacity-building of future dive professionals, and long-term partnerships.
The involvement of IDC and divemaster candidates is especially important. These trainees come from all over the world. When they return to their home countries or travel to their next job, they carry with them an experience of real conservation work in a marine park. This influences how they will guide divers, structure their courses, and engage with their own communities.
As the rainy season approaches, Oceans 5 will continue to organize beach cleanups every week. Volunteers—locals, tourists, and dive professionals—will keep showing up with bags and gloves, knowing that every piece of trash removed today prevents a problem tomorrow.
With the Conservation Exhibition Centre opening soon, the message will be louder and clearer than ever: conservation is not a trend, it is a responsibility. And on Gili Air, that responsibility is woven into the identity of Oceans 5.
The next time you walk across the harbor and see a group of people crouched in the sand with buckets and sacks, remember that this is not just tidying up. It is safeguarding a coastline. It is protecting a reef where the tiny mandarin fish performs its nightly dance. It is preserving the future of the Gili Islands, one cleanup at a time.
And thanks to the persistence, leadership, and example of Oceans 5 Gili Air, that future is not just possible—it is already being built, every Friday.
Fun Diving Around the Gili Islands: More Than a Training Ground When divers talk about Indonesia, their minds often jump to places like Komodo, Raja Ampat, or Lembeh. Yet, sitting quietly between Lombok and Bali lies a diver’s paradise that is as underestimated as it …
