Oceans 5 Blog

The Gili Matra Marine Park

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.

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A Global Coral Treasure: The Mushroom Coral Discovery

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.

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A Sanctuary for Sea Turtles

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:

• Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas)
• Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata)
• Olive Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea)

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.

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Reef Sharks and Juvenile Nurseries

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.

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A Changing Ecosystem

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.

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Development vs. Conservation

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.

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Why It’s Still Worth Visiting

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.

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A Call for Action

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:

• Enforcing marine park regulations
• Preventing illegal fishing and anchoring
• Controlling coastal development
• Educating tourists and locals alike
• Supporting scientific research and conservation programs

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.

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The Future of Gili Matra

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 Gili Matra Marine Park

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.

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A Biodiversity Hotspot in the Coral Triangle

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:

• Sea Turtles: The Gilis are famous for their resident green and hawksbill turtles. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll spot these gentle creatures gliding over coral gardens or resting on the reef.
• Colorful Reefs: Expect to see healthy hard and soft corals, large sponges, and sea fans, often teeming with clouds of anthias, fusiliers, and butterflyfish.
• Pelagics and Predators: Reef sharks, giant trevallies, and schools of snapper add an exciting edge to many dives.
• Macro Life: Look closer, and you’ll find nudibranchs, shrimps, pipefish, and the occasional frogfish hiding among the corals and rubble — paradise for underwater photographers.
• Unique Dive Sites: From shallow sandy slopes ideal for beginners to deep ridges and coral bommies swept by currents, every level of diver can find their thrill.

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Comfortable Conditions, All Year Round

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.

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A Marine Park Under Pressure — and Why Conservation Matters

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.

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Why Oceans 5 Gili Air is the Right Choice for Conscious Divers

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.

1. Small Groups, High Standards

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.

2. Real Conservation — Not Just Talk

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.

3. Training Future Ocean Advocates

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.

4. A Dive Resort, Not Just a Dive Shop

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.

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Diving Here Helps Keep the Reefs Alive

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.

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Tips for Diving the Gili Matra Marine Park

Before you book your dives, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Marine Park Fee: Divers pay a small marine park fee, which helps fund conservation and management. Reputable dive shops like Oceans 5 handle this transparently.
• Respect Local Rules: Don’t touch or take anything from the reef. Keep your fins, hands, and equipment clear of corals.
• Refresh Your Skills: If you haven’t dived for a while, do a Scuba Review. Oceans 5 offers thorough refresher courses to get you back in the water confidently and safely.
• Pack Light, Dive Often: With warm water and short boat rides, diving here is relaxed and easy — perfect for doing multiple dives and making the most of your holiday.

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Final Thoughts

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.

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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.

15 Years of Aqualung Rental Equipment at Oceans 5 Gili Air

When you walk into the equipment room at Oceans 5 Gili Air, there’s something that immediately stands out—every BCD and regulator carries the trusted Aqualung name. This is no coincidence. For the past 15 years, Oceans 5 has been committed to providing top-quality rental gear, and that commitment has always centered around one brand: Aqualung.

But why Aqualung? Why not another brand? Over the past decade and a half, countless new dive equipment brands have entered the Indonesian market. While competition has grown, Oceans 5 Gili Air has never felt the need to switch. Here’s why.

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A Partnership Built on Trust and Performance

Back in 2010, when Oceans 5 Gili Air first opened its doors on the shores of Gili Air, the dive equipment market in Indonesia looked very different than it does today. The two dominant brands were Scubapro and Aqualung—and the choice between the two came down to reliability, serviceability, and long-term support.

That’s when Oceans 5 began working with Master Selam, one of Indonesia’s largest and most reputable distributors of dive equipment. The partnership was immediate and natural. Master Selam supplied Oceans 5 with Aqualung BCDs, regulators, masks, fins, and snorkels, and over the years, this gear has proven itself time and time again.

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Why Aqualung?

1. Durability for Daily Use
Rental gear needs to be tough. It’s used every day by divers of all experience levels, from beginners in the pool to professionals diving deep around the Gili Islands. Aqualung BCDs and regulators have consistently shown exceptional durability in our tropical marine environment. Salt, sand, sun, and regular use can wear down poorly made gear—but not Aqualung.

2. Easy to Maintain
Dive centers know that even the best gear needs regular servicing. What makes Aqualung stand out is how easy it is to maintain. The design of their equipment allows our technician team to quickly service and repair items as needed, without long delays or complex procedures.

3. Readily Available Spare Parts
In Indonesia, access to spare parts is critical. Waiting weeks for components to be shipped from overseas simply isn’t practical for a busy dive operation. Thanks to our partnership with Master Selam, spare parts for Aqualung gear are always available and delivered quickly, keeping our operation running smoothly with minimal downtime.

4. Consistent Quality Across Models
Whether it’s the beginner-friendly Aqualung Wave BCD or a more advanced Legend regulator, Aqualung offers consistency in quality. This means that no matter what configuration we use for our rental sets, we know we’re giving our divers the best possible experience underwater.

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Tried Other Brands? Yes. Switched? Never.

There have been moments over the years when other brands presented tempting offers—lower prices, trendy designs, or short-term promotions. But every time we tested alternative equipment, the results were clear: they simply didn’t match the performance, durability, or comfort of Aqualung.

For Oceans 5, cheap gear ends up being expensive—more repairs, more replacements, and, more importantly, less satisfied divers. That’s a compromise we’re not willing to make.

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Our Divers Notice the Difference

Many of our guests, from first-time Open Water students to professional divers attending the PADI Instructor Development Course, comment on the quality of our gear. They feel safe, comfortable, and confident knowing that they’re diving with well-maintained, top-of-the-line equipment. For instructors and divemasters guiding courses and fun dives, having reliable gear means they can focus on teaching and guiding, not troubleshooting.

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Equipment You Can Rely On

When you choose to dive with Oceans 5 Gili Air, you’re choosing a dive center that prioritizes safety, comfort, and professionalism. Our choice to stick with Aqualung for 15 years is more than brand loyalty—it’s a decision based on thousands of dives, hundreds of students, and years of reliable service.

Whether you’re suiting up for your first dive or gearing up for a tech dive or instructor course, you’ll be wearing equipment that’s trusted by dive professionals around the world. And that’s not just marketing—it’s a promise based on experience.

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Experience the difference. Dive with Oceans 5 Gili Air. Dive with Aqualung.