PADI IDC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
Divemaster Internship Embarking on a Divemaster internship marks the first major step toward becoming a dive professional, transforming your passion for diving into a rewarding career. Choosing the right dive center to undertake this internship is crucial for your professional growth, skill enhancement, and future …
The Newest Development on Gili Air: A Safe Haven for Island Cats The tranquil island of Gili Air is often praised for its white sand beaches, welcoming locals, and laid-back atmosphere—but beneath the postcard-perfect surface lies a growing movement of sustainability, community care, and compassion. …
The island of Gili Air, known for its turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back atmosphere, is undergoing a quiet revolution. Not in politics or tourism, but in waste management—specifically in how it tackles one of its most persistent environmental challenges: glass waste.
For years, glass bottles from beer, wine, sauces, and condiments piled up at bars, restaurants, and resorts. While organic waste, plastic, and cardboard were being sorted, shipped off, or reused, glass remained the island’s Achilles heel. That is, until a team of young, local entrepreneurs stepped in to change the narrative.
Since 2022, a passionate team of local youths took over the reins of Gili Cares, a community-led initiative originally founded to address waste collection and sustainability on the island. Under their stewardship, Gili Cares evolved into a dynamic and structured operation. What started as an environmental movement is now a fully operational waste logistics system, supported by local businesses and run by island residents who care deeply about the place they call home.
Gili Cares currently operates six pickup carts, each one making daily rounds to collect waste from registered partner businesses. The waste is then transported by boat to Lombok, where it is sorted for recycling or disposal. This logistical improvement alone significantly reduced the accumulation of garbage on the island, but one major issue still loomed: glass bottles.
While plastic, paper, and organic waste could be sorted and processed, glass posed a unique challenge. Beer bottles, wine bottles, condiment jars—these were too heavy and fragile to be shipped in bulk affordably, and dangerous to leave unattended. So they accumulated. Year after year.
The result? A mountain of glass—literal tons of bottles—piled up at the Gili Cares headquarters. They couldn’t be disposed of with the regular waste, nor reused easily. As more tourists arrived and more businesses opened, the island’s glass problem grew larger and more urgent.
In June 2024, something changed. Several environmentally conscious businesses on Gili Air pooled their resources and donated funds to Gili Cares, specifically earmarked to tackle the glass issue. Their goal: purchase a glass cutting machine that could begin to process the mountain of bottles into something useful.
It wasn’t an easy journey. Importing specialized equipment to a small island off the coast of Lombok isn’t straightforward. It took nearly a year of waiting, shipping delays, and regulatory hurdles before the glass cutter finally arrived. Even then, Gili Cares had to navigate through layers of bureaucracy to secure the permits to operate it safely and legally.
But as of early 2025, the glass cutter is operational, and the mountain of bottles is finally being reduced—one bottle at a time.
Here’s where the story gets exciting. Gili Cares didn’t stop at cutting glass bottles. In a true example of island innovation, the team also acquired a brick-making machine.
By combining:
Gili Cares has created a formula for eco-friendly, durable bricks. These bricks are:
And they’re made using materials that would otherwise pollute the island.
This initiative is not just about solving a garbage problem. It’s about creating a sustainable, circular economy on Gili Air—where waste becomes a resource, not a burden.
Once fully operational, the program offers a series of incredible benefits:
In a place where most construction materials have to be brought from the mainland, having locally produced bricks made from recycled materials is a game-changer.
While the vision is promising, the brick-making project is still in its development phase. Gili Cares is currently testing different glass-to-sand ratios, curing techniques, and molds. The team is consulting with construction professionals to refine the brick quality, ensuring they meet the standards needed for building homes, walls, and commercial structures.
At the same time, efforts are underway to scale up production and streamline operations. Eventually, Gili Cares plans to make these bricks available for sale to both private builders and commercial developers. Imagine building your dream villa or guesthouse on Gili Air—using materials that helped clean the island.
There are very few true win-win situations in waste management. But this is one of them.
Gili Cares has once again shown that island-scale sustainability is possible—but only when the community works together.
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the collective effort of the Gili Air community. From the young leadersrunning Gili Cares, to the businesses that funded the equipment, to the government offices that approved the permits, and the residents and volunteers who show up every day to sort, lift, and build—every bottle recycled is a small victory for the island.
Special thanks go out to:
With the success of the glass-to-brick project on the horizon, Gili Cares is already looking at what comes next. Possible future developments include:
As the island continues to grow, the importance of sustainable infrastructure grows with it. Gili Cares is paving the way—literally—with bricks made from yesterday’s bottles.
Whether you’re a resident, a traveler, or just someone who loves the Gili Islands, there are ways you can support this initiative:
Every small action helps build a better future for Gili Air.
The challenges faced by Gili Air are not unique. Islands across Indonesia and Southeast Asia are struggling with the same waste management issues. But what’s happening here could serve as a blueprint for island-based recycling innovation.
Rather than exporting their problems, Gili Air is finding solutions at home—turning waste into resources, and obstacles into opportunities.
The story of glass bottles on Gili Air is no longer one of environmental burden. It’s becoming a story of innovation, collaboration, and resilience.
The mountain of glass that once seemed impossible to tackle is slowly disappearing—transformed into bricks that will help build homes, schools, shops, and dreams.
All thanks to a group of young visionaries who believed their island could do better.
So next time you sip a cold drink on Gili Air, take a moment to think about where that bottle will go. Thanks to Gili Cares, it might just be part of the next wall that rises on this beautiful island.
Celebrating 15 Years of Oceans 5 Gili Air: A Vision Realized Since 16 April 2010 On 16 April 2010, Oceans 5 Gili Air received an email from PADI that would change the future of diving on Gili Air forever. That message officially confirmed Oceans 5 as …
Waz Leads His First PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air In the world of scuba diving, becoming a PADI Course Director is a pinnacle achievement—one that signifies years of dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to education, safety, and the underwater world. And for every …
The Gili Islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—are often described as paradise on earth. With their white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back charm, they’ve become one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations for divers of all levels. Whether you’re a newly certified Open Water Diver or a seasoned professional, the Gilis offer a diving experience that’s hard to beat. But the question many divers ask before booking their holiday is: When is the best time to dive the Gili Islands?
The answer isn’t just about the weather or visibility—though those play a major role. It’s also about the kind of dive experience you’re after: do you prefer quiet reefs teeming with life, or a social diving holiday with lots of fellow underwater enthusiasts? In this article, we’ll explore what each season around the Gilis has to offer and why certain months might be more ideal depending on your preferences. We’ll also share how Oceans 5 Gili Air ensures a quality dive experience year-round, even during the busiest months.
To understand the best times for diving, it’s helpful to break the year down into three distinct periods:
Let’s dive into what each season has to offer for divers.
This is the most popular time of year to visit the Gili Islands. With dry skies, calm seas, and great underwater visibility, it’s easy to see why. Water temperatures hover between 28-30°C, and the coral reefs are vibrant and full of life. Visibility often reaches 20-30 meters, making it the perfect time for wide-angle photography and spotting larger marine life like reef sharks and turtles.
However, popularity has its trade-offs.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, even during these packed months, we maintain a maximum ratio of 4 customers per instructor or divemaster. This ensures that you’ll still get a high-quality, personalized experience regardless of how full the boat might be. That policy reflects our belief that diving should never feel rushed or impersonal—something often lost at larger operations during peak periods.
While technically part of the high season, July and August deserve their own category. These months coincide with European summer holidays, so it’s the busiest time of year across the islands. Dive shops are bustling, restaurants are full, and accommodation is often fully booked weeks in advance.
If you’re a diver who thrives on social energy and meeting like-minded people, this may be the perfect time for you. You’ll meet divers from all over the world, enjoy lively beach nights, and dive in perfect tropical conditions. But if your idea of paradise is a quiet reef shared with just your buddy and a curious turtle, you might want to plan around these months.
At dive sites like Shark Point and Meno Wall, you’ll likely see more bubbles than fish if you’re diving with larger groups. However, Oceans 5 Gili Air does its best to avoid the crowds. Our experienced dive team knows the sites inside out and will plan around peak times, heading out early or choosing alternative dive spots to give you a more peaceful experience whenever possible.
Now let’s talk about what we believe is the best time to dive the Gili Islands: March to June and October to November.
These shoulder-season months offer the perfect balance. The islands are less busy, the dive sites are more relaxed, and the marine life is just as active as during the high season. Visibility is still fantastic, and the water remains warm and welcoming.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we often recommend these shoulder-season months to guests who ask for the “real Gili experience.” It’s quieter, more personal, and lets you connect with both nature and local culture in a more meaningful way.
These months are part of the rainy season in Indonesia. While diving is still possible and many dive shops—including Oceans 5—remain open, you may experience occasional rain showers and choppier seas. The visibility can vary, and there are more days with stronger currents and waves, especially during January and early February.
However, the Gili Islands are in a relatively dry microclimate compared to other parts of Indonesia. Even during rainy season, it often rains only in short bursts, mainly at night or early in the morning. Some divers actually enjoy the rainy season because it’s even quieter, and accommodation is cheaper.
If you’re an advanced diver looking to explore muck diving sites or enjoy macro photography, the rainy season also brings out a variety of unique critters around nearby Lombok dive sites such as Teluk Nara and Mentigi Bay.
Still, for a first-time visitor hoping to experience the full beauty of the Gilis, we suggest sticking to the drier and calmer months.
Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect throughout the year:
| Month | Conditions | Crowds | Dive Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Rainy, windy | Quiet | Unique critters, occasional rough sea |
| February | Rainy, variable | Very quiet | Macro life, some strong currents |
| March | Improving weather | Low | Calm seas, great visibility, few divers |
| April | Dry, calm | Low | Ideal for courses, turtles galore |
| May | Dry, clear | Moderate | Schooling fish, perfect for fun diving |
| June | Start of high season | Moderate | Visibility peaks, marine life in full swing |
| July | Peak season | High | Excellent diving, but very busy |
| August | Peak season | High | Great diving, popular with courses and groups |
| September | Slightly calmer | Moderate | Reefs less busy, consistent conditions |
| October | Great weather | Low | Warm water, fewer divers, perfect reef time |
| November | Start of rains | Low | Still calm, some clouds, ideal for diving |
| December | Unpredictable | Moderate | Holiday crowds, but variable diving conditions |
Regardless of when you visit, Oceans 5 Gili Air makes your dive experience exceptional. Whether it’s peak season or the quiet months, we keep our group sizes small, never exceeding 4 divers per guide or instructor. This isn’t just about luxury—it’s about safety, comfort, and giving you the best chance to learn, relax, and enjoy the underwater world.
Our dive team includes highly trained professionals who’ve been diving these sites for years. They know how to find turtles hiding behind corals, where the pygmy seahorses like to chill, and how to read the tides and currents to keep your dives fun and safe.
We also schedule our dive departures strategically to avoid the crowds. While other boats rush out at the same time every day, we stagger our trips to visit the best sites when they’re the least busy.
If you’re traveling with non-divers, visiting during quieter months makes the entire trip more enjoyable. Gili Air is vibrant all year—there are still yoga classes, cooking workshops, traditional music events, and plenty of beachfront dining. And let’s not forget those epic Gili sunsets, best enjoyed with a coconut in hand and your feet in the sand.
There’s really no bad time to visit the Gili Islands—but the best time for you depends on your diving style and travel preferences.
No matter when you come, Oceans 5 Gili Air is ready to welcome you with small dive groups, experienced instructors, and a focus on quality over quantity. Whether you’re doing your first dive or earning your PADI Instructor certification, we’ll make sure you experience the best of what the Gili Islands have to offer—above and below the surface.
PADI Certificates of Excellence Awarded to Oceans 5 Gili Air Instructors It was a proud and emotional day at Oceans 5 Gili Air when PADI Region Manager Neil visited the dive center to present a very special form of recognition — the PADI Certificate of …
The Importance of a Slow and Controlled Descent In the world of scuba diving, many divers spend a lot of time focusing on the excitement of what happens during the dive: the marine life, the buoyancy control, the navigation, or that picture-perfect wreck lying silently …
Oceans 5 Gili Air is proud to announce a significant milestone in our commitment to professional diving education. As of today, March 16th, we no longer have PADI Master Instructor Waz on our team—instead, we are thrilled to introduce PADI Course Director Waz! After an intensive seven-day PADI Course Director Training Course (CDTC), Waz has successfully passed with flying colors, earning the prestigious title of PADI Course Director. From now on, he will be the main Course Director of Oceans 5 Gili Air, taking over the role from our legend, Sander Buis.
The transition of Waz from a PADI Master Instructor to a PADI Course Director is a testament to his dedication, experience, and passion for teaching diving at the highest level. Under the guidance and leadership of Sander Buis, Waz has honed his skills, mentored instructor candidates, and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to maintaining the high standards that define Oceans 5 Gili Air. Now, as Course Director, Waz will lead our PADI Instructor Development Courses (IDCs), ensuring that every candidate receives the best possible education and training.
The first IDC under Course Director Waz will commence on March 19th, marking the beginning of a new era for professional dive training at Oceans 5 Gili Air. However, while leadership has changed, our core philosophy remains the same—realistic teaching techniques and environmental awareness continue to be at the heart of our PADI Instructor Development Courses.
Becoming a PADI Course Director is no small feat. The PADI Course Director Training Course (CDTC) is an intensive program designed to develop the world’s best dive educators. The rigorous selection process ensures that only the most dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled instructors are invited to attend the course. Waz’s acceptance into the program and his outstanding performance are a reflection of his dedication to professional dive training.
During the CDTC, Waz underwent comprehensive training that included:
Completing this program with excellence, Waz has proven his ability to uphold and enhance the high standards of Oceans 5 Gili Air’s instructor development programs.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we believe in training confident, competent, and environmentally aware instructors. Our philosophy, developed under the leadership of Sander Buis, focuses on providing a realistic teaching environment where candidates are trained in real-world scenarios, not just to pass an exam but to thrive as professional dive instructors anywhere in the world.
Course Director Waz will continue this legacy, ensuring that Oceans 5’s IDCs remain among the most comprehensive and respected in the industry. Our program is structured to focus on:
Oceans 5 Gili Air has always been at the forefront of professional dive training in the Gili Islands. As the only PADI Career Development Centre (CDC) on Gili Air, we provide a world-class training environment with top-tier facilities, including two spacious training pools, modern classrooms, and access to diverse dive sites ideal for instructor training.
With Waz now officially a PADI Course Director, we take pride in being the only dive center on Gili Air with two in-house PADI Course Directors. This dual leadership ensures that our candidates receive unmatched mentorship and expertise throughout their professional diving journey.
For those considering becoming a PADI Instructor, there has never been a better time to start their professional journey at Oceans 5 Gili Air. Under the guidance of Course Director Waz, IDC candidates can expect:
The upcoming March 19th IDC will be the first opportunity for new candidates to train under Course Director Waz. This marks an exciting chapter for Oceans 5 Gili Air, as we continue to shape the future of dive professionals in Indonesia and beyond.
We would be remiss not to acknowledge the incredible impact that Sander Buis has had on Oceans 5 Gili Air. As our former Course Director, Sander has mentored countless dive professionals and set the standard for excellence in our training programs. His dedication to quality education, professionalism, and environmental conservation has shaped Oceans 5 into what it is today.
While Sander is passing the torch to Waz, his influence will always be part of our DNA. Waz will continue the philosophy and high standards that Sander has instilled, ensuring that Oceans 5 Gili Air remains a top choice for PADI professional dive training.
As we move forward with Course Director Waz leading our PADI IDCs, we reaffirm our commitment to producing the best dive instructors in the industry. Our approach will continue to be based on quality over quantity, ensuring that each candidate receives the best possible training experience.
We invite aspiring dive professionals to join us at Oceans 5 Gili Air and experience firsthand the exceptional training that has made us a PADI Career Development Centre. With the combination of state-of-the-art facilities, expert mentorship, and a strong emphasis on conservation, there is no better place to start or advance your professional dive career.
The next chapter begins on March 19th with the first IDC led by Course Director Waz. If you’ve been considering becoming a PADI Instructor, now is the time to take the leap. Under Waz’s guidance, you will gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the diving industry.
For more information or to book your spot in our upcoming IDCs, contact us at [email protected] or via WhatsApp at +62 853 3339 7823.
Join us in celebrating this exciting milestone and be part of the future of professional dive training at Oceans 5 Gili Air!**
The PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air Becoming a PADI Instructor is a dream for many divers who wish to turn their passion into a career. However, the intensity and pressure of some Instructor Development Courses (IDC) can make the experience stressful. At Oceans …