PADI IDC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
From Guest to Director: Chelle’s Unexpected Journey Maybe you’ve received an email with her name at the bottom. Maybe you’ve spoken to her at the desk while booking your next dive. Or maybe you just saw her walking through the dive center, radiating calm in …
Protecting the Reef, One Dive at a Time: The Weekly Reef Clean-Up at Oceans 5 Gili Air Every Saturday afternoon, just as the sun starts to soften over the waters of Gili Air, a dedicated team of divers gears up for a mission. But this …
Your Discover Scuba Diving Program
In today’s highly competitive dive industry, many dive centers are racing against each other—sometimes not to be better, but simply to be cheaper or faster. The focus often shifts from education and experience to volume and turnover. Price cuts and condensed schedules have become common tactics to lure in customers. But these shortcuts come at a cost, often resulting in rushed programs, reduced safety margins, and a lack of personalized instruction. Unfortunately, the participant—especially someone new to diving—ends up paying the real price.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we reject this approach.
As the only PADI Career Development Centre on Gili Air, we have a responsibility—not just to train, but to inspire, educate, and nurture a love and respect for the ocean. Nowhere is this philosophy more evident than in our Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) Program, one of the most popular introductory dive programs we offer.
Let’s take a deep dive into why we take our time with you during your Discover Scuba Diving experience, and why this makes all the difference for your safety, comfort, and enjoyment.
Before diving into our approach, it’s important to understand the context.
All across diving hotspots like the Gili Islands, many dive businesses find themselves locked in a battle of price competition and time efficiency. A dive center may lower its Discover Scuba Diving prices below agreed rates to gain a competitive advantage. Others may reduce the program to a quick 2–3 hour experience to fit in more customers per day.
It’s easy to see why this model is attractive for businesses focused on profit margins. More customers per instructor, more programs in a day, and quicker turnarounds. But while this may benefit the business, it almost always disadvantages the student.
Rushing an experience like Discover Scuba Diving can lead to:
In other words, the very first step in someone’s potential journey into the diving world is often treated like a transaction, not an introduction to a lifelong passion.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we do things differently—by design.
We believe that every diver, regardless of their level or experience, deserves personal attention, thorough training, and the time they need to feel comfortable and confident. That’s why we consciously choose not to be the cheapest option on Gili Air. Our pricing reflects the quality of service, time investment, and the professionalism of our team.
We pay our instructors fair and stable salaries, so they’re not pressured to rush through programs or juggle too many students at once. Their focus is entirely on you—your comfort, your questions, your safety, and your enjoyment.
Unlike some dive centers that advertise their Discover Scuba Diving program as a quick dip in the ocean, we treat it as a complete, one-day experience. This structure isn’t about logistics—it’s about learning.
Here’s what the day looks like:
Before you even enter the water, you’ll be introduced to key concepts of scuba diving using the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Flipchart. We also give you access to the PADI DSD eLearning materials, so you can familiarize yourself with the basics of diving before or after your session.
Your instructor will take the time to:
This is not a race—it’s a conversation. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed and ready before taking your first breath underwater.
Once you’ve reviewed the theory, you’ll head to our 25-meter training pool—a controlled environment ideal for your first underwater experience.
Unlike many centers that allocate just 20–30 minutes for the pool, at Oceans 5 there is no fixed time limit. Instead, the session ends when you and your instructor agree you’re ready to continue.
You’ll practice:
Our instructors take a maximum of four participants per group, ensuring you get individualized feedback and guidance.
This slow, deliberate approach reduces stress, builds confidence, and creates a safe learning environment where your comfort comes first.
Once you’re confident in the pool, it’s time to head to the ocean. You’ll join your instructor for a guided dive to a maximum depth of 12 meters at one of our stunning dive sites around the Gili Islands.
And here’s something important: The same instructor who taught you in the classroom and the pool will be with you in the ocean. This continuity is critical. You already trust them, and they already understand your comfort level and needs.
In the ocean, you’ll explore vibrant reefs, colorful fish, and perhaps even sea turtles or rays—all while feeling safe, supported, and free to enjoy the moment.
This isn’t just a bucket-list item—it’s a fully immersive experience into the magic of the underwater world.
After the dive, you’ll return to Oceans 5 for a relaxed debrief. Your instructor will review what went well, answer any lingering questions, and talk about your next steps if you want to continue learning.
Each participant receives a certificate of recognition—a keepsake of your first dive and your achievement in completing the program.
Many participants are surprised at how transformative the day is. What began as curiosity often ends in passion. Several of our current Divemaster candidates and even instructors started their journeys through this very DSD program at Oceans 5.
One of the most common questions we hear from potential students is:
“Can I do the program at my own pace?”
At Oceans 5, the answer is always yes.
If you’re not ready to move from the pool to the ocean, that’s fine. If you need extra time to repeat a skill, no problem. If you feel nervous or hesitant, your instructor is trained to recognize this and respond with patience, not pressure.
This level of attention and empathy is only possible in a dive center that values quality over quantity and believes in investing time in people—not just processing customers.
Your first dive matters.
It’s what sets the tone for the rest of your relationship with the ocean. A rushed or poorly conducted Discover Scuba Diving experience can turn people off from diving forever. On the other hand, a well-paced, caring introduction builds confidence, creates joy, and often inspires people to pursue further dive education.
That’s why we at Oceans 5 Gili Air don’t cut corners. We don’t cut time. And we certainly don’t cut standards.
You may not be thinking about becoming a professional diver right now. Maybe you’re just on holiday, looking for an exciting way to spend the day. That’s great! But your time, your safety, and your experience still deserve to be respected.
By choosing a dive center that puts you at the center of the program—not their schedule—you’ll have a safer, more enjoyable, and more empowering experience.
And who knows? Your Discover Scuba Diving experience at Oceans 5 might be the beginning of something far greater—a new passion, a new lifestyle, or even a new career.
Before signing up for a Discover Scuba Diving program anywhere, ask these questions:
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we are proud to say that we meet and exceed expectations in all of these areas.
Discover Scuba Diving is about more than putting on a tank and jumping into the water. It’s about discovering yourself—your confidence, your curiosity, your connection to the underwater world.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we don’t believe in rushing that process. We take the time with every student because you deserve to have the best possible first dive experience. Our instructors are here to guide you, support you, and make sure your first underwater breath is one you’ll never forget—for all the right reasons.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, come join us. We’ll take our time with you—because that’s what real dive education looks like.
Contact us today to book your Discover Scuba Diving program at Oceans 5 Gili Air. Your journey begins with one breath. Make it count
Is Scuba Diving Dangerous? Understanding the Risks, Realities, and Safety of Diving at Oceans 5 Gili Air One of the most frequently asked questions we get at Oceans 5 Gili Air is, “Is scuba diving dangerous?” And it’s a fair question—when people imagine diving, they often think …
Upcoming PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air Embrace Excellence: PADI IDC Starting July 2nd, 2025 Are you ready to elevate your scuba diving career and become an exemplary PADI Instructor? Oceans 5 Gili Air invites aspiring dive professionals to join the upcoming Instructor Development …
Jellyfish—graceful, translucent drifters of the ocean—can bring a moment of wonder when spotted underwater. But for many divers and swimmers, an encounter with a jellyfish is far from magical. A sting from these gelatinous creatures can lead to anything from a mild itch to a painful rash or, in rare cases, a serious reaction requiring medical care. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, safety and education are part of every dive, and understanding how to respond to a jellyfish sting is just as important as knowing how to clear a mask or check your dive gear.
Around the Gili Islands, jellyfish sightings are usually limited to just a few days at a time. The ocean currents and seasonal winds tend to bring in small groups of jellyfish, then carry them away just as quickly. Most stings are minor and manageable with basic first aid. But understanding what to do if you’re stung—and what not to do—can make a huge difference in your recovery and your overall diving experience.
Unlike in some tropical destinations where jellyfish populations remain steady year-round, the Gili Islands experience short periods when jellyfish are more common. These periods are largely dictated by ocean currents and wind patterns, which may bring blooms of jellyfish closer to shore or into popular dive sites. A bloom might last only a few days before the same currents and wind disperse the animals elsewhere.
Most jellyfish encountered around the Gilis are small, transparent species—often hard to spot until it’s too late. Divers occasionally report seeing small jellyfish or “stingers”, which are parts of jellyfish tentacles or tiny jellyfish larvae. These can float freely in the water and still contain active stinging cells, called nematocysts, capable of triggering a reaction.
Although exceedingly rare in this region, there have been occasional sightings of the Portuguese Man-of-War—a colonial organism often mistaken for a jellyfish but even more dangerous. When one is spotted, dive shops around the Gili Islands immediately alert each other via a shared WhatsApp safety group. As a precaution, dive sites with sightings are avoided until it’s safe to return.
Jellyfish use tentacles lined with thousands of specialized cells to paralyze or capture prey. These stinging cells, called cnidocytes, discharge tiny barbs that inject venom. Humans are not the intended target, but our skin can still trigger the release of these barbs when it comes into contact with jellyfish tentacles or drifting stingers.
The effects of a jellyfish sting can vary depending on:
For most people around the Gilis, jellyfish stings cause:
In rare cases, some individuals may experience:
Let’s start by debunking common myths, because some instinctive actions can actually worsen the pain:
Here’s the correct first aid protocol, which we at Oceans 5 Gili Air follow on our dive boats and in the dive center:
Most jellyfish stings on Gili Air are mild and treatable on-site with vinegar and rest. But seek medical help if:
Gili Air has several clinics equipped to handle jellyfish stings and mild allergic reactions. Doctors speak English and can provide antihistamines, pain relief, and further treatment if needed.
If further care is required, especially for severe reactions, transport to hospitals in Lombok is arranged. Clinics on Gili Air work with boat operators and hospitals to ensure fast evacuation if necessary. Thankfully, such situations are extremely rare.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, our dive team takes proactive measures to protect divers and snorkelers. Here’s how you can help reduce the chances of getting stung:
If jellyfish are present, dive shops will inform you. We may:
We always put safety first, and the ocean provides many alternative dive sites to explore while we wait for jellyfish to move on.
Even jellyfish tentacles washed up on the beach can still sting. Do not touch marine debris or unfamiliar creatures with bare hands.
Let’s clarify this once more—urine is not a jellyfish cure.
The myth likely arose from a misunderstanding about acidity or salinity. However, urine’s composition varies greatly, and in many cases it triggers more stings instead of easing them. Studies have shown that:
In other words: leave the first aid to proper tools—not your bladder.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, every diver receives a comprehensive safety briefing before entering the water. During certain seasons, our briefings include jellyfish awareness, and our guides inspect the water before dives.
Onboard each boat, we carry:
Our staff are trained in first aid and emergency oxygen provision, and our divemasters and instructors receive regular refreshers to handle marine-related incidents.
Jellyfish stings can be unpleasant, but with the right knowledge and tools, they are easy to manage and rarely dangerous—especially around Gili Air.
The ocean is a shared space. Jellyfish, like sharks, corals, and turtles, are part of the rich ecosystem that makes the Gili Islands a top dive destination. As divers and snorkelers, we are guests in their world. That means:
If you’re diving with us at Oceans 5 and encounter jellyfish or get stung, know that you’re in safe hands. We’re here to ensure that your dive experience is not only unforgettable but also safe, respectful, and well-supported.
If you’re interested in marine safety, jellyfish biology, or ocean conservation, talk to our team. We regularly organize:
And if you’re curious about first aid for marine injuries, consider enrolling in the PADI Emergency First Response (EFR) course or the Rescue Diver Course.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Exit the water calmly |
| 2 | Rinse with vinegar (not fresh water) |
| 3 | Remove tentacles gently with tweezers or a card |
| 4 | Apply heat (hot water immersion) |
| 5 | Monitor for allergic reaction |
| 6 | Seek medical help if symptoms are severe |
Oceans 5 Gili Air is here to keep you safe, informed, and inspired. Whether you’re diving for the first time or you’re a seasoned instructor, our team is ready to guide you through every wave, every reef, and—on rare occasions—every jellyfish sting.
A Mission Beneath the Surface It was an amazing evening in the harbor of Gili Air. As the sun began to set and painted the sky in soft hues of orange and pink, a dedicated team of divers gathered for a mission that went beyond …
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 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. In the past few weeks, this movement reached a new milestone with the official opening of the first-ever cat clinic on Gili Air, a project initiated and operated by LUNI Lombok.
This heartwarming development adds to an already exciting string of changes on the island, including the introduction of a glass crusher machine to produce eco-friendly building bricks, and the establishment of a new bicycle parking area near the harbor to improve road safety and organization. But this time, it’s the island’s animals—specifically its feline residents—that are at the center of attention.
Let’s take a closer look at what this new cat clinic means for Gili Air, the long-term vision of LUNI Lombok, and how you can get involved to support this vital cause.
Until recently, animal welfare efforts on Gili Air were primarily event-based. LUNI Lombok, a nonprofit organization committed to animal welfare across the Gili Islands and Lombok, would host pop-up cat clinics several times a year. These events, offering neutering, vaccinations, and medical care, were always welcomed by both locals and foreign residents alike.
However, it became increasingly clear that temporary efforts weren’t enough. The need for continuous, reliable veterinary care—especially for street cats—grew urgent. The solution? A permanent, fully functioning cat clinic right here on Gili Air.
Located behind the Burrito Project and near Kantor Desa, the new cat clinic is modest but well-equipped. It includes:
While the clinic is still in its startup phase and formal opening hours are yet to be finalized, operations are expected to run smoothly in the coming weeks. Once fully operational, it will be a lifeline for stray cats across the island—and hopefully, one day, for animals across all three Gilis.
The opening of this clinic is more than just a local improvement. It represents a shift in community mindset, highlighting the importance of coexisting with animals in a compassionate, responsible way. For years, street cats on the Gilis have lived in unpredictable and sometimes unsafe conditions. Many suffer from malnutrition, parasites, or untreated injuries. With this new clinic, help is now just around the corner.
LUNI Lombok is a grassroots movement with a big heart and a big vision. Their mission isn’t just about cats—it’s about building a sustainable, ethical, and supportive environment for all animals on the Gilis. And they’ve mapped out a clear roadmap to get there.
Every animal deserves the basics—food, clean water, and a safe space to rest. One of the main missions of LUNI Lombok is to ensure that no animal goes hungry or thirsty, and that basic shelter and compassion are available across the island. Whether through donations, community food stations, or partnerships with local businesses, this goal is already being acted upon daily.
Uncontrolled reproduction among the island’s street cats has led to a boom in population—and with that, more mouths to feed, more illnesses to treat, and more suffering. LUNI Lombok aims to sterilize and vaccinate 80% of the stray cat population across all three Gili Islands through both the permanent Gili Air clinic and pop-up Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.
Sterilization not only helps control the population but reduces aggressive behavior, territorial fights, and the spread of infectious diseases. Vaccination protects both the animals and humans from preventable illnesses.
From skin infections to respiratory diseases, injuries from accidents, or digestive issues from scavenging spoiled food, the range of health problems street cats face is vast. The cat clinic on Gili Air will provide daily access to vet care, ensuring treatment is not just a luxury for owned pets but a right for all animals—street cats included.
But it doesn’t stop with cats. LUNI Lombok also provides mobile veterinary care, extending help to dogs, turtles, and even wildlife such as snakes that may be injured or displaced.
Beyond cats and dogs, the Gili Islands are home to a variety of species, from birds to reptiles. LUNI Lombok plans to expand its rescue and rehabilitation efforts to include wildlife in distress. Whether it’s a sea turtle caught in fishing line or a snake stuck in a village garden, the goal is to protect, rehabilitate, and if possible, return the animal to its natural habitat.
Lasting change doesn’t come from one clinic or one team. It comes from a community that understands the value of compassion. LUNI Lombok is passionate about educating locals, visitors, and school children on how to care for animals properly. They also run initiatives like the Cat Café, where cats can be fostered in a relaxing environment while raising awareness and adoption interest.
This movement can’t survive without its superheroes—and that’s where you come in.
LUNI Lombok’s success depends on support from animal lovers both near and far. Whether you live on Gili Air or are just visiting, there are plenty of ways to contribute. From helping at the clinic to spreading the word online, every bit of support counts. Email [email protected] to see how you can help today.
Every rupiah makes a difference. Donations help cover the cost of:
If you’re in a position to help financially, your donation will be directly channelled to saving lives on the Gili Islands.
Planning a trip to the Gilis? Check LUNI Lombok’s medical wishlist and see if you can bring any supplies with you. Items like antiseptic, flea treatment, gloves, cat food, or syringes can be expensive or hard to source locally. Your contribution, no matter how small, will go a long way.
Sometimes a cat just needs a little extra love. Whether they are recovering from surgery or simply need socialization, fostering provides a safe and loving environment for cats to heal and thrive.
If you have time, patience, and love to give, please consider becoming a foster parent. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to contribute—and you might just fall in love with a new feline friend.
Interested? Simply fill out the fostering questionnaire at the clinic or contact the LUNI Lombok team online.
The cat clinic is not an isolated improvement—it’s part of a greater wave of sustainability and responsibility sweeping across Gili Air.
In June 2024, Gili Cares received a donation to install a glass crushing machine. Now, with the right permits in place, glass bottles are transformed into eco bricks, made with a blend of sand, cement, and crushed glass. These bricks are twice the size of normal ones and ideal for local construction projects.
This initiative is helping to reduce the massive stockpile of discarded bottles and repurpose waste into a valuable construction material—reducing shipping costs, emissions, and landfill overflow.
Another recent upgrade is the creation of a dedicated bicycle parking area in the harbor, next to Oceans 5 Gili Air. With more and more tourists and locals using bicycles, the roads near the harbor were becoming dangerously congested. Horse carts couldn’t pass, accidents were on the rise, and the arrival area looked chaotic.
Now, with structured paid parking (IDR 3,000 per day), the streets are safer, horses are better protected, and tourists arriving on the island are greeted by an organized, peaceful setting.
These efforts reflect a collective goal: to make Gili Air a model for sustainable, safe, and compassionate island living.
With the momentum from these recent developments, it’s clear that Gili Air is evolving—not by losing its charm, but by enriching its soul.
The cat clinic by LUNI Lombok is a symbol of this progress: a small space with a huge heart, representing a commitment to kindness, care, and community action.
As the clinic becomes more established, we can expect:
It’s a beginning—a beautiful, necessary one.
Gili Air is changing, and it’s not just about better infrastructure or cleaner beaches—it’s about how we care for all who live here, humans and animals alike.
The launch of the LUNI Lombok Cat Clinic marks a new chapter in island compassion. Alongside eco-conscious innovations like the glass brick project and improved harbor parking, the clinic shows what’s possible when locals, expats, and travelers come together with one goal: to make the island a better place for everyone.
So next time you walk past the Burrito Project or cycle through the harbor, remember: a small clinic is quietly doing life-saving work, one cat at a time. And if you’re wondering how you can help—donate, foster, volunteer, or simply spread the word.
The cats of Gili Air thank you.
Get Involved LUNI Lombok’s success depends on the support of many cat super heroes. Get involved now and help put the smiles back on the faces of disadvantaged street cats. Email: [email protected]
Donations Your support goes a long way towards the animals of the Gili Islands! Your donation will be channeled to providing food, clean water, and medical care for street cats and wildlife.
Medical Supplies Wishlist Your support helps us provide life-saving care for the animals of the Gili Islands! If you’re visiting and can source any supplies, we would be so grateful.
Fostering We need help fostering cats when they are unwell. Shower them with love, help them socialize, and ensure they return to full health. If you would like to foster with us, please fill in the fostering questionnaire available at the clinic or online.
How Gili Air Is Turning Glass Bottles into Bricks A Sustainability Revolution Begins 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 …