SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
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 …
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 …
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 …
The Best Times for Diving Around the Gili Islands 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 …
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 on the ocean floor. However, one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of every dive begins before you even get there: the descent. Whether you’re diving in a swimming pool for a confined water session or descending into the blue on a fun dive or advanced course, how you descend can make all the difference.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the only PADI Career Development Centre on Gili Air, the emphasis is always on a slow and controlled descent. From the first moments of the PADI Open Water Course to the most advanced technical dives, students, interns, and even fun divers are reminded to take their time on the way down. Why? Because safety, ear health, and dive comfort start from the very top of your dive.
Before we dive into the why, let’s quickly cover the what. When you begin your descent, the pressure around you increases. At sea level, we experience 1 atmosphere (ATA) of pressure. For every 10 meters of depth, another atmosphere of pressure is added. As the pressure increases, air spaces in your body—particularly your middle ears and sinuses—must equalize to match the surrounding pressure.
This process is natural but not automatic. Divers have to actively equalize their ears by techniques like swallowing, wiggling their jaws, or using the Valsalva maneuver (gently blowing against pinched nostrils). If the descent is too fast or uncontrolled, the pressure can increase faster than your body can equalize, resulting in discomfort, barotrauma, or even serious ear injuries such as eardrum rupture.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the teaching team emphasizes a golden rule: “There is no need to rush to the bottom.” Every instructor, divemaster, and assistant is trained to teach and demonstrate slow and controlled descents, regardless of the dive site or dive level. Before every pool session or ocean dive, instructors take time to brief their students clearly on the importance of descending slowly and equalizing early and often.
Students are encouraged to listen to their bodies and communicate if something doesn’t feel right. They’re reminded that descending is not a race; it’s a critical transition phase where safety and comfort must take priority.
Many divers think of equalization and controlled descents as something they only need to worry about during their PADI Open Water Course. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Every diver, from beginner to professional, should approach the descent with the same care and attention.
For brand new divers, a slow descent sets the tone for good diving habits. It’s also the most vulnerable stage of their diving education. Ears are not yet conditioned to frequent pressure changes, and students are still learning how to manage buoyancy and underwater orientation. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, instructors spend time in the pool teaching students to equalize in shallow water and control their descent using their inflator and breathing. By the time students get to the ocean, they’re already familiar with the idea that slow is safe.
Even experienced divers can experience ear issues if they rush the descent. During deep dives, wreck penetrations, or drift dives where currents are involved, the temptation to descend quickly and “get into position” is common. However, skipping the basics can lead to discomfort or injuries that could have been prevented.
In the Advanced Open Water Course at Oceans 5, instructors make it clear: you must always equalize, no matter how many dives you’ve done. Specialty courses like Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, or Drift Diver all include review of descent techniques, especially because descents in these conditions can be more challenging due to depth, visibility, or movement in the water.
Professional divers are not immune to ear problems. In fact, because they dive so frequently, they need to be even more cautious. During the Divemaster Course and Instructor Development Course (IDC) at Oceans 5, candidates are trained to model proper descent behavior. A dive professional who rushes the descent is not only risking their own safety but also setting a poor example for students.
During the IDC, Course Directors Sander and Waz stress that instructors must control the descent of the group—not the other way around. Leading by example is key, and that begins from the moment the group leaves the surface.
Even if you’re not taking a course, the descent is no less important. Fun divers at Oceans 5 are always reminded during briefings to equalize early and often. The dive guides, who are experienced and well-trained, monitor guests during descents and provide support if anyone struggles. Nobody is forced to rush or descend if they need a moment. This creates a more relaxed atmosphere and helps guests avoid stress or ear discomfort.
Descending too fast isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous. Here are some common risks associated with rapid or uncontrolled descents:
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the descent is more than just a means to get to depth—it’s a fundamental skill, taught carefully and reinforced throughout every course. Here are some of the ways this dive center builds good descent habits:
Before every dive, instructors explain the descent plan in detail. This includes:
During the pool sessions of the Open Water Course, students practice slow descents and learn to control their buoyancy with their BCDs and breathing. Instructors use visual and verbal cues to reinforce correct posture and timing.
On training dives, the descent is always done in a controlled group. Instructors descend slightly ahead of the group, monitoring each diver’s progress, hand signals, and comfort. Nobody is ever rushed to the bottom.
Part of the pre-dive routine includes confirming that all equipment is functioning and that divers are comfortable. Instructors may ask students or interns to signal that they’re equalizing and breathing slowly before beginning the descent.
When students successfully complete a controlled descent, instructors celebrate it. Reinforcing good habits with praise helps solidify them.
One of the most important lessons any diver can learn is to listen to their body. If your ears aren’t equalizing—stop. If you feel pressure—ascend slightly. If you feel uncomfortable—communicate. The ocean isn’t going anywhere, and there’s no trophy for reaching the bottom first.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, instructors encourage every diver to take ownership of their dive. This includes understanding that no two dives—or bodies—are the same. A diver who could descend easily yesterday may struggle today due to a mild cold or congestion. Taking time to assess and respect what your body is telling you is a sign of a smart and responsible diver.
By emphasizing a slow and controlled descent from the very beginning, Oceans 5 Gili Air helps create divers who are not only safer but also more confident and aware. That calm, steady approach extends into every aspect of diving: buoyancy control, air consumption, communication, and awareness of the environment.
Divers trained at Oceans 5 quickly learn that every descent is an opportunity—to practice mindfulness, to care for your body, to maintain control, and to start the dive on the right foot (or fin). Whether it’s the crystal-clear waters of the Gili Islands or a training session in the pool, the principles remain the same: descend slowly, equalize often, stay aware.
Scuba diving offers a window into another world, but getting there requires care and intention. The descent may seem like a small part of the dive, but it has a big impact on safety, comfort, and dive success. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, this part of the dive is never rushed, never overlooked, and never compromised.
From beginner to pro, fun diver to instructor candidate, every diver is taught that a slow and controlled descent isn’t optional—it’s essential. By instilling this habit early and reinforcing it often, Oceans 5 helps divers protect their ears, improve their confidence, and enjoy every moment beneath the surface.
So next time you slip beneath the waves, remember: your dive doesn’t start at the bottom—it starts the moment you leave the surface. Take your time. Equalize early. And descend like a pro.
Two Weeks of Conservation at Oceans 5 Gili Air with Global FinPrint Oceans 5 Gili Air is once again taking the lead in marine conservation by partnering with Global FinPrint and the University of Mataram for an extensive two-week research initiative around the Gili Islands. …
Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air The Gili Islands, located off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia, are renowned for their stunning turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life. Comprising three islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—each offers a unique atmosphere, …
The harbor of Gili Air is much more than just a transit point; it is the vibrant heart of this small island. From the break of dawn to the evening’s last light, it hums with energy, acting as a lifeline that connects Gili Air to the rest of the world. The harbor is a place where locals, tourists, and daily island life converge, creating a dynamic atmosphere that is both chaotic and harmonious. Whether you’re arriving on Gili Air for the first time or are a long-time resident, the harbor offers a microcosm of the island’s unique charm.
The day begins early at the harbor, with activity ramping up as soon as the sun rises. By 7:00 AM, local boats are already coming and going, ferrying passengers and goods between Gili Air and Lombok. These boats, often referred to as public boats, operate without a rigid schedule. Instead, their departure is dictated by the number of passengers—they leave when full. This organic system has served the island well for years, offering a flexible and affordable transportation option for locals and visitors alike.
As the boats prepare for departure, the harbor comes alive with a mix of sounds: the hum of boat engines, the chatter of passengers, and the occasional crow of roosters from the nearby village. Locals waiting for their boat can often be found enjoying a simple breakfast at one of the warungs—small local eateries—around the harbor. For those seeking a more substantial meal or a comfortable spot to relax, Alegria, the large restaurant situated right at the harbor, is a popular choice.
By 8:00 AM, the scene shifts as the fast boats begin their journeys to Bali and beyond. These boats are the primary means of transportation for tourists traveling between the Gili Islands and Bali. With their sleek designs and powerful engines, they promise a swift journey across the sea.
Tourists, laden with backpacks and suitcases, begin arriving at the harbor early in the morning, often transported by cidomos—the local horse-drawn carts. The sight of these carts weaving their way through the narrow island paths, carrying passengers and luggage, is quintessentially Gili Air. The scene resembles a bustling colony of ants, each person and cart moving with purpose, yet somehow, it all feels well-organized.
Between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, the harbor hits its peak. This is when the majority of tourists arrive or depart, creating a lively buzz. The air is filled with the sound of laughter, shouted goodbyes, and the rhythmic creak of wooden piers underfoot. The harbor staff work tirelessly to ensure smooth operations, managing the flow of people and goods with practiced efficiency.
For those just arriving, the harbor serves as a gateway to the many wonders of Gili Air. Whether you’re here to dive into the island’s vibrant underwater world, lounge on its pristine beaches, or simply enjoy the slower pace of island life, the harbor is your first introduction to the magic of Gili Air.
Dive shops near the harbor, like Oceans 5, often greet arriving tourists with welcoming smiles and offers of snorkeling trips or dive courses. The proximity of the harbor to these amenities makes it easy for visitors to transition seamlessly from travel to adventure.
As the day winds down, the harbor transforms once again, this time into a social hub for Gili Air’s residents. Starting around 5:00 PM, local families gather at the harbor for their daily dose of community and relaxation. It’s a time when life slows down, and the focus shifts from work to leisure.
Children play on the sandy beaches near the water’s edge, their laughter mingling with the soft lapping of waves. Families sit together at the warungs, sharing simple meals and catching up on the day’s events. The scent of grilled fish and traditional Indonesian dishes wafts through the air, adding to the sensory richness of the scene.
This communal aspect of the harbor highlights the strong sense of togetherness that defines life on Gili Air. For locals, the harbor is not just a place of transit but also a space for connection, where friendships are strengthened and memories are made.
What makes the harbor of Gili Air truly special is its ever-changing nature. Each time of day offers a different perspective, a different energy. In the morning, it’s a bustling hive of activity as people and goods move between the island and the mainland. By midday, it becomes a whirlwind of tourism, with travelers embarking on or returning from their adventures. And in the evening, it’s a peaceful, communal space, rich with the sights, sounds, and flavors of island life.
Even for long-time residents, the harbor is a source of fascination. There’s always something new to see—a boat arriving with fresh supplies, a group of excited tourists stepping onto the island for the first time, or children finding new ways to play on the beach. The harbor never loses its charm or its ability to surprise.
If you’re planning a trip to Gili Air, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your harbor experience:
The harbor of Gili Air is more than just a place where boats come and go. It’s a living, breathing part of the island, reflecting its rhythms and its soul. Whether you’re a visitor passing through or a local who calls the island home, the harbor offers an experience that is uniquely Gili Air—dynamic, welcoming, and full of life.
So next time you find yourself on this beautiful island, take a moment to linger at the harbor. Watch the boats, savor a meal at a warung, and soak in the atmosphere. The harbor of Gili Air is never boring, and it’s always worth a visit.
A Celebration of Love: Traditional Weddings on Gili Air Gili Air, a picturesque island known for its turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and relaxed atmosphere, came alive today in celebration of love and tradition. The entire island turned its focus to the wedding of Budiman …