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 exploration—it was about action, care, and commitment. This time, the cleanup dive was initiated by a passionate team of three IDC (Instructor Development Course) candidates and one Divemaster candidate from Oceans 5 Gili Air.

Their goal? To clean the underwater world right in front of the island, and to inspire others through action. What they achieved in just one dive was remarkable: they surfaced with 38 kilograms of marine debris, removing threats to the reef and marine life that call the harbor home.

This was no ordinary dive. It was a reflection of Oceans 5’s values: that every diver has a responsibility to protect the environment, and that even one dive—especially at the right moment—can make a difference.

Why a Harbor Cleanup at Sunset Matters

The Gili Air harbor is a bustling place during the day, full of fast boats, snorkelers, divers, and beachgoers. But in the evening, as the activity slows and the water calms, it reveals another side—one that often goes unseen. That’s when the Oceans 5 team slipped below the surface.

Even though the area is part of the Gili Matra Marine Park, trash still finds its way into the water. Seasonal currents, tides, and runoff from nearby islands funnel debris into the harbor—making it a hotspot for marine litter. Conducting the cleanup in the early evening not only gave the team better visibility but also highlighted the peaceful and rewarding experience of giving back to the ocean at dusk.

A Dive With a Purpose

As the light faded and dive torches clicked on, the team got to work. They didn’t dive for fun or training—they dove for impact.

With mesh bags in hand, they navigated the sandy bottom of the harbor, collecting everything from discarded plastics to fishing lines and rusted metal. The mood was focused but joyful. Every piece of trash recovered meant one less danger to the ocean.

And as they surfaced just after sunset, their bags heavy and their smiles wide, they knew they had done something meaningful. The total? 38 kilograms of harmful debris removed from the marine park. It was a dive that left everyone with a sense of pride—and a stronger connection to the underwater world they’ve pledged to protect.

Environmental Responsibility at the Heart of Oceans 5

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, conservation isn’t an add-on. It’s a way of life. Every diver who trains at the center, whether as a beginner or future instructor, is taught that respect for the marine environment is just as important as mastering buoyancy or navigation.

This cleanup dive was part of a larger philosophy: that dive professionals should lead by example. At Oceans 5, environmental ethics are built into every course and every briefing. There’s a strict no-touch policy, a focus on neutral buoyancy, and a clear message that the ocean is not our playground—it’s our responsibility.

The Role of IDC and Divemaster Candidates

The decision to let IDC and Divemaster candidates lead the cleanup was intentional. As future dive professionals, these individuals are the next generation of underwater ambassadors.

They didn’t just dive—they organized. They planned the cleanup, led the safety briefing, delegated roles, and motivated others. In doing so, they embodied the leadership and environmental values that Oceans 5 Gili Air strives to instill in every professional-level candidate.

By taking ownership of the project, they gained real-world experience that goes far beyond the pages of the PADI Instructor Manual. They became role models.

A Sunset That Sparked Conversations

The timing of the cleanup—just before and during sunset—gave the dive a magical quality. And it didn’t go unnoticed. Locals and tourists walking along the harbor stopped to ask questions, take photos, and even offer to help.

Once the team surfaced and laid out the trash they’d recovered, people gathered to look at what had been pulled from the sea. Flip-flops, plastic bottles, glass shards, bits of rope—it was a stark reminder of how much human waste ends up in our oceans. But it was also a powerful demonstration of what a few dedicated people can accomplish.

Make Your Dive Count—Join a Cleanup

Inspired? You don’t have to wait for the next organized cleanup to make a difference.

At Oceans 5, cleanup dives are open to anyone—certified divers, students, and even non-divers who want to join the Friday beach cleanups at 17:00. And if you’d like to do an underwater cleanup dive, just ask at the dive shop. The team will gladly help organize a safe, impactful experience for you.

Cleanup dives can also count toward the PADI Dive Against Debris Specialty or be part of the Eco Divemaster Internship, which integrates conservation into professional dive training.

Contact Oceans 5 to Get Involved

• WhatsApp: +62 853 3339 7823
• Email: [email protected]
• Location: Right at the harbor, Gili Air, Indonesia

Whether you want to organize a personal cleanup dive, join the next event, or simply learn more about how to dive sustainably, Oceans 5 is ready to help.

What Was Found: The Dirty Truth

The 38kg of collected trash included:

• Plastics: Wrappers, bags, cups, straws
• Glass: Bottles and broken pieces
• Fishing Gear: Monofilament lines, hooks, sinkers
• Metals: Rusted cans, wires
• Rubber and Textiles: Flip-flops, fabric, old PPE

Each item collected represents potential danger for marine life—from entanglement and ingestion to habitat damage. That’s why every cleanup, no matter how small, matters.

Long-Term Conservation Goals

Oceans 5 doesn’t stop at cleanups. They actively partner with:

• University of Mataram – for long-term reef monitoring
• Gili Cares – for daily trash collection and island sustainability
• BKKPN – to enforce and promote marine park regulations
• Master Selam – to support sustainable dive practices and conservation equipment

Together, these partnerships help create a culture of continuous conservation—both on land and underwater.

The Real Value of a Dive

Too often, divers think of value in terms of visibility, marine life, and dive site fame. But dives like this evening’s harbor cleanup remind us of another kind of value: impact.

By cleaning the harbor, the IDC and Divemaster candidates made their mark not just as divers—but as stewards of the sea.

And they left behind more than a clean dive site. They left inspiration. They left awareness. And they sparked the kind of evening that reminds us why we fell in love with diving in the first place.

Ready to Dive With a Purpose?

Join us for a cleanup dive. Whether you’re a newly certified diver, a seasoned instructor, or someone who simply cares about our oceans, your effort makes a difference.

Together, we can ensure that Gili Air—and the world’s reefs—remain healthy, beautiful, and thriving for generations to come.

Next cleanup: Every Friday at 17:00
Underwater cleanup? Just request one at the Oceans 5 Dive Shop!

Let’s dive into action—because the ocean needs more than just visitors. It needs protectors.

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 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.

The New Generation Behind Gili Cares

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.

The Glass Problem

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.

A Community Comes Together

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.

The Birth of Glass Bricks

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:

• Sand
• Cement
• Crushed glass powder (produced by the glass cutter)

Gili Cares has created a formula for eco-friendly, durable bricks. These bricks are:

• Twice the size of a standard brick
• Remarkably strong
• Perfect for local construction projects

And they’re made using materials that would otherwise pollute the island.

A Circular Economy on the Horizon

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:

• Removes hazardous waste from the environment
• Reduces the cost of importing building materials
• Empowers local businesses to support sustainability
• Generates potential income through the sale of eco-bricks
• Provides jobs and skill development for local workers

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.

Still in the Early Stages

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.

A Win-Win for the Island

There are very few true win-win situations in waste management. But this is one of them.

• Tourism benefits, because a clean island attracts more visitors.
• The environment benefits, because glass doesn’t end up in landfills or the ocean.
• The local economy benefits, because the bricks are a new product that creates jobs and reduces construction costs.
• Businesses benefit, because they have a responsible way to dispose of their glass waste.
• The community benefits, because it’s a source of pride and inspiration.

Gili Cares has once again shown that island-scale sustainability is possible—but only when the community works together.

Gratitude Where It’s Due

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:

• The donors who contributed to the glass cutter machine
• The engineers and technicians helping fine-tune the brick-making process
• The businesses who continue to sort and separate their glass waste
• And the people of Gili Air, who believe that their island deserves better

What Comes Next?

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:

• Training programs for local youth to become brick makers and sustainability ambassadors
• Expanding the brick project to Lombok or neighboring islands
• Collaborations with eco-resorts and hotels looking to build sustainably
• Educational campaigns to raise awareness about glass separation

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.

How You Can Help

Whether you’re a resident, a traveler, or just someone who loves the Gili Islands, there are ways you can support this initiative:

1. Sort your waste and avoid throwing glass bottles into regular rubbish bins.
2. Support the businesses that participate in Gili Cares programs.
3. Volunteer for cleanup efforts, especially during Gili Cares’ weekly community activities.
4. Spread the word on social media to bring attention to what’s happening here.
5. Donate or sponsor equipment, supplies, or research to improve recycling technology.

Every small action helps build a better future for Gili Air.

A Model for Other Islands

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.

Conclusion: A Brighter Future in Every Brick

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.

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 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.

---

Understanding the Seasons Around the Gilis

To understand the best times for diving, it’s helpful to break the year down into three distinct periods:

• High Season: June to October
• Peak Season: July and August
• Quieter Season: March to June & October to November

Let’s dive into what each season has to offer for divers.

---

High Season: June to October

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.

Pros:

• Excellent visibility and warm water
• Peak season for marine life activity
• Perfect conditions for diving courses and underwater photography
• Social atmosphere at dive centers and island-wide

Cons:

• Crowds. July and August are the absolute peak, and it can feel like everyone is on the same dive boat as you.
• Packed dive sites. Famous dive sites like Shark Point, Turtle Heaven, and Halik can become crowded with groups of divers, all eager to explore the same reef.
• Advanced bookings required. Dive courses, fun dives, and accommodation can fill up quickly during this time, especially if you’re aiming to train with a top-rated dive center.

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.

---

Peak Season: July & August

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.

---

The Ideal Window: March to June & October to November

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.

Why Choose These Months?

1. Fewer crowds. Whether you’re diving at Halik, Turtle Heaven, or Bounty Wreck, you’ll often have entire sites to yourself or with just a handful of other divers.
2. Gentler conditions. The currents are usually milder than in peak season, making it a more enjoyable experience for newer divers or those prone to seasickness.
3. More flexibility. With fewer students and fun divers, you’ll have a better chance to choose dive times, courses, and personalized guidance.
4. Nature at its best. You’ll still see turtles on almost every dive, schools of jackfish, cuttlefish, and even the occasional blacktip reef shark.
5. Perfect for underwater photography. With fewer divers stirring up sediment, the conditions are great for macro and wide-angle shots alike.
6. Still plenty to do on land. While the islands are quieter, businesses are still open, yoga sessions continue, restaurants serve fresh seafood, and sunsets are as breathtaking as ever.

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.

---

What About December to February?

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.

---

Month-by-Month Breakdown

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

---

Why Choose Oceans 5 Gili Air Year-Round?

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.

---

More Than Just Diving

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.

---

Final Thoughts

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.

• If you’re after social vibes, perfect weather, and don’t mind the crowds, June to August is your window.
• If you prefer quieter dives, gentle currents, and more personalized service, March to June and October to November are ideal.
• And if you love macro diving or great deals, the rainy season may surprise you with its charm and critter life.

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.