SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
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 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.
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 …
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 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. This groundbreaking project will employ the Baited Remote Underwater Video System (BRUVS) method to record the presence of sharks, rays, and other marine life on the reefs. By deploying and monitoring BRUVS, researchers aim to gain valuable insights into the health of local marine ecosystems and the impact of human activities on these vital underwater environments.
Global FinPrint launched in 2015 as the first global survey of its kind, utilizing BRUVS to document marine biodiversity. The technique involves setting up 30 to 100 BRUVS on a reef, each equipped with a bait station to attract marine life. The system records uninterrupted footage for 60 minutes per session, capturing invaluable data about the diversity and behavior of sharks, rays, and other marine species.
By analyzing these videos, researchers can determine patterns in species abundance, identify threats, and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts. This information is crucial in shaping policies that ensure the protection and sustainable management of marine life.
Sharks and rays play a critical role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. As apex predators, sharks regulate the populations of their prey, which in turn affects the health of coral reefs. However, shark populations have been declining at an alarming rate due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and the demand for shark fins, meat, and other body parts.
Recent studies estimate that around 100 million sharks are killed annually for commercial purposes. While much attention has been given to the practice of finning—where sharks have their fins removed and are discarded at sea—the larger issue is the unregulated and excessive harvesting of entire shark populations. Without proper management, many species cannot replenish their numbers, pushing them toward extinction.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species reports that one-quarter of sharks and their relatives are at risk of extinction. The loss of these predators not only affects marine biodiversity but also has economic and social consequences. Countries that depend on dive tourism—where sharks are a major attraction—face significant revenue losses when shark populations dwindle. Additionally, the disappearance of sharks can disrupt marine food chains, leading to habitat degradation and reduced fish stocks, which many coastal communities rely on for sustenance.
As a conservation-focused dive center, Oceans 5 Gili Air is committed to marine protection through education, research, and community involvement. This two-week partnership with Global FinPrint and the University of Mataram aligns with their ongoing efforts to promote sustainable diving and marine conservation initiatives.
During the research period, the team at Oceans 5 Gili Air, alongside scientists from the University of Mataram, will deploy BRUVS at strategic locations around the Gili Islands. The recordings will help assess the current status of shark and ray populations, as well as the overall health of the reef ecosystems. The data collected will be analyzed to identify trends, potential threats, and conservation strategies that can be implemented at both local and national levels.
Human activities significantly impact marine ecosystems, and understanding these effects is vital for conservation planning. The BRUVS research aims to determine how factors such as fishing, tourism, pollution, and marine protected areas (MPAs) influence shark and ray populations.
The next phase of Global FinPrint’s research seeks to deepen our understanding of how sharks influence other reef animals and the potential consequences of their decline. Coral reefs are often called the “rainforests of the sea” due to their biodiversity and ecological importance. The loss of sharks could lead to imbalances in these ecosystems, causing cascading effects that impact fish populations, reef health, and ultimately, human communities.
To protect sharks and ensure the longevity of marine ecosystems, several key actions must be taken:
The partnership between Oceans 5 Gili Air, Global FinPrint, and the University of Mataram represents a significant step forward in marine conservation in Indonesia. By deploying BRUVS and analyzing marine life data, researchers will gain critical knowledge to guide conservation efforts. Protecting sharks is not just about saving one species—it is about preserving entire marine ecosystems and securing a sustainable future for both marine life and human communities.
Through continued research, education, and proactive conservation measures, Oceans 5 Gili Air remains dedicated to being a leader in marine conservation. As the results from this two-week study emerge, they will contribute to the broader goal of ensuring that the Gili Islands remain a thriving marine paradise for generations to come.
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: A Buzzing Hub of Island Life 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 …
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 and Febi, a union that symbolized not only the bond between two people but also the deep sense of community that makes Gili Air so special.
Budiman, the proud owner of Oseana, one of the most prominent snorkeling businesses in the harbor of Gili Air, is a familiar face to locals and visitors alike. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a hardworking and dedicated individual, not just through his snorkeling trips but also with his ticket office, money exchange services, and bicycle rentals. From the earliest days of Oceans 5 Gili Air, Budiman has been a valued partner, working hand-in-hand with the dive center to promote the island’s unique offerings.
This busy man, juggling numerous businesses with ease, found time to marry the love of his life, Febi. Their wedding was not just a personal milestone but a celebration that brought the entire community together.
The festivities began the evening before the wedding. The island buzzed with excitement as live music filled the air, and the impending nuptials were announced throughout the Gili Air village. Islanders and guests gathered to enjoy the vibrant tunes, dancing under the stars and reveling in the joyous atmosphere.
The pre-wedding celebration embodied the spirit of Gili Air—relaxed, communal, and full of life. As children laughed, couples danced, and friends exchanged stories, the evening set the tone for the grand event to follow.
The morning dawned bright and clear, as if nature itself were blessing the union of Budiman and Febi. Weddings on Gili Air are a sensory delight, and this one was no exception. The aroma of traditional dishes wafted through the air, mingling with the soft sound of waves lapping against the shore.
Hundreds of islanders arrived, dressed in their finest, bringing with them laughter, warmth, and gifts. True to Gili Air’s open and welcoming culture, everyone was invited to partake in the celebration. The sense of togetherness was palpable as guests shared plates of delicious food, sipped refreshing drinks, and offered their blessings to the happy couple.
Before the formal ceremony, Budiman and Febi were surrounded by family and close friends, who offered prayers and shared words of wisdom. The rituals were a blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting the evolving yet deeply rooted cultural fabric of Gili Air.
As the sun reached its zenith, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Budiman and Febi, radiant in traditional attire, stood before the gathered crowd. Their smiles spoke volumes about their happiness and commitment.
The official announcement of their marriage was a moment of profound joy. Cheers erupted, and the couple exchanged heartfelt vows, pledging to support and cherish one another for the rest of their lives. It was a scene that brought tears to many eyes—a beautiful testament to love and partnership.
One of the most remarkable aspects of weddings on Gili Air is how deeply they involve the community. Unlike more private ceremonies elsewhere, these events are open to everyone. Islanders see weddings as an opportunity to strengthen communal bonds and celebrate the values of love and family.
Budiman and Febi’s wedding was no different. Guests from all walks of life, including long-time collaborators like the team from Oceans 5 Gili Air, came together to share in their joy. For Oceans 5, it was an especially meaningful occasion, given the long-standing partnership with Budiman and the mutual support that has defined their relationship over the years.
No wedding on Gili Air is complete without music and dancing, and this one was no exception. Live performances from local bands and singers created an electrifying atmosphere. Guests young and old took to the dance floor, their movements a mix of traditional steps and impromptu rhythms.
The energy was infectious, with smiles and laughter echoing through the crowd. For those unfamiliar with Gili Air’s customs, it was an unforgettable introduction to the island’s joyous way of celebrating love.
As the festivities continued into the evening, Oceans 5 Gili Air joined the island in extending heartfelt wishes to Budiman and Febi. “We wish the new couple a long and beautiful life together,” they shared, a sentiment echoed by everyone who had the privilege of witnessing this magical day.
For Oceans 5, the wedding was not just a celebration of love but also a reminder of the strong ties that bind the Gili Air community. Their partnership with Budiman over the years has been a shining example of collaboration, trust, and mutual respect.
For visitors to Gili Air, attending a traditional wedding is an extraordinary experience. True to the island’s open-hearted nature, everyone is welcome to join in the celebrations. Whether you’re a diver, a snorkeler, or simply someone enjoying the island’s tranquil beauty, weddings offer a unique glimpse into the local culture.
From the vibrant music to the sumptuous food, from the heartfelt rituals to the exuberant dancing, every aspect of the ceremony is a reflection of the island’s rich heritage and communal spirit.
As Budiman and Febi embark on their journey together, their wedding stands as a testament to the love and unity that define Gili Air. It’s not just about two people coming together; it’s about an entire community celebrating the values of togetherness and support.
For those lucky enough to witness the wedding of Budiman and Febi, it was a day to remember—a celebration not just of love but of the vibrant, welcoming, and joyous spirit of Gili Air.
The hyperbaric chamber at RSUD KOTA Mataram serves divers and the local community by treating decompression sickness and various medical conditions through hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Its presence enhances regional healthcare, supports tourism safety, and addresses diverse health issues like burns and infections, emphasizing the importance of accessible medical resources.