SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
Supporting the Gili Matra Marine Park Many people who visit the Gili Islands are unaware that they are entering one of Indonesia’s most important marine parks. Gili Air, together with Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan, is located within the Gili Matra Marine Park, officially designated by …
A Philosophy Rooted in Conservation and Community Since opening its doors in 2010, Oceans 5 Gili Air has embraced a philosophy that goes far beyond teaching scuba diving. From the very beginning, conservation and community have been at the heart of its operations. Oceans 5 …
The Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air — are more than just stunning tropical getaways with white sand beaches and turquoise waters. They are located within one of Indonesia’s top ten marine parks, the Gili Matra Marine Park, a sanctuary created to protect and preserve one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the country. Established to safeguard this underwater paradise for future generations, the Gili Matra Marine Park is a place of both exceptional beauty and scientific importance — but also a park under growing pressure.
In 2011, a remarkable discovery put the Gili Islands firmly on the map of marine biodiversity hotspots. Dr. Bert Hoeksema of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, the Netherlands, found that the Gili Islands host the greatest diversity of mushroom coral species in the world.
Even more fascinating? This biodiversity was concentrated in the harbor of Gili Air — an area not typically thought of as pristine due to its boat traffic. Yet the harbor proved to be a haven for these unique corals, showcasing just how resilient and rich the local marine ecosystem can be when given the chance to thrive.
The waters around the Gili Islands are also home to an abundance of sea turtles, making the area one of the best places in the world to encounter them while snorkeling or diving. The most commonly seen species include:
These charismatic animals are not just a tourist attraction — they are key indicators of the health of the marine ecosystem. The relatively high population of turtles in Gili Matra shows that the park has the potential to support thriving marine life when protected.
Another gem of the Gili Matra Marine Park is its population of juvenile white tip reef sharks. These elegant predators are most commonly spotted around dive sites near Gili Trawangan, using the reef structures as nurseries. The presence of juvenile sharks suggests that the area once offered a healthy, supportive environment for new generations of reef predators.
In the past, divers also had the privilege of seeing Leopard Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, and large schools of Bumphead Parrotfish, particularly around full moon events. Deep Turbo near Gili Trawangan and Gili Air Wall used to be popular sites for shark sightings — a sign of a balanced and thriving marine food chain.
But things are changing.
In recent years, many iconic species and marine spectacles have started to vanish. The massive schools of Bumphead Parrotfish, once a regular highlight during full moons, have become increasingly rare. Leopard Sharks and Grey Reef Sharks have all but disappeared from regular sightings.
These changes raise concern about the health and stability of the marine ecosystem. Although the Gili Matra Marine Park is officially protected, enforcement remains a challenge. Issues such as coastal development, construction of sea walls, and overdevelopment on the islands are placing pressure on the very ecosystems the marine park is designed to protect.
While tourism brings opportunity, it also brings risk. Unregulated construction along the beaches, poorly planned infrastructure, and increasing human activity near sensitive reef zones have begun to disrupt the delicate balance of marine life.
The construction of ocean protection walls may be intended to guard the shoreline, but they often alter wave patterns, limit coral growth, and cause sand erosion elsewhere. Without strict regulations, even small-scale changes can have ripple effects throughout the ecosystem.
Despite the challenges, Gili Matra Marine Park remains a beautiful and inspiring place to visit. Divers and snorkelers still encounter vibrant coral gardens, turtles cruising through shallow reefs, and schools of reef fish in dazzling colors. For many, it’s their first introduction to the richness of the underwater world — and a memory they’ll never forget.
Every person who comes to the Gili Islands with respect for the marine environment plays a role in supporting its future. By diving responsibly, supporting eco-conscious dive centers, participating in cleanups, and learning about local conservation efforts, visitors can help protect what remains and even aid in its recovery.
The Gili Matra Marine Park is a national treasure — a place where coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks, and thousands of marine species coexist in an underwater symphony of life. But this harmony is fragile.
To protect it, we must do more than admire it. Government agencies, local communities, dive centers, and visitors all have a role to play in:
Oceans 5 Gili Air, for example, is actively involved in conservation, working with the University of Mataram, BKKPN, and NGOs to promote scientific research and environmental education.
If properly protected and managed, Gili Matra has the potential to recover its former biodiversity and once again become a global example of successful marine conservation. It is a place of wonder, of beauty, and of immense scientific value.
Let’s not wait until it’s too late to act.
Whether you’re diving for the first time or returning to your favorite reef, remember: this marine park needs our protection as much as we need its inspiration. Let your visit be more than a holiday — let it be part of a movement to preserve Indonesia’s underwater treasures for generations to come.
The Invisible Backbone of Oceans 5 Gili Air When guests walk into Oceans 5 Gili Air, they’re greeted by smiles at the reception, warm welcomes from instructors, and the buzz of divers prepping gear. The boats depart with excitement, the instructors guide students through their …
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 …
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 SSI React Right Course or the SSI Stress and 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 …
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 …