SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
Another Major Advantage of Becoming an SSI Instructor: More Instructor Ratings from Day One Choosing to become a scuba diving instructor is not only about passion for the ocean, teaching skills, or lifestyle freedom. It is also a professional business decision. How many courses you …
A New Chapter Starts on 13 February On the 13th of February, Oceans 5 Gili Air will officially start a new chapter in its long history of professional dive education: the first SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC). After more than a decade as a leading …
Just off the northwest coast of Lombok lies a small cluster of islands that feels like a different world altogether: the Gili Islands. For many travelers, the Gilis represent what they imagine a tropical island holiday should be—white-sand beaches, turquoise water, coral reefs close to shore, and a lifestyle that moves at its own gentle pace.
The Gili Islands consist of three islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Each island has its own character, atmosphere, and rhythm. While all three share the same marine park, the same reef system, and similar dive sites, the experience on land can feel very different.
Among the three, Gili Air stands out as a rare balance: lively enough to offer great restaurants, dive centers, and activities—but calm enough to still feel like a real island community rather than a tourist playground.
For many travelers, a holiday in Indonesia starts with Bali. Bali is beautiful, culturally rich, and full of unforgettable experiences. But Bali is also busy. Traffic jams are common, distances are longer than expected, and daily life often involves navigating cars, scooters, taxis, and crowded streets.
Gili Air offers a completely different reality.
There are no cars, no taxis, and no motorbikes on Gili Air. You don’t wake up to traffic noise or spend time stuck in congestion. Instead, people walk, cycle, or use bicycles to get around. Occasionally you’ll see a traditional horse cart, locally known as a cidomo, transporting goods or luggage. Children play on the roads, neighbors greet each other as they pass, and when it’s time for prayer, locals walk calmly to the mosque in the center of the island.
This absence of traffic creates something rare: mental quiet. On Gili Air, distances feel short, days feel longer, and stress fades quickly. Compared to Bali’s fast pace, Gili Air feels like a deep exhale.
Within the Gili Islands themselves, the biggest contrast is between Gili Air and Gili Trawangan.
Gili Trawangan—often called “Gili T”—is the most developed and busiest of the three islands. It is known for its nightlife, beach parties, late-night bars, and larger crowds. For some travelers, that energy is exactly what they are looking for.
Gili Air, on the other hand, is a calmer and more relaxed version of island life. There are beach bars, cocktail spots, and sunset lounges, but there are no nightclubs, no all-inclusive resorts, and no mass tourism complexes. Evenings on Gili Air are about barefoot dinners on the sand, quiet conversations, live acoustic music, and watching the sun disappear behind Bali’s volcanoes.
It’s an island that suits:
One of the most special aspects of Gili Air is that it is not just a tourist island. In the center of the island lies a local village where around 1,800 local residents live year-round. This village is not hidden away—it is part of everyday island life.
The main road and the island road that circles Gili Air are lined with small resorts, guesthouses, cafés, restaurants, beach bars, and boutiques. Walk a little inland, and you’ll find local homes, schools, small shops, and community spaces. The result is an island where tourism and local life exist side by side, not separated.
This balance gives Gili Air its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors are not just passing through; they are sharing space with a living, breathing community.
One common misconception is that staying on Gili Air means missing out on the “best” dive sites. In reality, all dive centers across the Gili Islands access the same marine park and the same dive sites.
Whether you dive from Gili Air or Gili Trawangan, you will explore the same reefs, the same coral gardens, and the same underwater landscapes. The difference is not underwater—it’s above water, before and after the dive.
Dive centers like Oceans 5 Gili Air regularly dive all around the islands, including sites often associated with Gili Trawangan. Boats travel easily between islands, making location less important than dive philosophy, group size, and teaching quality.
This means you can enjoy:
And still return to the calm, green, and peaceful atmosphere of Gili Air after every dive.
The waters surrounding Gili Air are famous for their clarity. On calm days, visibility can be exceptional, making snorkeling directly from the beach a daily activity rather than a planned excursion.
Turtles are frequently spotted close to shore, coral reefs start in shallow water, and the gentle conditions make the island ideal for:
The ocean is not something you “travel to” on Gili Air—it’s always just a few steps away.
Although Gili Air is famous for diving and snorkeling, life on the island offers much more than time underwater.
Visitors can enjoy:
For those who want a bigger adventure, Gili Air is also the perfect base for day trips to Lombok, including excursions to the majestic Mount Rinjani. From waterfalls and rice fields to hiking and cultural tours, Lombok adds depth to a Gili Air stay without overwhelming it.
Gili Air is not about ticking off attractions or filling every hour with activity. It’s about slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and enjoying simple pleasures.
Mornings start with barefoot walks on the beach. Afternoons drift by between swims, books, and cold drinks. Evenings end with sunsets, shared meals, and soft conversations under the stars.
There is no pressure to rush. No traffic to beat. No schedule to follow unless you want one.
Gili Air is ideal for people who:
It is not an island for nightclubs, loud parties, or all-inclusive resorts. And that is exactly why so many people fall in love with it.
The Gili Islands offer something rare in today’s world: a choice. You can choose energy or calm, crowds or space, speed or stillness.
Gili Air represents the gentle side of island life—a place where tourism has not erased community, where diving remains easy and accessible, and where relaxation feels natural rather than forced.
For travelers who want crystal-clear water, world-class diving, warm local culture, and a slower pace of life, Gili Air is not just an alternative to Bali or Gili Trawangan—it is often the place they didn’t know they were looking for, until they arrived.
Oceans 5 Gili Air Maybe you have already heard some rumors.Maybe you noticed subtle changes on our website, on social media, or around the dive resort itself.Or maybe you are reading this as a returning guest, a future student, or simply someone who cares about …
Running Together Across the Gili Islands On the 13th of December, something special happened in the heart of the Gili Matra Marine Park. Before most of the islands were awake, 86 runners—a mix of local residents and international participants—gathered with one shared goal: to take part in the Tri-Isla-Thon, a …
Oceans 5 Gili Air has always believed that a dive centre should be more than a business operating on an island. From the very beginning, Oceans 5 has taken the position that respect from the local community is not something you demand—it is something you earn. And that respect is not earned by paying salaries alone or providing a boarding room for staff. It is earned by giving something back that goes beyond the direct needs of the business and contributes to the long-term well-being of the island, its people, their knowledge, and their future.
In 2025, Oceans 5 Gili Air continued and expanded this philosophy with concrete actions that directly benefited the local community, Indonesian dive professionals, students, and the marine environment of the Gili Islands.
One of the most impactful initiatives in 2025 was the launch of a free Divemaster internship program for Indonesian citizens. This was not a discounted program, a sponsorship tied to work contracts, or a marketing exercise—it was a fully free professional training opportunity.
Eight Indonesian candidates signed up for this program, and by the end of the year, all eight successfully became certified Divemasters. This achievement alone already sets the program apart, but the impact goes much further.
After certification, the new Divemasters were free to choose their own path. Some found employment in Komodo, others in Raja Ampat, and some decided to stay and work at Oceans 5 Gili Air. As qualified dive professionals, they now earn a significantly higher income than before, allowing them to support their families and start saving for their next professional step: becoming dive instructors.
For many Indonesian families, this kind of career progression has a real, long-term economic impact. Becoming a dive instructor does not just improve personal income—it often changes the financial stability of an entire family.
In 2025, Oceans 5 Gili Air also supported eight Indonesian university students through a marine research internship program. Over two academic semesters, these students conducted regular data collection around the Gili Islands as part of their research projects.
The students came from the University of Mataram, University of Lampung, and University of Malang, and worked closely with Oceans 5 staff during fieldwork. Many of these students are now close to graduating as marine scientists, and Oceans 5 hopes they will find careers in marine conservation, research, and environmental management.
In 2026, this program will be expanded to twelve students, further increasing its impact.
The reason Oceans 5 supports this program is simple but important:
Long-term, consistent research by local researchers produces more reliable data.
When the same researchers collect data over extended periods, patterns become clearer and conclusions become stronger. This data is used by universities and government institutions to make decisions about environmental regulations and marine park management.
Just as importantly, the knowledge stays in Indonesia. The skills of collecting, interpreting, and applying scientific data do not leave the country with foreign researchers. They remain with Indonesian students who understand the local environment, culture, and challenges.
Oceans 5 Gili Air is proud to be one of only five official partners of the Gili Matra Marine Park, working together with BKKPN Kupang. This partnership is not symbolic—it is active and ongoing.
Throughout 2025, Oceans 5 supported BKKPN with reef surveys, monitoring programs, and hands-on action such as removing algae blooms from coral patches. These algae outbreaks are a serious threat to coral health, fish populations, and turtles.
Without a healthy marine ecosystem, the marine park will decline. And without a healthy marine park, tourism will decline. That directly affects every business and every family on the island.
Marine protection is not an abstract idea—it is directly connected to jobs, income, and the future of Gili Air.
Not everyone growing up on Gili Air gets the chance to experience the marine park the way tourists do. Many local children have never snorkeled or dived on the reefs that made the Gili Islands famous.
That is why in 2025, Oceans 5 Gili Air organized introduction dives for 20 local children. Under the supervision of experienced instructors, these kids entered the ocean and saw what lies just below the surface:
crystal-clear water, sea turtles, Nemo, Dory, and healthy coral reefs.
This experience creates understanding. The children now know why tourists come, why the marine park matters, and why it must be protected. Conservation starts with awareness, and awareness starts with experience.
Since 2010, Oceans 5 Gili Air has organized weekly beach cleanups in the harbor area—the place where tourists arrive and depart.
First impressions matter. If visitors step onto an island covered in rubbish, that impression is difficult to change. A dirty harbor affects tourism, reputation, and pride in the island.
These cleanups have continued consistently for over 15 years, including throughout 2025. They are not sponsored events or seasonal campaigns—they are simply part of Oceans 5’s responsibility toward the island.
To make all these efforts visible, Oceans 5 Gili Air created a Conservation Exhibition Center on its premises. While the center is still under development, visitors can already see what Oceans 5 and its partners are doing for Gili Air.
The exhibition is designed for tourists, students, and locals who want to understand how diving, conservation, education, and community support are connected. It is a place for transparency, learning, and inspiration.
In 2026, Oceans 5 Gili Air will continue this work:
Community involvement is not a marketing strategy for Oceans 5—it is a responsibility. A business that depends on an island must also protect it, support its people, and invest in its future.
That is how respect is earned.
A New Chapter for Oceans 5 Gili Air: Change, Growth, and the Same Heartbeat If you’ve seen our recent social media posts, heard whispers around the island, or caught a few rumors online, you might already know: after 15 incredible years, Oceans 5 Gili Air is …
Why Scuba Diving Is a Great Sport for Kids: A Lifelong Adventure Begins Underwater Family holidays often come with a familiar challenge: What can we do that is fun, meaningful, and unforgettable for the kids? While many families turn to beach games, snorkeling trips, or island activities, …
Did you know that Oceans 5 Gili Air has a modern, fully equipped gym at the back of its spacious premises?
While most divers finish their dives and relax with a coconut or coffee by the pool, some guests and professional divers take advantage of the opportunity to stay fit during their dive holiday. But that leads to an important question: how do you safely combine gym workouts with daily scuba diving?
Many divers are unsure whether they can train before diving, after diving, or if they should wait a few hours like they do for surface intervals. Understanding how exercise affects the body — especially after being exposed to pressure underwater — is key to staying healthy, preventing decompression sickness (DCS), and keeping your diving performance at its best.
This article will guide you through:
Hidden behind the dive shop’s peaceful courtyard, Oceans 5 Gili Air’s gym offers a bright, air-conditioned training space equipped with:
It’s a perfect complement to the dive center’s holistic approach to health and professionalism. Whether you’re a fun diver, divemaster candidate, or instructor in training, the gym provides a safe environment to maintain or improve your physical condition.
However, diving and working out place different kinds of stress on the body. Understanding how they interact helps you use the gym effectively without compromising your safety underwater.
Exercising before a dive can be both beneficial and risky — depending on the type and intensity of your workout.
Gentle stretching, yoga, or a short warm-up routine can improve flexibility, breathing, and circulation before you gear up. For example:
This type of light activity can actually reduce the risk of decompression sickness because it helps blood circulate smoothly and prepares muscles for movement.
On the other hand, high-intensity training — such as heavy weightlifting, long-distance running, or HIIT — just before diving increases your metabolic rate, produces micro-trauma in muscles, and causes dehydration. These effects can potentially increase the risk of nitrogen bubble formation during a dive.
When your muscles are fatigued or sore, they also have poorer circulation, which makes it harder for your body to off-gas nitrogen after a dive.
In short:
If you want to work out before diving, keep it light and gentle. Save intense workouts for non-diving days.
The timing of post-dive exercise is critical. After a dive, your body still contains excess dissolved nitrogen from breathing compressed air. It takes time — your “surface interval” — to eliminate that gas safely.
Most dive medicine experts recommend waiting at least six hours after diving before engaging in strenuous physical activity. For deep or repetitive dives, waiting longer (8–12 hours) is even better.
Why? Because intense exercise can:
During the first few hours post-dive, it’s better to focus on recovery-based movement such as:
Later in the evening, after several hours and a good meal, moderate gym sessions are usually fine.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, many professional divers train in the evening after completing all dives for the day, allowing plenty of surface interval time before the next day’s dives.
If you are on a divemaster internship or a SSI ITC program, you might dive almost every day. Planning your fitness routine then becomes even more important.
Here’s how to balance it:
A steady, moderate training routine will make you a better diver without compromising safety.
Being physically fit doesn’t just make you look good on the beach — it significantly improves your safety, comfort, and longevity as a diver. Let’s look at why fitness matters underwater.
A fit diver breathes more efficiently. Stronger cardiovascular conditioning allows your heart and lungs to deliver oxygen with less effort, reducing your breathing rate.
Better breathing equals longer dives, less fatigue, and calmer reactions to stress underwater. It also improves your buoyancy control, since you can use your breath more effectively for fine adjustments.
Scuba tanks, weights, and gear can easily exceed 20 kg. Loading boats, climbing ladders, or walking across the beach can strain your back and shoulders.
Strength training — particularly core and leg exercises — makes these movements easier and safer. It also helps prevent injuries during daily dive operations, especially for instructors and divemaster trainees who handle equipment every day.
A strong core and flexible lower back make it easier to maintain a streamlined horizontal position underwater. You’ll kick more efficiently and use less energy.
Exercises such as planks, Pilates, and yoga are excellent for developing this kind of functional stability. That’s why you’ll often see Oceans 5 Gili Air’s staff divers combining yoga or stretching routines with their dive preparation.
Muscle fitness and flexibility help prevent cramps during long dives or surface swims. Fit muscles have better circulation, which means they also eliminate nitrogen more effectively after dives.
When you stay hydrated and keep your muscles supple, you’ll recover faster from repetitive diving days — and enjoy every dive without soreness or stiffness.
Diving is not only physical; it’s mental. Unexpected situations underwater — a mask flood, a strong current, a missing buddy — require calm decision-making.
Regular physical activity reduces stress hormones, increases endorphins, and enhances focus. A fit diver is often a calm diver, which is essential for safety and for setting a professional example if you’re working in the diving industry.
Not all exercises have equal benefits for scuba divers. The most effective training combines strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance — the same elements required for safe and efficient diving.
Here are some top recommendations for divers using the Oceans 5 Gili Air gym:
Focus on exercises that strengthen your abdomen, lower back, and hips:
These help you maintain perfect trim and buoyancy underwater.
Strong legs mean powerful, controlled fin kicks:
Avoid going to muscular failure on leg days if you’re diving soon after — tired legs can cramp underwater.
Your shoulders stabilize your gear and control your arms while swimming. Focus on:
Diving is a low-intensity endurance activity. Build cardiovascular health with:
Combine cardio with breathing control exercises, such as pranayama or diaphragmatic breathing, to strengthen your lungs and improve air management underwater.
Always finish with stretching or yoga. Oceans 5’s spacious open areas are ideal for post-workout relaxation. Flexibility reduces risk of injury and helps with donning gear or performing rescue exercises smoothly.
When combining diving and gym sessions, don’t forget the two biggest allies of performance and decompression safety: hydration and nutrition.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, healthy meal options and refreshing drinks are available right next to the dive center — perfect for keeping your body fueled throughout the day.
Even the most disciplined diver-athletes need rest. Skip the gym if you experience:
Remember, recovery is part of training. Rest days are vital, especially during intensive dive courses such as the SSI Divemaster Internship or SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) offered at Oceans 5 Gili Air.
Since opening in 2010, Oceans 5 Gili Air has believed in a holistic approach to diving: environmental awareness, safety, and personal well-being.
The on-site gym is an extension of that philosophy. It allows guests, staff, and students to build healthy habits that support their underwater lifestyle.
By promoting fitness alongside dive education, Oceans 5 Gili Air ensures divers not only learn skills and standards but also develop the physical and mental strength to handle real-world situations confidently.
For professional divers — instructors, guides, or conservation specialists — maintaining fitness is part of career longevity. Healthy divers are safer divers, and safer divers protect both themselves and the marine environment they love.
So, can you use the gym while diving every day? Absolutely — as long as you train smart.
Combining diving with fitness at Oceans 5 Gili Air’s modern gym can make you a stronger, more efficient, and safer diver.
You’ll not only feel better underwater — you’ll also be ready for any adventure the ocean throws at you.
So next time you surface from a dive and walk past the gym at the back of Oceans 5, remember: your next great dive might start with a good stretch, a mindful workout, and a healthy respect for your body’s limits.
Oceans 5’s Weekly Harbor Cleanups and a Growing Culture of Conservation For many people, the Gili Islands bring to mind turquoise water, coral reefs alive with colour, and sunsets that paint the horizon in gold. What visitors often don’t see is the dedication and effort …