PADI IDC 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 …
Divemaster Internship Embarking on a Divemaster internship marks the first major step toward becoming a dive professional, transforming your passion for diving into a rewarding career. Choosing the right dive center to undertake this internship is crucial for your professional growth, skill enhancement, and future …
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 …
Celebrating 15 Years of Oceans 5 Gili Air: A Vision Realized Since 16 April 2010 On 16 April 2010, Oceans 5 Gili Air received an email from PADI that would change the future of diving on Gili Air forever. That message officially confirmed Oceans 5 as …
In the world of scuba diving, becoming a PADI Course Director is a pinnacle achievement—one that signifies years of dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to education, safety, and the underwater world. And for every great instructor, there is a beginning. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, that beginning just turned into a milestone.
Earlier this year, Waz—now officially a PADI Course Director—successfully conducted his very first PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) as lead Course Director at Oceans 5 Gili Air. And what a debut it was. Over 20 days, Waz transformed two enthusiastic divemasters, Ong and Fardin, into confident, knowledgeable, and ready-to-teach PADI Instructors, all while staying true to the teaching philosophy that defines Oceans 5: small groups, personalized attention, and a deep respect for the ocean.
Let’s take a closer look at how this inaugural IDC unfolded, the incredible progress Ong and Fardin made, and what makes Waz a rising star in the global PADI Course Director community.
Every PADI Course Director starts their path by first completing the highly selective and intensive Course Director Training Course (CDTC). Only a handful of instructors are accepted into the program each year. Waz, already a Master Instructor with a track record of excellence, was among them.
The CDTC pushes experienced instructors to the next level. It’s a deep dive into leadership, educational design, evaluation strategies, and how to prepare divemasters to become instructors themselves. For Waz, it was more than just a course—it was a calling. And as soon as he returned from the training, he didn’t waste a moment. He launched his very first IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air, with Ong and Fardin as his pioneering candidates.
Waz couldn’t have asked for a better environment for his first IDC. Oceans 5 Gili Air is the only PADI Career Development Centre (CDC) on Gili Air and is globally recognized for producing high-quality dive professionals. With years of experience running IDCs under the guidance of Platinum Course Director Sander Buis, Oceans 5 has created a system that values personalized instruction, environmental awareness, and realistic teaching practices.
For Waz, stepping into this legacy wasn’t about replacing what was already working—it was about carrying the torch forward and adding his own flavor to the IDC experience.
Every IDC is unique because every candidate brings their own story, motivations, and challenges to the table. For Waz’s first IDC, the spotlight fell on Ong and Fardin, two Indonesian divemasters who were ready to take their careers to the next level.
Both candidates came in with solid dive experience but, like all future instructors, needed to make a critical transition: from assisting on dives to leading, teaching, and shaping new divers themselves.
Under Waz’s guidance, Ong and Fardin not only developed their technical knowledge but also built the soft skills needed to be a successful PADI Instructor—confidence, patience, control, and adaptability. And throughout the process, Waz was there every step of the way.
The PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air is not a crash course—it’s a 20-day immersive experience designed to prepare instructor candidates for real-world teaching, not just passing the PADI Instructor Examination.
From Day 1, Waz set the tone with clear expectations, structure, and encouragement. He broke the program into manageable milestones and gave Ong and Fardin the time and space to grow into their roles.
Waz introduced the candidates to the full scope of the PADI curriculum, from standards and procedures to learning, instruction, and the PADI system. His teaching style was interactive and supportive. He emphasized understanding over memorization and challenged the candidates to think like educators, not just divers.
Each classroom session ended with a debrief that invited reflection. Ong and Fardin were not just “learning to teach”—they were already teaching to learn.
In the confined water sessions, Waz’s meticulous eye and calm demeanor helped the candidates build their instructional control, communication clarity, and student-centered approach. Whether it was a mask removal or neutral buoyancy drill, Waz guided the candidates on how to break down each skill into simple, teachable steps, while managing student stress and performance.
He modeled how to handle real student mistakes—not through criticism, but through positive reinforcement and targeted correction. These sessions helped both Ong and Fardin understand the role of an instructor as a leader and mentor.
Oceans 5 Gili Air is surrounded by some of the most beautiful dive sites in Indonesia, making it the ideal backdrop for open water workshops. Waz took the candidates through multiple practice sessions where they simulated full teaching scenarios, including briefings, in-water skill circuits, and debriefings.
During these dives, Waz focused on control, safety, and adaptability—the key traits every instructor must possess. Ong and Fardin learned how to handle various student issues, adapt to current changes, and ensure that each dive was both educational and enjoyable.
Waz also emphasized teaching neutrally buoyant, in line with Oceans 5’s commitment to protecting the marine park. This instilled early on the value of environmental responsibility in dive education.
One of the most powerful aspects of this IDC was the personal growth that Waz encouraged in both candidates. He spent time with each of them outside of formal training, offering feedback, addressing concerns, and celebrating small victories.
Ong, who initially struggled with confidence in front of groups, found his voice thanks to Waz’s continuous encouragement. Fardin, a meticulous and detail-oriented divemaster, learned to embrace flexibility and improvisation when needed.
By the end of the IDC, both had made visible, measurable progress—not just in skills, but in mindset. They no longer saw themselves as divemasters learning how to teach—they had become instructors.
After 20 intensive days, the final challenge was the PADI Instructor Examination (IE)—a two-day event that evaluates everything the candidates have learned. Thanks to Waz’s guidance, Ong and Fardin passed with flying colors.
But more than just passing the exam, they left as confident, professional, and ethical instructors who are now ready to lead the next generation of divers. The IDC had given them tools, confidence, and a clear sense of responsibility—one that Waz instilled from Day 1.
For Waz, watching Ong and Fardin receive their certifications was a proud moment—the culmination of months of preparation, the success of his very first IDC, and a sign of more great things to come.
It’s not easy to conduct your first IDC alone. The responsibility, the pressure, the desire to make everything perfect—it’s a lot for any new Course Director. But Waz carried it with grace, skill, and passion.
His ability to connect with students, break down complex information, and lead with humility made this IDC special. He didn’t just follow the PADI curriculum—he elevated it. He turned a 20-day course into a transformative experience, both for his students and for himself.
Waz represents the new wave of dive educators: knowledgeable, approachable, environmentally aware, and committed to raising the bar in dive instruction.
If you’ve been thinking about becoming a PADI Instructor, there’s no better time than now, and no better place than Oceans 5 Gili Air.
Waz’s next PADI Instructor Development Course starts on April 23rd. With only a few spots available and a small-group policy that guarantees personalized instruction, this is your chance to start your own transformation.
Here’s what you can expect if you join:
For everything, there is a first time. And for Waz, this first IDC was more than a success—it was the beginning of a long and impactful journey as a PADI Course Director.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we are proud to have Waz on our team, leading with heart, integrity, and excellence. We look forward to watching him guide many more divemasters through the same path Ong and Fardin just completed—becoming professional instructors, ambassadors for the ocean, and part of the global PADI family.
Are you next?
Message us today to secure your spot in Waz’s upcoming IDC.
📆 Start Date: April 23rd
📍 Oceans 5 Gili Air
📞 WhatsApp: +62 853 3339 7823
📧 Email: [email protected]
Let your first step toward a new career begin with Waz and Oceans 5 Gili Air.
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 …
PADI Certificates of Excellence Awarded to Oceans 5 Gili Air Instructors It was a proud and emotional day at Oceans 5 Gili Air when PADI Region Manager Neil visited the dive center to present a very special form of recognition — the PADI Certificate of …
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.
Oceans 5 Gili Air Celebrates a Milestone Oceans 5 Gili Air is proud to announce a significant milestone in our commitment to professional diving education. As of today, March 16th, we no longer have PADI Master Instructor Waz on our team—instead, we are thrilled to …