SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
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 …
Fun Diving Around the Gili Islands: More Than a Training Ground When divers talk about Indonesia, their minds often jump to places like Komodo, Raja Ampat, or Lembeh. Yet, sitting quietly between Lombok and Bali lies a diver’s paradise that is as underestimated as it …
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 the Indonesian government as one of the country’s top ten marine conservation areas. Over the past decade, and especially since 2021, regulations governing marine parks like Gili Matra have become stricter. These rules are designed to protect coral reefs, marine life, and coastal ecosystems that are vital to both biodiversity and tourism.
Among the local stakeholders operating inside this protected area, Oceans 5 Gili Air has played an active and consistent role in supporting the marine park’s goals. Their involvement spans government partnerships, conservation initiatives, citizen science efforts, waste management support, and public education. This article provides an informational overview of how Oceans 5 contributes to the protection and management of the Gili Matra Marine Park.
The Gili Matra Marine Park is managed under the authority of BKKPN Kupang (Balai Kawasan Konservasi Perairan Nasional), Indonesia’s National Marine Conservation Area Agency. In recent years, BKKPN Kupang has strengthened enforcement of environmental regulations across marine parks, including:
While many tourists see the Gili Islands simply as a diving and holiday destination, the area is legally a protected marine ecosystem with conservation rules that apply to businesses and visitors alike.
In 2022, Oceans 5 Gili Air became the first foreign investment company in Indonesia to receive a conservation permit, known as a SIUPKK (Surat Izin Usaha Pengelolaan Kawasan Konservasi). This addition to their business license formalized their status as an official partner of BKKPN Kupang.
Other dive centers on the Gili Islands have since followed the example, but only five of them currently maintain an active partnership with BKKPN for the 2025–2026 period. These selected businesses are expected to:
Oceans 5’s conservation licensing reflects a long-term recognition of their involvement rather than a symbolic addition. Their partnership includes ongoing collaboration with monitoring and reporting programs.
One of the most basic forms of support for the marine park is the collection of marine park fees from visitors. These fees are required for all divers and snorkelers, and they contribute to park management, enforcement, and conservation activities.
While not all businesses have consistently complied with this requirement, Oceans 5 Gili Air has been collecting and processing marine park fees for over seven years. This consistency ensures that funds reach the agencies responsible for protecting the marine area. It also normalizes the idea among visitors that their activities come with responsibilities toward the environment they are enjoying.
Marine conservation on small islands is not limited to the sea. Waste that accumulates on the beaches can easily enter the water, especially during rainy or windy seasons. Since 2010, Oceans 5 has integrated cleanup activities into its operational culture.
Every Friday at 17:00, the dive center organizes a beach cleanup open to anyone on the island. Oceans 5 provides:
These weekly cleanups enable both visitors and locals to contribute directly to protecting the coastline. The initiative is self-funded and has run without sponsorship or donation dependence.
Beyond beach litter, marine debris accumulates underwater, particularly in high-traffic areas like the harbor of Gili Air. Dumping from boats, mismanaged waste, and storm runoff can lead to plastic, metal, and other materials settling on the seabed.
Unlike the weekly beach cleanup, reef cleanups in the harbor are organized as needed, based on conditions and volunteer availability. These dives are typically more logistically demanding, requiring:
Interested divers can inquire at Oceans 5 to join upcoming reef cleanup dives. Although less frequent than beach cleanups, these underwater efforts play a crucial role in preventing long-term damage to seagrass beds, coral patches, and marine habitats in the harbor zone.
A key part of long-term marine conservation is fostering the next generation of marine scientists. Oceans 5 Gili Air has established partnerships with three universities in Indonesia:
Through these partnerships, students receive practical field experience and support for their research projects. Oceans 5 provides:
Each semester, eight students join the program to conduct data collection around the Gili Islands. Starting in the coming years, the capacity will increase to 20 students per semester. The students and their universities select research topics, which often relate to coral health, biodiversity, and ecosystem monitoring.
This collaboration fills an important gap in accessible marine field research opportunities in Indonesia while contributing valuable data to conservation bodies.
The University of Mataram also participates in Global FinPrint, a worldwide research initiative that uses Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) to monitor shark and ray populations. These species are key indicators of reef health.
Oceans 5 supports this partnership by:
Since reef predators typically face pressure from tourism, overfishing, and habitat degradation, the data collected through these projects is essential for assessing ecosystem dynamics in the Gili Matra Marine Park.
Waste management is one of the biggest environmental challenges on small islands. Oceans 5 supports Gili Cares, a local company working to reduce and manage rubbish on Gili Air.
Their collaboration includes:
Gili Cares focuses on improving waste systems and recycling practices, and Oceans 5 contributes through logistics, manpower, and promotion. These collaborations help build a cleaner and more responsible waste framework for the island.
In addition to working with universities and local waste initiatives, Oceans 5 collaborates with Marine Conservation Indonesia, an organization led by Indonesian marine scientists. Instead of routing conservation program revenue to international operators, this partnership ensures that funds from conservation-focused activities support the local community and locally driven research.
Marine Conservation Indonesia develops conservation programs such as coral monitoring, reef rehabilitation, and awareness workshops. Oceans 5 helps facilitate access, logistics, and outreach, supporting local ownership of conservation efforts.
Recognizing the need for public awareness and transparency, Oceans 5 is developing a Conservation Information Centre on Gili Air. The aim of this project is to provide a space where:
The information centre is intended to serve both visitors and the local community by highlighting why conservation is necessary and what actions are being taken. It is designed to foster collaboration and improve the visibility of environmental efforts that are often unnoticed by tourists and businesses.
While the Gili Matra Marine Park is governed by national regulation, effective conservation depends on local actors who implement, monitor, and normalize environmental practices. Oceans 5 Gili Air is one of the businesses that has adopted this role beyond minimum compliance.
Their efforts span multiple areas:
These activities demonstrate a model of engagement where tourism businesses contribute actively to the protection of the ecosystems that sustain them.
With increasing pressure on marine environments due to tourism, development, and climate change, the role of local operators is becoming more critical. The conservation permit system and formal partnerships with BKKPN Kupang indicate a shift toward accountability.
Oceans 5 Gili Air’s initiatives reflect both compliance with government requirements and voluntary contributions that extend beyond them. As the marine park strengthens regulations, and as visitor numbers continue to demand resources, businesses that engage in conservation efforts will play an increasingly important role in safeguarding Gili Matra.
For tourists, students, researchers, and policymakers, understanding what happens behind the scenes is essential. In the case of Gili Air, Oceans 5 provides a practical example of how a dive center can integrate environmental responsibility into daily operations and long-term planning within a marine protected area.
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 Matra Marine Park 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, …
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 first breaths underwater, and divemasters lead guests across the vibrant reefs. But behind every successful dive—behind every satisfied smile and underwater memory—stand three of the most important individuals at Oceans 5. Yet, most guests never learn their names.
Meet Irwan, Main, and Ram—the unsung heroes of the dive shop.
You won’t find Irwan, Main, or Ram briefing students or guiding fun dives. They don’t lead Discover Scuba Diving sessions or teach rescue skills in the pool. Instead, you’ll catch glimpses of them moving purposefully around the dive shop—perhaps stopping briefly for a quick coffee before quietly loading or unloading tanks. And then, they disappear again, heading to the back of the resort where few guests venture: the compressor room.
It’s here, tucked away from the cheerful chaos of daily dive life, that the heartbeat of Oceans 5 Gili Air lies. Because without properly filled tanks—clean, dry, perfectly mixed air or nitrox—there can be no diving. And maintaining that heartbeat is the responsibility of these three men.
In 2024, Oceans 5 underwent a massive transformation behind the scenes. The dive center had always prided itself on offering safe, high-quality diving, but the team knew it was time to take the next step. A complete overhaul of the compressor room was initiated, and with it came state-of-the-art equipment: a membrane system, a dedicated nitrox system, an air cooling unit, and a booster pump—all meticulously installed under the guidance of Ary from Dive Sports Indonesia, a trusted equipment expert with decades of experience.
It wasn’t just about upgrading the gear; it was about empowering the people who use it. Ary provided intensive training for Irwan, Main, and Ram, ensuring they understood every detail of the new systems. From gas analysis and filtration checks to moisture control and oxygen blending techniques, the training elevated them from tank fillers to gas technicians.
For the average diver, a full tank is just part of the dive setup. But at Oceans 5, the quality of air is non-negotiable. Every tank must be:
If even one tank is not up to standard, it could result in dive delays, safety concerns, or worse—health complaints from guests. That’s why Irwan, Main, and Ram treat every tank with utmost care. They test, log, analyze, and monitor each fill with a precision that reflects the professionalism at the core of Oceans 5.
It’s not an easy job. From 8:00 in the morning until 17:00, seven days a week, they manage hundreds of tanks. They coordinate tank logistics, ensure proper cooling times, and respond to the needs of instructors and divemasters who rely on a constant stream of perfect tanks for training and fun dives.
Irwan, with his calm and steady demeanor, is often the first one in the compressor room each morning. His attention to detail ensures that every system is checked before the first tank is filled. He’s the one who double-checks the logbooks and notices if a filter needs changing.
Main, energetic and precise, is the logistics master—making sure empty tanks are swapped out efficiently and that every dive team gets what they need without delay. His coordination is what keeps the flow smooth between dive shop and compressor room.
Ram, the youngest of the three, brings a sharp eye and growing expertise. Since the compressor upgrade, he’s taken a deep interest in nitrox blending, mastering the art of getting the perfect mix every time. He’s often the one calibrating the nitrox analyzer and preparing tanks for deep or long dives.
Together, these three men are a team that operates like a well-oiled machine. They rarely make mistakes—and when they do, they catch them before anyone notices. Their dedication is not flashy or loud, but it’s the kind that holds the entire operation together.
Every diver at Oceans 5 can thank Irwan, Main, and Ram for making their dives not only possible but safe. The dive center’s commitment to quality doesn’t end with instruction, briefings, or conservation—it begins, quite literally, with the air that fills the tank.
Without their quiet precision, the seamless experience guests enjoy would crumble. There would be no confident instructor courses, no fun dives to Shark Point, no rescue courses in the bay. Every breath underwater depends on their behind-the-scenes work.
So next time you walk into the dive shop and see someone rolling in a trolley of full tanks or quietly sipping coffee near the compressor room entrance, take a moment. That might be Irwan, Main, or Ram—the invisible legends of Oceans 5 Gili Air.
They won’t ask for recognition. But they deserve it.
Because without them, there would be no diving.
And without diving, there would be no Oceans 5.
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 …
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 Instructor 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.
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.
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.
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 decision to let SSI Instructor 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 SSI Instructor Manual. They became role models.
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.
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.
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.
The 38kg of collected trash included:
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.
Oceans 5 doesn’t stop at cleanups. They actively partner with:
Together, these partnerships help create a culture of continuous conservation—both on land and underwater.
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 SSI Instructor 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.
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.
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. …