Oceans 5 Blog

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.

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1. Understanding Jellyfish in the Gili Islands

Transient Visitors of the Sea

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.

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Rare but Noteworthy: The Portuguese Man-of-War

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.

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2. What Happens When You’re Stung?

How Jellyfish Sting

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 Body’s Reaction

The effects of a jellyfish sting can vary depending on:

• The type of jellyfish
• The individual’s sensitivity or allergies
• The area of the body affected
• The duration of contact

For most people around the Gilis, jellyfish stings cause:

• Mild itching or burning
• Redness or rash-like welts
• Localized swelling

In rare cases, some individuals may experience:

• Nausea or dizziness
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle cramps or spasms
• Systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

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3. First Aid for Jellyfish Stings

Do NOT:

Let’s start by debunking common myths, because some instinctive actions can actually worsen the pain:

• ❌ Do not pee on the sting: Contrary to popular belief (and movie scenes), urine does not neutralize jellyfish venom and may even trigger more stings by causing undischarged nematocysts to fire.
• ❌ Do not rub the area: Rubbing can activate more stinging cells or spread the venom.
• ❌ Do not rinse with fresh water: Freshwater can cause the stingers to discharge more venom.

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Do:

Here’s the correct first aid protocol, which we at Oceans 5 Gili Air follow on our dive boats and in the dive center:

1. Exit the water calmly and safely.
   • Avoid panic. Signal your buddy or dive guide, and make your way to the boat or shore.
2. Rinse the affected area with vinegar.
   • We always keep a bottle of vinegar in our emergency box onboard all Oceans 5 boats. Vinegar neutralizes the nematocysts and prevents them from firing further.
   • If vinegar is unavailable, use saltwater, not freshwater.
3. Remove tentacles carefully.
   • Use tweezers or the edge of a card (like a credit card) to gently scrape off any remaining tentacles.
   • Wear gloves if available, or use a towel or cloth to protect your hands.
4. Apply heat.
   • Immersing the sting area in hot water (40–45°C) for 20 to 45 minutes can relieve pain by denaturing the venom proteins.
   • If hot water is unavailable, a warm compress may also help.
5. Monitor for allergic reaction.
   • If the diver shows signs of difficulty breathing, chest pain, or swelling beyond the sting area, seek emergency medical care immediately.

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4. When to Seek Medical Attention

Most jellyfish stings on Gili Air are mild and treatable on-site with vinegar and rest. But seek medical help if:

• Pain is severe or spreading
• There’s swelling on the face, neck, or genitals
• Shortness of breath, dizziness, or confusion develops
• The sting covers a large area of the body
• There’s a known allergy to insect or marine stings

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Clinics on Gili Air

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.

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5. Prevention: How to Reduce the Risk of Jellyfish Stings

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:

Listen to Your Guides

If jellyfish are present, dive shops will inform you. We may:

• Change the dive site
• Delay the dive
• Advise on extra precautions

We always put safety first, and the ocean provides many alternative dive sites to explore while we wait for jellyfish to move on.

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Wear Protection

• A full-length wetsuit or rash guard acts as a physical barrier against jellyfish tentacles.
• Gloves, boots, and hoods provide added protection, especially in peak jellyfish seasons.

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Look Before You Leap

• Before jumping into the water, especially from boats, scan the surface for jellyfish or tentacles.
• If you see jellyfish floating on the surface or trapped around mooring lines, inform your guide.

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Avoid Touching Suspicious Objects

Even jellyfish tentacles washed up on the beach can still sting. Do not touch marine debris or unfamiliar creatures with bare hands.

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6. The Myth of Peeing on a Jellyfish Sting

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:

• Vinegar or acetic acid works best for box jellyfish and stingers
• Hot water immersion is one of the most reliable ways to relieve pain and reduce venom activity

In other words: leave the first aid to proper tools—not your bladder.

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7. Oceans 5’s Approach to Jellyfish Safety

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:

• Emergency first aid kits
• Vinegar bottles
• Gloves and tweezers
• Oxygen units and communication tools for contacting clinics if needed

Our staff are trained in first aid and emergency oxygen provision, and our divemasters and instructors receive regular refreshers to handle marine-related incidents.

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8. Final Thoughts: Respect the Ocean, Be Prepared

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:

• Understanding marine life
• Respecting ocean creatures
• Acting responsibly in the water

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.

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9. Want to Learn More?

If you’re interested in marine safety, jellyfish biology, or ocean conservation, talk to our team. We regularly organize:

• Reef and beach cleanups
• Conservation talks
• SSI Specialty Courses

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.

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10. Summary: What to Do if You’re Stung by a Jellyfish

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

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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.

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 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.

The New Generation Behind Gili Cares

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.

The Glass Problem

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.

A Community Comes Together

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.

The Birth of Glass Bricks

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:

• Sand
• Cement
• Crushed glass powder (produced by the glass cutter)

Gili Cares has created a formula for eco-friendly, durable bricks. These bricks are:

• Twice the size of a standard brick
• Remarkably strong
• Perfect for local construction projects

And they’re made using materials that would otherwise pollute the island.

A Circular Economy on the Horizon

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:

• Removes hazardous waste from the environment
• Reduces the cost of importing building materials
• Empowers local businesses to support sustainability
• Generates potential income through the sale of eco-bricks
• Provides jobs and skill development for local workers

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.

Still in the Early Stages

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.

A Win-Win for the Island

There are very few true win-win situations in waste management. But this is one of them.

• Tourism benefits, because a clean island attracts more visitors.
• The environment benefits, because glass doesn’t end up in landfills or the ocean.
• The local economy benefits, because the bricks are a new product that creates jobs and reduces construction costs.
• Businesses benefit, because they have a responsible way to dispose of their glass waste.
• The community benefits, because it’s a source of pride and inspiration.

Gili Cares has once again shown that island-scale sustainability is possible—but only when the community works together.

Gratitude Where It’s Due

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:

• The donors who contributed to the glass cutter machine
• The engineers and technicians helping fine-tune the brick-making process
• The businesses who continue to sort and separate their glass waste
• And the people of Gili Air, who believe that their island deserves better

What Comes Next?

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:

• Training programs for local youth to become brick makers and sustainability ambassadors
• Expanding the brick project to Lombok or neighboring islands
• Collaborations with eco-resorts and hotels looking to build sustainably
• Educational campaigns to raise awareness about glass separation

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.

How You Can Help

Whether you’re a resident, a traveler, or just someone who loves the Gili Islands, there are ways you can support this initiative:

1. Sort your waste and avoid throwing glass bottles into regular rubbish bins.
2. Support the businesses that participate in Gili Cares programs.
3. Volunteer for cleanup efforts, especially during Gili Cares’ weekly community activities.
4. Spread the word on social media to bring attention to what’s happening here.
5. Donate or sponsor equipment, supplies, or research to improve recycling technology.

Every small action helps build a better future for Gili Air.

A Model for Other Islands

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.

Conclusion: A Brighter Future in Every Brick

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.

Two Weeks of Conservation at Oceans 5 Gili Air with Global FinPrint

Oceans 5 Gili Air is once again taking the lead in marine conservation by partnering with Global FinPrint and the University of Mataram for an extensive two-week research initiative around the Gili Islands. This groundbreaking project will employ the Baited Remote Underwater Video System (BRUVS) method to record the presence of sharks, rays, and other marine life on the reefs. By deploying and monitoring BRUVS, researchers aim to gain valuable insights into the health of local marine ecosystems and the impact of human activities on these vital underwater environments.

Understanding the BRUVS Method

Global FinPrint launched in 2015 as the first global survey of its kind, utilizing BRUVS to document marine biodiversity. The technique involves setting up 30 to 100 BRUVS on a reef, each equipped with a bait station to attract marine life. The system records uninterrupted footage for 60 minutes per session, capturing invaluable data about the diversity and behavior of sharks, rays, and other marine species.

By analyzing these videos, researchers can determine patterns in species abundance, identify threats, and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts. This information is crucial in shaping policies that ensure the protection and sustainable management of marine life.

Why This Research Matters

Sharks and rays play a critical role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. As apex predators, sharks regulate the populations of their prey, which in turn affects the health of coral reefs. However, shark populations have been declining at an alarming rate due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and the demand for shark fins, meat, and other body parts.

Recent studies estimate that around 100 million sharks are killed annually for commercial purposes. While much attention has been given to the practice of finning—where sharks have their fins removed and are discarded at sea—the larger issue is the unregulated and excessive harvesting of entire shark populations. Without proper management, many species cannot replenish their numbers, pushing them toward extinction.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species reports that one-quarter of sharks and their relatives are at risk of extinction. The loss of these predators not only affects marine biodiversity but also has economic and social consequences. Countries that depend on dive tourism—where sharks are a major attraction—face significant revenue losses when shark populations dwindle. Additionally, the disappearance of sharks can disrupt marine food chains, leading to habitat degradation and reduced fish stocks, which many coastal communities rely on for sustenance.

Conservation at Oceans 5 Gili Air

As a conservation-focused dive center, Oceans 5 Gili Air is committed to marine protection through education, research, and community involvement. This two-week partnership with Global FinPrint and the University of Mataram aligns with their ongoing efforts to promote sustainable diving and marine conservation initiatives.

During the research period, the team at Oceans 5 Gili Air, alongside scientists from the University of Mataram, will deploy BRUVS at strategic locations around the Gili Islands. The recordings will help assess the current status of shark and ray populations, as well as the overall health of the reef ecosystems. The data collected will be analyzed to identify trends, potential threats, and conservation strategies that can be implemented at both local and national levels.

Impacts of Human Activities on Marine Life

Human activities significantly impact marine ecosystems, and understanding these effects is vital for conservation planning. The BRUVS research aims to determine how factors such as fishing, tourism, pollution, and marine protected areas (MPAs) influence shark and ray populations.

1. Fishing Practices: Overfishing is one of the biggest threats to shark populations worldwide. The BRUVS study will help assess the impact of fishing on the Gili Islands and provide data to support sustainable fishing regulations.
2. Marine Protected Areas: The effectiveness of existing MPAs in the region can be evaluated through BRUVS data. If MPAs show higher shark and ray abundance compared to unprotected areas, this could reinforce the need for stricter marine conservation policies.
3. Tourism and Recreational Activities: The Gili Islands are popular diving destinations, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Sustainable diving practices are crucial to minimizing human impact on the reefs. The data from this research can help dive operators implement best practices to ensure that tourism remains environmentally responsible.
4. Climate Change and Pollution: Rising ocean temperatures, plastic pollution, and habitat destruction threaten marine biodiversity. By monitoring the abundance and health of key species, researchers can identify warning signs of ecosystem decline and advocate for mitigation strategies.

The Future of Shark Conservation

The next phase of Global FinPrint’s research seeks to deepen our understanding of how sharks influence other reef animals and the potential consequences of their decline. Coral reefs are often called the “rainforests of the sea” due to their biodiversity and ecological importance. The loss of sharks could lead to imbalances in these ecosystems, causing cascading effects that impact fish populations, reef health, and ultimately, human communities.

To protect sharks and ensure the longevity of marine ecosystems, several key actions must be taken:

• Stronger Fishing Regulations: Enforcing quotas and sustainable fishing practices is essential to prevent overexploitation of shark populations.
• Expanding Marine Protected Areas: Establishing more MPAs and ensuring their effective management can create safe havens for marine life.
• Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of sharks in marine ecosystems can lead to greater public support for conservation efforts.
• Sustainable Dive Tourism: Encouraging eco-friendly diving practices can minimize human impact on reefs and contribute to conservation funding

Conclusion

The partnership between Oceans 5 Gili Air, Global FinPrint, and the University of Mataram represents a significant step forward in marine conservation in Indonesia. By deploying BRUVS and analyzing marine life data, researchers will gain critical knowledge to guide conservation efforts. Protecting sharks is not just about saving one species—it is about preserving entire marine ecosystems and securing a sustainable future for both marine life and human communities.

Through continued research, education, and proactive conservation measures, Oceans 5 Gili Air remains dedicated to being a leader in marine conservation. As the results from this two-week study emerge, they will contribute to the broader goal of ensuring that the Gili Islands remain a thriving marine paradise for generations to come.