PADI IDC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
Oceans 5 Gili Air, a PADI Career Development Centre, emphasizes instructor growth alongside offering premier diving experiences. With continuous learning opportunities, instructors like Ary, Chika, Yunus, Tama, and Waz advance their skills, inspiring future dive professionals. This commitment to development promotes exceptional training and enhances the dive center’s reputation in the industry.
Pointer sticks, essential tools for dive guides to highlight marine life, have seen misuse as buoyancy aids and noise-makers, which can harm the environment and misrepresent diving skills. Oceans 5 Gili Air advocates for responsible use of pointer sticks solely to enhance underwater experiences, promoting excellent buoyancy and conservation among divers.
Fifteen years ago, Oceans 5 Gili Air and Master Selam began a partnership that would shape their futures and foster community-driven conservation efforts across Indonesia. Master Selam, one of Indonesia’s most trusted dive equipment distributors, has been a foundational partner for Oceans 5, equipping their team with reliable gear from renowned brands like Aqualung and Suunto. This long-standing relationship has empowered the dive center’s mission to promote marine conservation and to support the next generation of marine scientists.
As the only PADI Career Development Centre on Gili Air, Oceans 5 is dedicated to quality, community, and environmental stewardship. Their commitment extends beyond training divers and instructors; they focus on empowering local talent and fostering a sustainable future. The partnership with Master Selam has been instrumental in helping Oceans 5 fulfill this mission, particularly through their support of the Marine Science Faculty at the University of Mataram.
As one of Indonesia’s largest distributors of premium dive equipment, Master Selam supplies reliable gear for both recreational and professional divers, carrying brands such as Aqualung and Suunto. Built on trust and dependability, Master Selam has become the backbone for dive centers across Indonesia. Their partnership with Oceans 5 is rooted in a shared vision of promoting safe diving practices and enhancing the diving industry with quality equipment.
For Oceans 5, having Master Selam as a partner means access to top-tier gear, essential for maintaining the safety and satisfaction of their clients. From beginners in the PADI Open Water Course to advanced professional candidates in the Instructor Development Course, Oceans 5 can count on Master Selam for high-quality, durable equipment.
Oceans 5 Gili Air’s dedication to marine conservation includes a partnership with the Marine Science Faculty of the University of Mataram, offering students a unique opportunity to conduct marine fieldwork through reef surveys around the Gili Islands. This initiative allows students to apply their academic knowledge and gather scientific data on the marine life they hope to protect.
Oceans 5 organizes four survey dives over two days each week, where students document coral health, fish populations, and invertebrate diversity. This data is invaluable for their research papers, providing real-world insights into reef health and biodiversity. The program gives students a powerful step into the field of marine conservation, where their hands-on experience is as crucial as the data they collect.
Master Selam’s support has been pivotal for these student-led surveys. Seeing the importance of this work, Master Selam recently donated essential dive equipment—including fins, masks, snorkels, and wetsuits—to ensure that the students are fully equipped to conduct their research safely and effectively. This donation removes financial barriers for the students, allowing them to focus entirely on their research and conservation goals.
Oceans 5 Gili Air has long believed in the power of empowering local talent and supporting sustainable growth. In Indonesia, where tourism plays a crucial role in the economy, it’s essential to foster an environment that uplifts the local community. Oceans 5 sees their collaboration with the Marine Science Faculty and Master Selam as a critical part of this vision, helping local students achieve their dreams of becoming marine biologists.
Master Selam’s donation of equipment is a testament to their dedication to the diving industry and the future of marine conservation in Indonesia. By providing gear for aspiring marine scientists, they’re investing in a sustainable future for the oceans and the communities that rely on them. Together, Oceans 5 and Master Selam demonstrate the impact of a partnership rooted in shared goals, creating opportunities that extend far beyond Gili Air and inspire young Indonesians to make a difference in the marine field.
Every week, under the guidance of Oceans 5, the students from the University of Mataram participate in survey dives, gaining valuable practical experience. The data they collect on coral health, bleaching indicators, and reef species provides critical insights for marine research and conservation efforts. The program’s hands-on nature not only enhances the students’ understanding of marine biology but also gives them a sense of the real-world challenges in ocean conservation.
For many students, these dives represent the realization of a dream to work in marine biology, as they apply classroom knowledge to conservation efforts. This invaluable experience is now accessible thanks to the equipment donated by Master Selam, allowing students to conduct their work comfortably and confidently. Each dive helps the students gain skills that will shape their careers, fostering a passion for marine protection.
Oceans 5’s relationship with Master Selam transcends a typical supplier-client interaction. Based on mutual respect and shared values, their partnership has strengthened over the years because both organizations see the significance of their combined impact on the local community. Oceans 5 can rely on Master Selam to provide high-quality equipment essential for meeting the needs of their customers and maintaining their professional standards.
In return, Oceans 5 showcases the reliability of the brands Master Selam distributes, demonstrating their quality in real-world settings through professional dive courses and experiences. This partnership is a model for what can be achieved when two organizations commit to shared values and goals in support of local communities and the environment.
The collaboration between Oceans 5, Master Selam, and the University of Mataram’s Marine Science Faculty is secured through a long-term agreement that promises ongoing support. With this commitment, both Oceans 5 and Master Selam can continue investing in the future of local marine scientists and conservation in the Gili Islands.
Through their partnership, they’re creating a ripple effect of positive change within the local community, providing Indonesian students with practical skills and meaningful experience in marine conservation. By enabling these young marine enthusiasts to develop their expertise, Oceans 5 and Master Selam are establishing a legacy of environmental stewardship that will inspire generations to come.
As the world shifts toward more sustainable practices, partnerships like that of Oceans 5 Gili Air and Master Selam illustrate what’s possible when organizations focus on environmental responsibility and community impact. Through their combined efforts, they’re not only supporting the local economy but also creating pathways for students to become the marine scientists and environmental advocates of tomorrow.
Master Selam’s equipment donation has enabled Oceans 5 to provide a no-cost conservation program for students, removing financial obstacles and opening doors to aspiring marine biologists. This partnership exemplifies how organizations can work together to support local communities and invest in a sustainable future.
For Oceans 5 Gili Air and Master Selam, the past 15 years have been a journey of collaboration and purpose. Together, they’ve shown that a shared mission can have far-reaching impacts, empowering local talent, enhancing community well-being, and preserving the beauty of Indonesia’s marine ecosystems for generations. As they look forward, both Oceans 5 and Master Selam remain dedicated to supporting each other and the causes they believe in, working hand in hand to make a lasting, positive impact on the people and oceans of Indonesia.
In summary, the partnership between Oceans 5 Gili Air and Master Selam reflects a commitment to quality, conservation, and community. Through their support of the University of Mataram’s Marine Science Faculty, Oceans 5 and Master Selam are empowering young Indonesians to pursue careers in marine science and environmental protection, while contributing to a sustainable future for Indonesia’s oceans and coastal communities.
PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) di Oceans 5 Gili Air menawarkan pelatihan komprehensif bagi calon instruktur selam di lokasi yang menakjubkan. Dipimpin oleh Sander Buis, kursus ini menekankan pengajaran yang dipersonalisasi dalam kelompok kecil, penekanan pada konservasi, serta persiapan yang solid untuk ujian instruktur, menciptakan pengalaman transformasi yang unik.
Oceans 5 Gili Air is offering PADI Instructor Development Courses (IDCs) with limited spots for personalized training. The November IDC is fully booked, and January/February spaces are filling quickly. With a maximum of six candidates, the center prioritizes quality instruction in a supportive, family-like environment, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for their diving careers.
This October, Gili Air welcomed back LUNI Lombok for a two-week cat clinic that brought hope and care to the island’s feline population. With nearly 300 cats receiving medical attention, sterilization, and vaccinations, this event demonstrated the powerful impact of community-driven animal welfare. Thanks to the partnership between LUNI Lombok, local businesses, and Oceans 5 Gili Air, the clinic became a resounding success, laying the groundwork for future clinics aimed at managing the cat population and maintaining the health of animals across the Gili Islands.
LUNI Lombok is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals across the Gili Islands. With a long-term vision to expand their work to new areas, LUNI Lombok has identified five key goals that guide their operations:
Food & Water:
LUNI Lombok’s mission starts with ensuring that every animal on the Gili Islands has access to food and clean water, along with caring eyes to monitor their well-being.
Sterilization and Vaccination:
To control the stray cat population, LUNI Lombok aims to sterilize and vaccinate at least 80% of the cat population on Gili Air, Gili Trawangan, and Gili Meno. They achieve this goal through permanent clinics and pop-up Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, like the one hosted at Oceans 5 Gili Air.
Veterinary Care:
Beyond cats, LUNI Lombok’s veterinary care program extends to other animals on the islands such as goats, cows etc, ensuring all animals in need receive medical assistance through mobile vet services or at their clinic. Cats without an owner receive free treatment if they are sick or injured.
Rescue and Rehabilitation:
LUNI Lombok responds to emergencies by rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming wildlife such as snakes, civet cats, birds, asian leopard cats and other wild animals. Their rescue efforts ensure the islands’ ecosystems remain in balance and human-wildlife interactions are handled safely.
Education and Community Support:
LUNI Lombok believes in fostering a sense of responsibility within the local community by promoting animal welfare education, encouraging cat fostering and adoption, and hosting events to raise awareness.
The organization’s work on the Gili Islands reflects a commitment not just to animal health, but also to building sustainable systems for the future, where communities can coexist harmoniously with local wildlife and awareness how to take care of pets.
LUNI Lombok’s recent two-week cat clinic on Gili Air was a milestone event, treating nearly 300 cats in just 14 days. The growing cat population on Gili Air makes such initiatives essential, as unchecked growth can lead to health issues and overpopulation. The clinic was organized at Oceans 5 Gili Air, transforming two of its classrooms into specialized spaces—one for surgery and the other for recovery.
Under the careful supervision of Nina and her team of experienced veterinarians, the clinic became a beacon of hope for cat owners and stray animals alike. Their work included:
With these efforts, LUNI Lombok took significant steps toward controlling the cat population and keeping it healthy. Their work not only benefits the cats but also ensures that Gili Air’s unique ecosystem remains balanced.
The clinic’s success would not have been possible without the generous support of Oceans 5 Gili Air and local businesses. By providing classrooms as surgery and recovery rooms, Oceans 5 enabled LUNI Lombok’s team to focus fully on the animals. The dive center also served as a logistical base for the clinic, helping volunteers stay organized and comfortable.
Local businesses also stepped up by offering meals, refreshments, and accommodation to the hardworking team. The community spirit during the clinic showed how Gili Air’s businesses and residents understand the importance of animal welfare and are ready to contribute actively.
“Thank you” is extended not just to LUNI Lombok and the volunteers, but to everyone in the community—from businesses to individuals—who helped make the clinic possible. Their support demonstrates how partnerships between animal welfare organizations and local communities can foster lasting change.
The impressive turnout at this year’s clinic was just the beginning. With close to 300 cats helped in two weeks, the team’s efforts are a step toward achieving LUNI Lombok’s goal of sterilizing and vaccinating 80% of the stray cat population on the Gili Islands. However, there’s still a lot of work to be done.
Plans for 2025 are already underway. Next year, LUNI Lombok will return to Gili Air, not for two weeks, but for multiple shorter clinics throughout the year. The dates will be announced soon, providing more regular opportunities to address animal needs and keep the population under control.
These more frequent clinics will ensure that:
The Gili Islands are known for their beautiful beaches and thriving tourism industry, but they are also home to many stray animals that rely on community support. Managing the animal population is essential not just for the animals’ well-being but also for the overall health of the islands.
Without intervention, the cat population can grow uncontrollably, leading to food shortages, diseases, and conflicts between animals. Additionally, unmanaged animal populations can affect tourism by creating health risks and diminishing the island’s appeal to visitors.
As this year’s clinic comes to a close, the entire Gili Air community extends its gratitude to LUNI Lombok and the volunteers who gave their time and energy to care for the island’s cats. A special thank you also goes to Oceans 5 Gili Air for hosting the clinic and to the local businesses that provided the team with food, drinks, and accommodation.
The success of this clinic is a testament to what can be achieved when individuals and organizations unite toward a common goal. The next time LUNI Lombok returns, the community will once again welcome them with open arms, ready to support their mission of animal care and population management.
If you are passionate about animal welfare, there are several ways to get involved:
With clinics like these, LUNI Lombok’s vision of healthy, cared-for animals on the Gili Islands is becoming a reality. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the generosity of local businesses, and the enthusiasm of the community, the future looks bright—for both Gili Air’s cats and the people who care for them.
Special note for all the businesses who were supporting the cat clinic, Thank You:
Crafty Giraffe Gili Air
Gili Air, known for its beauty, faces pollution challenges, prompting local hero Rama, 23, to lead a grassroots movement tackling waste. Starting from beach cleanups, he created a recycling business, collaborating with local businesses to manage waste effectively. His inspiring journey highlights the impact of individual action for environmental change.
For many divers, the dream of becoming a PADI Instructor represents the ultimate achievement in their scuba diving journey. However, not all dive centers offer the seamless transition from Divemaster to Instructor. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we provide a unique internship to fulfill this …
We are thrilled to announce a new and exciting partnership between Oceans 5 Gili Air and the University of Mataram, set to make waves in the field of marine conservation! This partnership aims to deepen the understanding of the rich marine biodiversity around the Gili Islands while fostering the next generation of marine scientists. With Oceans 5 Gili Air providing generous sponsorship, the University of Mataram will begin conducting enhanced surveys of the stunning marine ecosystems surrounding the Gili Islands, making this collaboration a significant upgrade from previous years.
Starting next week, the University of Mataram’s Marine Conservation students will begin their surveys around Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan. Historically, these surveys have taken place bi-weekly, allowing for valuable data collection and analysis. However, thanks to Oceans 5 Gili Air’s sponsorship, these surveys will now occur on a weekly basis — quadrupling the frequency of studies and offering far greater opportunities to monitor and analyze the health of the local reefs and marine life.
Previously, the survey team consisted of just five students, but this partnership will now enable a team of seven talented students to conduct these surveys. This increase in manpower not only enhances data accuracy and collection speed but also provides valuable field experience for more students, allowing them to gain hands-on skills crucial to their future careers in marine conservation.
The waters surrounding the Gili Islands are home to a breathtaking array of marine species, from vibrant coral reefs to turtles, sharks, and a myriad of fish. However, these ecosystems are vulnerable to threats such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change. This partnership between Oceans 5 Gili Air and the University of Mataram addresses these concerns by focusing on conservation research and marine ecosystem health, aiming to provide scientific insights that can influence positive environmental policies and local community action.
With weekly surveys in place, the University of Mataram team will now be able to capture more nuanced data on the fluctuations in marine species populations, coral health, and water quality. The increased frequency will allow the team to track changes more effectively, making it easier to identify early signs of issues such as coral bleaching, overfishing, or disease outbreaks. By acting on this data in real-time, conservation efforts can be more targeted and effective.
The group of seven students from the University of Mataram comes with passion and dedication, eager to contribute to the protection of the Gili Islands’ marine environments. Their surveys will cover a range of topics, from vertebrate and invertebrate populations to coral health assessments and water quality checks. This expanded team will also help ensure that each aspect of the survey is conducted meticulously, ensuring data integrity and a comprehensive understanding of the ecosystems they study.
One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is the opportunity it gives these young marine scientists to learn in the field, honing their skills in marine biology, ecology, and environmental monitoring. They will also gain insights into working with local communities, helping to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world conservation efforts.
Oceans 5 Gili Air is not just a dive center; it’s a conservation hub dedicated to protecting and preserving the marine environments of the Gili Islands. This partnership with the University of Mataram aligns perfectly with their ethos of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Oceans 5 has always been proactive in organizing beach cleanups, reef restoration programs, and educating divers on the importance of marine conservation. This new sponsorship marks another step forward in their ongoing efforts to protect the fragile ecosystems of the Gili Islands.
By supporting these weekly surveys, Oceans 5 Gili Air is playing a crucial role in building local capacity for marine conservation. The dive center is helping to provide the necessary tools and support to ensure the surveys are conducted smoothly. Additionally, Oceans 5 Gili Air’s staff and instructors will be working alongside the students, offering their expertise and knowledge to assist with the data collection process.
The results of these weekly surveys will not only benefit the scientific community but also the local diving and fishing communities. Data collected by the University of Mataram students will be shared with local authorities and stakeholders to inform sustainable practices that protect marine life while supporting tourism and fishing industries in the region. The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable balance where tourism, local livelihoods, and environmental protection work hand in hand.
This collaboration will also provide exciting opportunities for the public to engage with the project. Stay tuned for regular updates from the field, as the students and researchers share their findings and insights on the state of the reefs and marine life around the Gili Islands.
Oceans 5 Gili Air and the University of Mataram are committed to sharing this journey with the wider community, both to inspire more people to take action in protecting the environment and to educate divers and tourists about the importance of marine conservation. Whether you are a local, a tourist, or a diver, there will be numerous ways for you to get involved and support the conservation efforts.
We invite everyone to support these dedicated students and their work as they dive into the reefs of the Gili Islands to explore, learn, and contribute to conservation efforts. Your engagement can be as simple as spreading the word, volunteering in a cleanup event, or even joining a PADI AWARE course at Oceans 5 Gili Air to deepen your own understanding of marine conservation.
With this enhanced partnership, we are looking forward to a future where the Gili Islands’ marine ecosystems are thriving, supported by both cutting-edge research and the involvement of local communities. Together, we can make a difference for the oceans!
Specialties Instructor Course at Oceans 5 Gili Air: Elevate Your Diving Career Becoming a PADI Instructor is a significant achievement, but to truly stand out in the diving industry, adding specialty instructor certifications to your resume is key. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the PADI …