Gap Year Indonesia

Programmes in Indonesia

Diver training and Biorock® Speciality / Marine Conservation

The Gili Islands are the second largest Biorock® site in the world and are currently home to 37 Biorock® structures. The reef restoration project is coordinated by the Gili Eco Trust which works closely with the DKP (Indonesian Marine Conservation and fisheries) and is part of the Coral Triangle Project. The aim is to extend these projects so that the Gili Islands become a global centre for coral research and re-growth. 
Entry level and professional courses available on this trip

 

Destination Guide

Location

Gili Trawangan is one of 3 small tropical islands located off the North West coast of Lombok, Indonesia commonly known as “The Gilis”. Only a 2 hour fast boat ride from Bali, the islands offer a tranquil escape from the usual tourist trail. Fringed in pristine white sand beaches and vibrant off shore corals, Gili Trawangan (the largest of the 3 islands) can be walked around and enjoyed in less than 2 hours at a leisurely stroll. There are no motorised vehicles on any of the islands and the most common mode of transportation is by bike, although the islands “cidomos”, a small horse drawn cart, can offer a more authentic Indonesian transport experience.

Dive Centre / Accommodation

It's a 5 star PADI centre located on the North East side of the island. A vibrant bustling dive shop offering a combination of professionalism and personal care. With up to 4 dives going each day to over 25 different sites you are guaranteed varied diving conditions. Facilities include a diver training pool compete with pool bar overlooking the best swimming beach on the island, a world class restaurant with culinary trained Mexican chef, 7 deluxe bungalow accommodations and 11 hostel style bunk bed rooms. The dive centre has a nitrox filling station, air-conditioned classroom and excellent equipment.

Diving in the area

The diving in the Gilis is second to none. The Indo-Pacific ocean boasts the widest variety of marine life the world over and it is not uncommon to see, on any given dive , turtles, reef sharks, blue spotted stingrays, eagle rays, eels, octopus, cuttle fish, schools of bump head parrotfish, traveley, snappers and endless other tropical fish. The visibility averages from 20-30 meters and the water temperature hovers around 28°C. All our dive sites are just off the three Gilis so you’re never travelling more than 20 mins by boat. We enjoy moderate currents so all our dives are drift dives. Just roll in the water let the current carry you along the reef and the boat comes and picks you up at the end of your dive. Simply put, you could not ask for a better dive experience.

Life on the Island

There is even more to offer on the Gilis than secluded beaches and stunning sunsets, Gili Trawangan also boasts a host of international restaurants and each of Trawanagan’s more popular beach bars offers its own “party night” giving a chance to socialise with other travelers and Indonesians alike. The Locals on the island are warm friendly people with open smiles and quick laughs. Despite the fact that there are no police on Trawangan there are very few incidents of crime as the island locals pride themselves on the safety and security of the tourists that travel to the Gilies. Part of the magic of Gili Trawangan is that what starts out as a 2 week vacation ends up extending into a 3 month stay as it is so easy to feel at home in this perfect island paradise.

Good reasons to go here...

1) Powder white sand beaches
2) Stunning snorkeling
3) Turtles, octopus, reef sharks, seahorses, cuttlefish, moray eels, manta rays +++ at least 25 metre visibility in 28 degree water!!!
4) Friendly locals
5) Cold cheap beer.
6) Sun, sun, sun. clear blue skies 320 days of the year
7) No motorized vehicles
8) The sun raises over one volcano and sets over another. Amazing.
9) Meet people from all over the world
10) Go somewhere most people only ever dream of

Country Fact File