
Scuba Diving in the Gili Islands
Nestled off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia, the Gili Isles offer a true slice of island paradise. Idyllic palm fringed beaches and azure waters surround all of these island gems, with the largest, Gili Trawangan, offering the greater scope for accommodation to suit all tastes, from 4/5 star luxury Hotels to smaller Villa style accommodation and guest houses such as 'Baruna Villas' and "Martas Guest House" to the comfortable bed and breakfasts. 'Blue Marlin Bungalows' provide good A/C rooms and hot water and Sky TV, and the staff are some of the friendliest on the island. For those seeking a slice of serenity and luxury, "Kelappa Villas' hidden in a coconut plantation on the north west coast of the island, along with the inviting atmosphere of 'Kelappa Cecil' provide the ultimate paradise setting and they are but a stones throw from the north near deserted beaches.
Swim, dive or snorkel under the golden sun or simply take a "cidomo" a horse and cart around the islands shoreline. With no traffic to worry about, this form of transport soon sets the pace for a relaxed island getaway. Come evening enjoy the breathtaking sunsets with a cocktail at the beach front bar, then tear yourself away to feast on the fine local cuisine at any of the waterfront restaurants. Local hospitality is as warm as the sun, smiles as broad as the horizons.
Less developed than Bali, its neighbour to the west, local customs and practices remain largely unchanged by the rise of commercial profiteering.
Acivities
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1 Climb and trek Mount Rinjani
2 Visit the Turtle Hatchery
3 Get involved with the Gili Eco Trust
4 Take a Komodo Liveaboard Charter
5 Komodo and Moya National Park
6 Rent a bike and see the island
7 Play tennis
9 See Meno Bird Park
10 Island Hop
Diving
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The diving off the Gilis is some of the best and most accessible in all of Indonesia. There are over 3,500 marine species living in the reefs and seas with many drop-offs, plateaus and slopes, where a myriad of tropical fish will dart between the coral heads, including sea stars and nudibranches, in a dazzling display of a color, whilst surrounding reefs are home to an abundance of sharks, turtles and manta rays. For technical divers there is ever the chance of seeing the famous 'Mola Mola" or 'Sunfish".
Local Dive Sites
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Hans Reef >>
"Rocky outcrops full of strange creatures and critters"
Min/Max Depth 0metres 24metres |
Simon's Reef >>
"Canyons, coral mounds & big schooling fish"
Min/Max Depth 12metres 40metres |
" The Pristine World War II Patrol Boat Wreck "
Min/Max Depth 37metres 45metres |
"Coral Wall, overhangs and arches"
Min/Max Depth 6metres 30metres |
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Takat Malang >>
"The Takats, overhangs, outcrops and swimthroughs"
Min/Max Depth 15metres 40metres |
"The Bounty Pontoon Wreck, sloping reef and channels"
Min/Max Depth 5metres 22metres |
Deep Turbo >>
"Overhangs, outcrops, sea mounds and canyons"
Min/Max Depth 7metres 32metres |
Sunset Reef >>
"Isolated heads of hard and soft corals"
Min/Max Depth 7metres 22metres |
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Halik Reef >>
"'Turtle Paradise'"
Min/Max Depth 3metres 25metres |
Deep Halik >>
"Drifts amongst the canyons and channels"
Min/Max Depth 3metres 25metres |
