Indonesia's most popular place to learn to scuba dive
Kris Mikael Krister
In north-west Lombok, the Indonesian island to the east of Bali, are three idyllic islands known collectively as the Gili Islands.
These small islands, as well as being beautiful above water, also offer a visual feast below the waves, with plenty of turtles & other great marine animals.
The islands, which have no cars and a very relaxed way of life, have become the most popular spot in Indonesia to learn to dive.
Highlights
Best diving spots
The islands, which have no cars and a very relaxed way of life, have become the most popular spot in Indonesia to learn to dive. The majority of dives are done as drift dives, as currents can be quite strong, with excellent diving at Shark Point, Deep Turbo & Air Wall.
There are also calm, sandy areas that are good for training. The area is blessed with healthy numbers of Green & Hawksbill Turtles, plus Blacktip & Whitetip Reef Sharks. Late in the year, Manta Rays pay a visit and Eagle Rays can sometimes be seen too.
On the downside, some areas have suffered some coral damage, but local dive operators have helped to raise awareness of damaging practices and have set-up great initiatives to encourage coral growth.
The Gilis also have some interesting macro life. Nudibranches, Frogfish, Ghost Pipefish & Seahorses can be found on Hans Reef on Gili Air. There is also a Japanese WWII wreck, but due to its depth it is off-limits to most divers.
When to dive
Lombok and the Gili Islands can be dived year-round. As with Bali to the west, the best season tends to coincide with the dry season from April through to October each year.
Getting there
It is possible to fly directly to Lombok Island, with an easy transfer to resorts on the main island. A short boat ride is required in order to reach the Gili Islands.
Many also choose to arrive through Bali, with fast boat transfers and ferry options from Padang Bai on Bali's east coast.
Activities
Gili Trawangan in particular is a fun little island, with a lovely beach and some bars and restaurants to enjoy. The other Gili Islands are much quieter.
On Lombok Island itself, there is beautiful scenery, which is dominated by the mighty Mount Rinjani. Trekking is a popular activity, as is exploring the island and some of its villages.
Resort and liveaboard options
There are accommodation options in the Gili Islands, with plenty of choice, including budget options on Gili Trawangan. Gili Air and Gili Meno offer a quieter, more refined experience.
It is also possible to stay at a hotel in the Sengiggi Beach area on Lombok's north-west coast and dive from here.
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Dive equipment guide
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All the equipment involved in diving can seem a little intimidating to a newcomer. You are likely to be wondering what on earth a Regulator is, what BCD stands for, what a split fin might be & how many millimetres your wetsuit needs to be.
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Langkawi
Situated on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, close to the Thai border, is the island of Langkawi.
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Phuket & Phi Phi Islands
Diving in Phuket has always been hugely popular due to its ease of access and choice of dive centres. It is one of Thailand's top tourist spots.
Phi Phi Island is equally popular. Actually two main islands - Don and Lae - they are truly spectacular with limestone cliffs rising into the sky.
Southern Andaman
Thailand's southern Andaman sea boasts numerous beautiful islands & beaches, plus some great diving opportunities.
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