by Natalie Hewitt
If you’ve read our blog on 4 Things You Should Consider When Choosing a Divemaster Internship, you might be wondering how these points relate to the Gilis. Choosing where to do your internship isn’t a decision that you should take lightly. At 3WDive we offer you 6 months of diving, so you better make sure you love the place!
So let us tell you about why we love the Gilis, and why it might be the right place for you.
Location is everything!
The location has to be your top priority as it affects everything else that you should be thinking about. Luckily for us, the Gilis are a pretty sweet spot.
In Southeast Asia, made up of thousands of volcanic islands, you’ll find the wonderful Indonesia. All these islands have different cultures, languages, ecosystems, and environments. And importantly, Indonesia is known for it’s amazing diving!
In Southeast Asia, made up of thousands of volcanic islands, you’ll find the wonderful Indonesia. All these islands have different cultures, languages, ecosystems, and environments. And importantly, Indonesia is known for it’s amazing diving!
One of these archipelagos are the Gili islands. Located 15 minutes off of the north-western shore of Lombok, or around 90 minutes from Padang Bai, Bali. So while the Gilis are a little out of the way, they are by no means remote. They are easy to get to from two major airports (Denpasar and Lombok). Yet, they are a world away from the busy hustle and bustle of Bali.
The location also means that if you have a few days off you can easily go explore other parts of Indonesia.
Another benefit of the island’s location, and most of Indonesia, is its placement in The Coral Triangle. Around 76% of the world’s coral species are found in the Coral Triangle, making it the area with the highest coral diversity in the world!
The location also means that if you have a few days off you can easily go explore other parts of Indonesia.
Another benefit of the island’s location, and most of Indonesia, is its placement in The Coral Triangle. Around 76% of the world’s coral species are found in the Coral Triangle, making it the area with the highest coral diversity in the world!
Gilis Climate
Depending on your personal preferences, the following may be a positive or a negative. But for us, the tropical climate is a blessing. Being only 8 degrees south of the equator there are only small fluctuations in seasons. The islands only have dry and wet, none of that spring, summer, autumn, and winter stuff!
The wet and rainy season tends to be November to March, so the dry months are April to October. Which may influence when you decide to begin your divemaster internship. Yet, the islands usually have much less rainfall than Bali. The temperature tends to stay between 22 and 32°C year-round.
The wet and rainy season tends to be November to March, so the dry months are April to October. Which may influence when you decide to begin your divemaster internship. Yet, the islands usually have much less rainfall than Bali. The temperature tends to stay between 22 and 32°C year-round.
Check those conditions
Location and climate for diving are particularly important for those underwater conditions. That is what we’re here for, isn’t it?
So, due to that lovely tropical climate, the water temperature tends to stay between 27 and 29°C. Diving in a shorty or even a rash vest and shorts isn’t uncommon here, and we dig it.
So, due to that lovely tropical climate, the water temperature tends to stay between 27 and 29°C. Diving in a shorty or even a rash vest and shorts isn’t uncommon here, and we dig it.
Diving conditions in the Gilis are perfect for learning and mastering skills. The visibility is usually impeccable (but certain factors can change that at times).
Unlike other Indonesian islands, the Gilis aren’t known for their currents. But, that doesn’t mean that you won’t experience them at all here. The Indonesian throughflow still affects us! Our dive sites have many varying depths and typography, making them great for divers of any level.
Due to the proximity of all the dive sites, there’s no need to spend all day on a rocking boat. All our dive sites are less than 30 minutes away. Due to this, 3WDive boats always return to the shop between dives.
Unlike other Indonesian islands, the Gilis aren’t known for their currents. But, that doesn’t mean that you won’t experience them at all here. The Indonesian throughflow still affects us! Our dive sites have many varying depths and typography, making them great for divers of any level.
Due to the proximity of all the dive sites, there’s no need to spend all day on a rocking boat. All our dive sites are less than 30 minutes away. Due to this, 3WDive boats always return to the shop between dives.
Gili Air… that island life
The diving where you do your divemaster internship shouldn’t be the only thing you focus on when picking a place. There is time you’re going to have to spend on land too!
Each of the Gili islands have their own vibe, and you’ll need to find the right one for you. Gili Meno is the quietest of the three, known for beautiful beaches and it’s relaxing vibe. On the opposite side of the scale is Gili Trawangan – the party island. It is the biggest island and is the most well-known.
Then there’s Gili Air, often described as the inbetween island. Taking the best parts of its sister islands. A chilled out vibe can be found throughout the island but there’s always a spot where the Bintangs and the cocktails are flowing.
Each of the Gili islands have their own vibe, and you’ll need to find the right one for you. Gili Meno is the quietest of the three, known for beautiful beaches and it’s relaxing vibe. On the opposite side of the scale is Gili Trawangan – the party island. It is the biggest island and is the most well-known.
Then there’s Gili Air, often described as the inbetween island. Taking the best parts of its sister islands. A chilled out vibe can be found throughout the island but there’s always a spot where the Bintangs and the cocktails are flowing.
None of the three islands have motorized vehicles, making them much more peaceful and pollution-free. Nothing quite like riding through paradise on your bike! Furthermore, this means a quick and enjoyable commute to the dive shop in the morning, no long car journeys or getting stuck in traffic.
If you’re daydreaming of bare feet living, sunset beers and crystal clear waters, you’ll get more than what you expect on the Gilis. Delicious and cheap local nasi (rice) dishes. Friendly, authentic connections with locals. A great, inviting community of expats from all over the world. Yoga and relaxing on the beach. This is the epitome of island life.
If you’re daydreaming of bare feet living, sunset beers and crystal clear waters, you’ll get more than what you expect on the Gilis. Delicious and cheap local nasi (rice) dishes. Friendly, authentic connections with locals. A great, inviting community of expats from all over the world. Yoga and relaxing on the beach. This is the epitome of island life.
More to think about
You also have to take into consideration a few other aspects when picking where you will be based for the duration of your divemaster internship.
First up is the visa requirements for the specific country. This will vary depending on the length of time you’re planning to do your internship over, and your country of origin. For Indonesia, the social visa you’ll most likely need is pretty easy to get, and not too expensive either. The Gilis’ proximity to Lombok means that if you need to visit immigration or do a visa run, it doesn’t have to be painful.
First up is the visa requirements for the specific country. This will vary depending on the length of time you’re planning to do your internship over, and your country of origin. For Indonesia, the social visa you’ll most likely need is pretty easy to get, and not too expensive either. The Gilis’ proximity to Lombok means that if you need to visit immigration or do a visa run, it doesn’t have to be painful.
The cost of living in Indonesia is also generally inexpensive, and this applies to the Gilis too. As always, you can choose how much or how little you want to spend. Meals can easily cost you less than $2, and accommodation between $140-$210 a month depending on the season and what amenities you want.
3WDive Gili Air
Here at 3WDive we call Gili Air our home. We love the totally chilled vibe and sunset beers. But it’s important you find a location and a dive shop where you will get the best experience for you. As soon as you arrive on the island we’ll be here to welcome you to the tribe and show you our favorite spots on Gili Air.