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Trawangan
The largest island in the Gili's this one is aimed at budget
travellers and is considered the party island. All of the
dive sites in the Gili islands can be reached from any of
the three islands but this one is the most popular. |
Meno
The smallest and quietest island in the chain is Gili Meno.
There are less accommodation options that neighbouring Gili
Air and those that are there tend to be more up market.
There is a bird park on the island and mosquitos can be
rife. |
Air
This is the first of the three Gili Islands off the
northwest coast of Lombok. It has the largest population and
feels more "lived on" than the other two islands.
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Deep Turbo
the sandy bottom at 30 meters has a number of huge sea
mounds that rise up to around 20 meters. There are plenty of
overhangs and cracks to explore that house morays, crabs and
fish. Coral growth is good here and there are some resident
garden eels in the sand.
Sunset Reef
A gently sloping reef with good hard coral growth including
big slabs of table coral and gardens of staghorn. The reef
ends at around 20 meters and attracts the usual fish life.
Halik Reef
A steeper slope to the north of Gili Trawangan dropping down
to 25 meters. There are a series of canyons in the deeper
areas that are often home to local turtles. Good coral and
reef life at this site.
Shark Point
This is the most popular dive site on the island, it is a
vast open site with a series of ridges that fall away into
deeper water. Coral cover isnt as impressive as other Gili
spots but this is one of the better places to see whitetip,
blacktip and even the possibility of grey sharks. There are
also other big visitors such as rays, turtles and bumphead
parrotfish. Manta Point, a little further south, can offer
the opportunity to spot seasonal visiting mantas.
Depths: 10 - 40m
Viz: 5 - 30m
Currents: Occasional
Getting there : Boat 15 minutes.
Best months: Apr to Oct
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Takat Malang and Simon's
Reef
Malang reef between Gili Meno and Air offers a plateau at
around 12 meters that drops away to around 40. There are
several big coral heads with some impressive canyons,
overhangs and swimthroughs. Plenty of healthy coral, sponges
and gorgonians to be found here along with a vast array of
marine fish. Simon's reef, which is close by, also offers
similar action with eight big coral bommies in a rough
figure of eight formation.
Meno Wall
The soft coral carpeted wall drops to around 22 meters and
is home to all manner of crusteaceans. Some big groupers and
turtles are often seen at this spot which is also a popular
night dive destination. Spanish dancers and cuttlefish are
the delights after dark.
Depths: 10 - 40m
Viz: 5 - 30m
Currents: Occasional
Getting there : Boat 15 minutes.
Best months: Apr to Oct |
Japanese Wreck
The remains of a 20 meter World War II Japanese patrol
vessel can be found in 45 meters of water to the south of
Gili Air. It is home to a large number of lionfish and
scorpionfish and often attracts schooling barracuda and
jacks. Due to the depths involved decompression or enriched
air diving is recommended on this site.
Hans Reef
To the northeast of Gili Air is this reef of bommies and
rocky outcrops. This is a great site for macro life and
juvenile fish, keep a lookout for frogfish, pipefish and
octopus.
Air Wall
This dive offers a drop off to around 32 meters, some good
coral formations can be found here with plenty of overhangs
and arches filled with glassfish. There are concrete blocks
that serve as a cleaning station at 22 meters and a sandy
patch that can also be explored.
Depths: 10 - 45m
Viz: 5 - 30m
Currents: Occasional
Getting there : Boat 15 minutes.
Best months: Apr to Oct
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