Diving in the Gilli Islands

[Ardy]

Hi All - we are off to Amed in Bali during April this year with friends who have not been before.

In looking around for information I stumbled on The Gilli islands and they look great for us and we are planning to go in August-September this year.

My partner is a keen snorkeller and I dive and do UW photography. We like things a bit remote with some traditional feel to it.

Which of the Gilli Islands would you suggest for both our needs.

We also need accommodation, if you have any experience of staying there, air-cond, clean, preferably on the beach with some space.

regards

Ardy

 

[TheWartHog]

Hi Ardy

I suggest Gili Air and staying at The Waterfront and dive with Manta Dive Gili Air next door. Been there 4 times now.
If you want something a bit quieter, then try staying on Gili Meno.
If you want to party, then try Gili T.

 

[AlMitch]

Check out Divine divers on Gilli Meno at Fundive or learn to dive with Divine Divers Padi diveschool Gili MenoDivine Divers Resort
Mars who owns/runs the place is brilliant!

 

[adamsnothere]

My wife and I also dove with Manta Dive on Gili Air in July 2014 and had a great time. The instructors there were really great, although most of the people there diving were taking courses, so if you are experienced maybe want to look at other options? The vibe on the island was really great. Relaxing, but still things to do.

If you have time, I'd also suggest checking out Nusa Lembongan, just off the SE coast of Bali. We went there from Gili Air and I actually preferred the diving there. Got to see Manta Rays and also had a truly magical sunset dive at a site called Mangroves. Have a great time.

 

[Ardy]

My wife and I also dove with Manta Dive on Gili Air in July 2014 and had a great time. The instructors there were really great, although most of the people there diving were taking courses, so if you are experienced maybe want to look at other options? The vibe on the island was really great. Relaxing, but still things to do.

If you have time, I'd also suggest checking out Nusa Lembongan, just off the SE coast of Bali. We went there from Gili Air and I actually preferred the diving there. Got to see Manta Rays and also had a truly magical sunset dive at a site called Mangroves. Have a great time.

Adam that is a bit of a worry. I am into macro photography and if you found the diving on Nusa Lembongan better then it would surprise me if the Gilli Islands would suit me.

Any ideas about the macro world on Gilli Islands?

 

[TheWartHog]

Adam that is a bit of a worry. I am into macro photography and if you found the diving on Nusa Lembongan better then it would surprise me if the Gilli Islands would suit me.

Any ideas about the macro world on Gilli Islands?

The Gili Islands and Nusa Lembongan are a great diving combo but I think the diving for both critters and bigger stuff is better around Nusa Lembongan. Try World Diving or Two Fish there but there are other good dive centres as well.

It's just that I find a diving/holiday trip is ideal for me in the Gili Islands and you will find small stuff there too.

Maybe go to both if you can, I always do! Whatever you choose, have a great time.

 

[adamsnothere]

Adam that is a bit of a worry. I am into macro photography and if you found the diving on Nusa Lembongan better then it would surprise me if the Gilli Islands would suit me.

Any ideas about the macro world on Gilli Islands?

I was only there that one time and am not a photographer, so my experience is somewhat limited. During our Gili dives, the instructor did point out a number of small critters, so there is some of that stuff around Gili. Nusa Lembongan had nicer reefs with more life though, which I'm guessing is a good spot to look for small stuff as well. Also, of note was that Nusa Lembongan definitely had more current than around Gili, not sure if that makes things more difficult for photography.

 

[Ardy]

Thanks guys - I think I will either do the Gili's and lower my diving/macro photography expectations for the time we are there or combine it with a few days back at Tulamben. Been to Nusa Lembongan and not too impressed with the diving but a great dive shop in World Diving there.

Still have hopes of seeing manta's in clear water but didn't get that in Nusa. I have dived with Manta's on many occasions but NEVER in clear water. I must be cursed.

 

[dirtfarmer]

When I go to Gill Air it's at the end of a trip where I've loaded up on dives off Lembongan and Tulamben. Tulamben has great macro\muck, Lembongan is more about beautiful reefs and Molas and Mantas. Macro can be difficult there as their can be strong currents. Gilli Air has some decent diving, but I'm there mostly to chill with the wife who is a non diver. There is some good snorkelling off the Gillies.We stay at the beach club and when I start to get antsy and my wife says go for a dive, I'll do an afternoon dive and shoot some photos. The diving isn't top notch but I usually find some macro subjects to my liking. If you go try and find a shop that has an >ndonesian guide as I find they are better spotters than western guides,I think they must have super radar vision or something.

 

[Ardy]

Thanks, Dirty Farmer, I am beginning to think your idea is the right one. Get some decent dives in first then go to the Gilis for the beaches and the snorkelling. Unfortunately the only place in Bali where I can get my macro 'hit' is Tulamben and there is almost nothing there for the princess. She has been good in the past, sitting by the pool for days on end but it ain't fair and it ain't right.

Would love to find great beaches and snorkelling, combined with some excellent macro shots but I am on a hiding to nothing.