Scuba Diving in Gili Islands, Indonesia - My Open Water Diver certification

Scuba Diving Certification Course in Gili Islands, Indonesia

​Scuba diving in the Gili Islands, Lombok, Indonesia - the Turtle Capital of the World, was the main reason I took off on a solo backpacking trip to Indonesia in 2015. I was eager to get my open water diving certification after my first scuba experience in Lakshadweep. Anyone who’s dived there knows how amazing it is, so I needed a destination that could live up to that. After some research, I narrowed it down to the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Andaman Islands. I picked Indonesia because I wanted to take my course at an international destination, and flights to Bali are pretty affordable. And, the GiLi Islands are just a 2-hour speed boat ride from Bali. GiLi Islands are a group of 3 tiny islands – GiLi Trawangan, GiLi Meno and GiLi Air in Lombok, Indonesia. I spent a couple of days in Bali before heading over to GiLi Trawangan for the scuba diving certification.

Diving in the turtle capital of the world - Gili Islands, Indonesia

​The Gili Islands left me utterly astounded! I can hardly begin to express the incredible experience I had during my Scuba Diving course there.

Beach life at Gili Trawangan

​The first morning, I arrived at the dive center with no preconceived notions. I was thrilled to have an instructor all to myself for the entire course. Personal attention is my preferred approach when learning a new skill. Tim, our German instructor, was meticulous about punctuality, but he was also incredibly fun. We shared laughs during theory sessions, confined water exercises, and even while I was writing my exam on the diving boat. He provided instructions underwater as well!

Scuba Diving - Gili Trawangan

​​Theory:
​The first day of the course was entirely dedicated to theory and video trainings. I was relearning physics and biology from a unique perspective—the perspective of implementation! I wish I had been taught all the subjects in school through hands-on adventures. Understanding the equipment used for scuba diving and its impact on the body underwater is crucial. To top it off, Tim gave me a book to read at my hostel that night, as if the entire day’s learning wasn’t enough for a holiday!

Theory sessions for Open Water Diver Certification: Scuba Diving - Gili Trawangan

Confined water sessions:
On the second day of my course, I received a practical briefing on using the equipment. I geared up and jumped into the pool with the gear. Tim trained me on breathing underwater, removing the regulator from my mouth, recovering it while underwater, removing the mask underwater for a minute, wearing it again, and clearing the mask. He then took me on the diving boat for my first Open Water Dive and made me perform all the skills in the ocean! I must admit that I was scared of the thought of removing my regulator and mask underwater. I couldn’t jump out if anything went wrong. However, with the strict instructor, Tim, I had no choice! He didn’t entertain my fear at all; he probably knew that everyone goes through this. After practicing the skills on a sand bed, I proceeded for my dive. I was swaying up and down, right and left, and Tim had to pull me down sometimes.

Confined Water sessions for Open Water Diver Certification: Scuba Diving - Gili Trawangan

​The third day of the course was similar to the second day. I learned new skills like going out of air and using a buddy’s alternate air source in confined water. I had to practice these skills during my second open water dive before proceeding to my dive. I was still a bit shaky in the water. Towards the end of the dive, Tim asked me to perform CESA (Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent). I had to act out of air while ascending. This time, I wasn’t allowed to use his alternate air source. After coming on the surface, I had to inflate my BCD with my mouth to float on water, but I was doing it wrong and I was drowning. I panicked and couldn’t seem to get it right. Tim didn’t come forward to help me and kept shouting “Save your life.” I hated him when he was letting me drown, but now that I see myself diving so well, I understand how well he has trained me.

Open Water Diver Certification: Scuba Diving - Gili Trawangan

​Open Water Dives:
One must complete at least four Open Water Dives as part of the certification. I had successfully completed my first two dives at a depth of 12 meters on the second and third days. On the fourth day, I didn’t have to perform any skills underwater; I could simply enjoy my Open Water Dives 3 and 4 at a depth of 18 meters. During these dives, I was learning neutral buoyancy and fish identification. By this day, I had begun to feel more stable in the water. On the last day, Tim allowed me to use my underwater camera, which is not permitted during the course.

Scuba Diving in Gili Islands - the turtle capital of the world

Final Exam:
​By the end of the course, I had to take an exam and score 75% to get certified as an Open Water Diver. The exam has multiple attempts, and the main goal is not to fail anyone but to help them improve in the areas where they need improvement.

​Open Water Diver licence:
While I was taking my exam, Tim went out to get my license printed. He was confident that I would pass! Upon his return, he reviewed my answers and informed me that there was one more tradition he wanted to follow before handing over my license. He suggested that I treat my instructor to a beer! Although I’ve never been a fan of beer, I was so thrilled to receive four beers as a reward for my success. I couldn’t resist celebrating with Tim and two other divers whom I had been diving with. It was the best toast I’ve ever had!
My open water diver licence allows me to dive with a certified buddy upto 18 metres depth.

Open Water Diver licence - Scuba Diving in Gili Islands

LogBook:
Maintaining all the logs of your dives is crucial for tracking your progress as a diver. After completing my course, I received my first logbook. Tim assisted me in filling in all the details, and I was able to log my first four dives!

Open Water Diver logbook - Scuba Diving in Gili Islands

I proudly walked out as an Open Water Diver!

Open Water Diver - Scuba Diving in Gili Islands

​Open Water Diver certification is an intense and challenging four-day routine. However, it was undoubtedly one of the best moments of my travels. I settled into the island lifestyle:

I woke up early, had breakfast at the hostel, and then walked down the beautiful streets to the dive center.I learned diving, took a lunch break at a beach cafe, and continued the course until the evening.

On my way back to the hostel, I stopped at the spa for a relaxing beach massage. I returned to the hostel, rested for a few minutes on the bean bag near the pool, and then met my new roommates.
​Every day, new roommates would replace the ones who checked out in the morning.
​
I took a shower, got dressed for the night, and went to a bar with other enthusiastic party animals to eat and socialize. Afterward, I headed back to the hostel.

Open Water Diver - Scuba Diving in Gili Islands

​I got AQUADDICTED for the rest of my life!
​I went ahead and obtained my Advanced Open Water Diver certification in the Andaman Islands. Subsequently, I embarked on a diving expedition across various oceans, including Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. I am eager to add more destinations to my list of diving adventures.

​Best time to dive in Gili Islands

Best time to dive in Gili Islands is June-October when the visibility is great.