Manta Dive Gili Air

Manta Dive Gili Air Resort

The Most relaxed and enjoyable dive shop in the Gili Islands!!

After 3 years on Gili Air, Manta Dive has quickly grown to be one of the most popular Dive Resorts in the Gili Islands. We offer the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation you want for your diving holiday. We also offer some of the best accommodation in Gili Air with 2 different types or room available. But don't worry you don't have to be a diver to stay with us, although you probably will be by the time you leave!

Add to this great environment the experience of our Managers, Jonathan and Alex, who between them have over 15 years experience as dive professionals, plus years of experience in the Gili's, and we hope we can bring you everything you need! If you are not already a diver, Manta Gili Air is the perfect place to learn diving. With crystal clear waters, one of the widest varietiesof Marine species in the world, and our experienced instructors, you could not have a more relaxed atmosphere to learn.

If you are already a diver, we have many great dive sites and many further education courses to keep you entertained! But even if diving is not for you Gili Air has much to offer with our excellent new accommodation and other activities in around the Island Gili Air has something for everybody!




OUR LOCATION

ACCOMMODATION


Manta Gili Air is not just about diving. We also have great new bungalows for you to relax in during your stay on Gili Air. Our bungalows are set in beautiful gardens and have a mix of Indonesian and Western influence.


Hotels Gili Air

Our bungalows have set a bench mark on Gili Air for quality mid range rooms at competitive prices. Hotels on Gili Air can be over priced and lacking the most basic facilities.

All our bungalows come with standard hotel facilities, including their own terrace, safety deposit box, air conditioning and hot water. Breakfast can be served on your terrace, or you can sit on the sea front next to our coffee bar and enjoy the view to Mount Rinjani on Lombok.

We have two types of rooms available Manta Dive on Gili Air, Traditional Bungalows which are the most popular, and Garden Rooms which are great for families as some of them has an adjoining door.

If diving is not your thing there are many activities to keep you entertained while on Gili Air, or you can just relax by our pool and enjoy the breath taking views and beaches whilst staying in our idyllic hotel accommodation on Gili Air.


Traditional Bungalows

Our traditional 'Sasak' bungalows are based on a typical Lombok rice barn. The A frame roof gives them a cozy feel without affecting the space available, and they blend in perfectly with the environment on our beautiful island Gili Air.

The bungalows are built completely from wood and are covered with alang-alang (a straw roof), and are our most popular room type. The bungalows are equipped with western standards: air conditioning, hot water, safety deposit box, and a private terrace. The open bathroom with outdoor shower adds to an especially idyllic atmosphere.


Garden Rooms

Our new garden rooms are built of stone in a modern Balinese style. They are slightly smaller than our traditional bungalows but just as comfortable. All the rooms are equipped with western standard facilities, air conditioning, hot water shower, safety deposit box, and a private terrace.

The family bungalow has two garden rooms which are joined by a connecting door. It has two bedrooms both with ensuite bathrooms, plenty of space for parents and children while allowing some privacy! The rooms are large enough to provide an extra mattress or cot on request!




SSI DIVE COURSES

At Manta Dive Gili Air, we try to offer you all you could want from your dive education! That is why we have instructors qualified to teach both Padi and SSI Educational Courses. We offer all courses from beginner to professional, with many specialties available such as Nitrox, Digital Underwater Photography, and Search and Recovery. At present we have 18 specialties available, so if you want to do it we can! Below is a summary of the SSI courses we offer, if you´re not sure which course is for you just contact us by email info@come2indonesia.com

Try Scuba Diving

Try Scuba Diving is the first step into the SSI world of diving.

In this one day program you will be taught the basics of dive theory, the essential dive skills needed be taught to you in our swimming pool, and finally you will put all of these together for your exciting first dive in the Open Water.

This dive will take place on of the beautiful dives sites located around the 3 Gili Islands. Chances are good that you will see one of our commonly seen Turtles, and everyone's favourite the Anemone Fish (more commonly known as Nemo!) with other favourites such as the Pallet Surgeon Fish (Dory again for the fans of finding Nemo), puffer fish, lion fish, plus many more, there is sure to be something to take your breath away and make you want to continue your diving adventures! And if you do want to continue it is easily done by completing either your SSI Scuba Diver Course, or the SSI Open Water Diver Course.

Scuba Diver

SSI Scuba Diver is the first certification level in the SSI world of diving!

During this course you will be taught by one of our Instructors the first essentials of dive theory, to master the required skills in confined water, and then put these skills and knowledge into practice with 2 dives in the Open Water at some of our beautiful dive sites located around the 3 Gili Islands of Trawangan, Meno and Air. Chances are good that you will see one of our commonly seen Turtles, and everyone's favourite the Anemone Fish (more commonly known as Nemo!) With other favourites such as the Pallet Surgeon Fish (Dory again for the fans of finding Nemo), puffer fish, lion fish, plus many more.

There is sure to be something to take your breath away and make you want to continue your diving adventures!


Open Water Course

The SSI Open Water Course is the first stage in the SSI system of Certification which allows you to Dive to a Maximum Depth of 18 meters.

During this course you will be taught by one of our Instructors. You will learn all the essentials of dive theory, to master the required skills in confined water, and then to put these skills and knowledge into practice in the Open Water. All dives will be at our beautiful dive sites located around the 3 Gili Islands of Trawangan, Meno and Air. With a Maximum group size of 4 students you will dive in pristine clear water with onlookers such as Turtles, Reef Sharks, various Rays, and an abundance of fish of many varieties. The environment of the Gili's is the perfect one for taking your first steps into the Underwater World!

Once you have completed your Open Water Course the chances are you will have a taste for more and will want to continue your dive education. If you do why not continue with your SSI Advanced Adventurer course!


SSI Advanced Adventurer

The SSI Advanced Adventurer Course is the next step in the SSI system of certification after the Open Water Diver Course. This certification allows you to dive to a maximum depth of 30 meters, teaches you more of the skills of Navigation and gives you the opportunity to expand your diving knowledge and experience with 3 further Adventure Dives, such as Photography, Nitrox, Naturalist, or Night Diver to name just a few.

During this course you will be taught by one of our Instructors the essentials of Deep Diving to 30 meters, to master the required skills of navigation, and then put these skills and knowledge into practice with 3 further dives of your choice. After completing these dives at some of our beautiful dive sites located around the 3 Gili Islands of Trawangan, Meno and Air, and having a total of 12 logged dives you will become an Advanced Adventure Diver. With a maximum group size of 4 students to an instructor you will be taught in pristine clear water with onlookers such as Turtles, Reef Sharks, various Rays, and an abundance of fish of many varieties.

The environment around the Gili's is perfect for taking the next steps in your diving experience!


Advanced and Master Diver

Once you have continued your experience through the SSI Advanced Adventurer course, the next step in the SSI Educational rating is the Advanced Diver.

This requires the completion of the Advanced Adventurer plus 24 logged dives. Following the Advanced Diver Certification you can progress to the prestigious title of Master Diver by completing 4 specialties, the Stress and Rescue Specialty and 50+ logged dives. This will show your competency and experience as a highly trained and experienced diver. Following on from this you can achieve many other levels of recognition through the SSI recognition cards, which are available to reward your dedication and enthusiasm towards diving.

If after all of this you still feel that you would like to continue your advancement diving you can take your first step into the Professional world of diving by doing the SSI Dive Control Specialist program.


Respond Right Course

The SSI Respond Right Course is designed to give you all the knowledge you need to assist in an emergency situation.

During this course our Instructor will teach you skills in CPR, bandaging, illness and accident assessment. This knowledge is not just useful for diving but can be implemented into day to day life. If you have ever wondered what you would do if you saw a serious emergency this course will prepare you for such an event, although hopefully you will never have the need! This certification or an equivalent first aid certification is needed for you to move into the professional world of diving with the Dive Control Specialist Course.

Stress and Rescue Specialty

With the SSI Stress and Rescue Specialty you get the opportunity to increase your rescue skills and enhance your general awareness of diving safety.

Many people state that when they have completed this specialty they not only feel much safer when diving but also enjoy the whole diving experience much more. Add to this the additional respect and recognition you receive from your fellow divers it truly is a worthwhile step on the SSI ladder. This specialty is also a prerequisite for achieving the prestigious ranking of Master Diver and for entering into the Dive Control Specialist Program which is the first step to the SSI world of professional diving.

Dive Control Specialist

The SSI Dive Control Specialist program takes you into a whole new level of diving. This is the first step into the professional rankings of diving.

With this course you will learn much more about the theory of diving, how to guide and look after certified divers in the open water and partake in various educational programs within the SSI structure. This course will advance not just your own diving abilities but will open doors for you to help other people with their dive education and skills. A most rewarding of programs the Dive Control Specialist Course will move you on towards the level of Instructor or just advance your knowledge so you can take much more out of your own personal dive experiences.

Gili Air is the perfect environment to complete this course, with the beautiful waters and diversity of dive sites and marine life, you will gain all the experience you need to enter the professional world.




PADI DIVE COURSES


At Manta Dive Gili Air, we try to offer you all you could want from your dive education! That is why we have instructors that can teach both Padi and SSI Educational Courses.

We offer all courses from beginner to professional, with many specialties available such as Nitrox, Digital Underwater Photography, and Search and Recovery. At present we have 18 specialties available, so if you want to do it we can! Apart from such specialties as Ice Diver, as our Freezers are not big enough to run a course in!

Below is a summary of the Padi course.

Padi Introduction Dive The Padi introduction dive is your opportunity to take a look into the underwater world without having a certification as a diver. With the Intro you will be taught the very basic dive skills and theory to help you enjoy your first ever dive experience. The skills will be taught to you in the safety and comfort of our swimming pool and then you will go with your Instructor for a dive in the Open Water. The Open Waters of the Gili Islands are perfect for your first look at the underwater world, and if you enjoy it (which we are sure you will) you can then carry on through to the Padi Scuba Diver Certification or even onto the Padi Open Water Course.

Padi Scuba Diver Course The Padi Scuba Diver Course is the first stage in the Padi system of Certification. This certification allows you to Dive to a Maximum Depth of 12 meters with a Padi Certified Professional. During this course you will be taught by one of our Instructors the first essentials of dive theory, to master the required skills in confined water, and then put these skills and knowledge into practice with 2 dives in the Open Water at some of our beautiful dive sites located around the 3 Gili Islands of Trawangan, Meno and Air. With a Maximum group size of 4 students (the PADI Maximum being 12!) you will be taught all you need to know by one of our Instructors, in pristine clear water with onlookers such as Turtles, Reef Sharks, various Rays, and an abundance of fish of many varieties. The environment of the Gili's is the perfect one for taking your first steps into the Underwater World!

Padi Open Water Diver Course The Padi Open Water Course is the first stage in the Padi system of Certification which allows you to Dive to a Maximum Depth of 18 meters with another Certified Diver. During this course you will be taught by one of our Instructors all the essentials of dive theory, to master the required skills in confined water, and then put these skills and knowledge into practice in the Open Water at some of our beautiful dive sites located around the 3 Gili Islands of Trawangan, Meno and Air. With a Maximum group size of 4 students (the Padi Maximum being 12!) you will be taught all you need to know by one of our Instructors, in pristine clear water with onlookers such as Turtles, Reef Sharks, various Rays, and an abundance of fish of many varieties. The environment of the Gili's is the perfect one for taking your first steps into the Underwater World!

Padi Advanced Open Water Diver Course The Padi Advanced Open Water Diver Course is the next step in the Padi system of Certification after the Open Water Diver Course. This certification allows you to Dive to a Maximum Depth of 30 meters, teaches you more of the skill of Navigation and gives you the opportunity to expand your diving knowledge and experience with 3 further Adventure Dives, such as Photography, Nitrox, Naturalist, Night Diver to name just a few. During this course you will be taught by one of our Instructors the essentials of Deep Diving to 30 meters, to master the required skills of navigation, and then put these skills and knowledge into practice with 3 further dives in the Open Water at some of our beautiful dive sites located around the 3 Gili Islands of Trawangan, Meno and Air, during the Adventure Dives of your choice. With a Maximum group size of 4 students (the Padi Maximum being 12!) you will be taught all you need to know by one of our Instructors, in pristine clear water with onlookers such as Turtles, Reef Sharks, various Rays, and an abundance of fish of many varieties. The environment around the Gili's is the perfect one for taking your next steps in your diving experience!!

Padi Emergency First Responder Course The Emergency First Responder is the only Padi Course which doesn't involve either confined or open water sessions! The only way you will get wet is if your instructor throws a bottle of water over you! But don't be perturbed- this course is anything but boring! On this course you will learn all the primary and secondary assessment skills to help you assess and assist in most emergency or accident situations that you may (but hopefully not) come across. During the course you will not just sit in front of videos and listen to long lectures from your instructor you will take part in many different scenarios and role plays. Also you will need to have a current EFR or equivalent first aid certification to commence your Rescue Diver Course!

Padi Rescue Diver Course The Padi Rescue Diver Course is the next step in the Padi system of Certification after completing the Padi Advanced Open Water Course and by completing the Padi EFR Course or having an equivalent, current First Aid Certification. The Rescue Course is viewed by many as the most satisfying course they ever complete, as not only does it increase your rescue skills but enhances your general awareness of the whole safety aspects of diving! Consisting of a mixture of classroom, confined water and Open Water sessions the Padi Rescue course will increase your enjoyment of diving and expand your knowledge to the extent where your next move in the Padi system will be to turn professional! Taught in a maximum group of 4, the Rescue Diver course is a must for all who want to improve their own safety and standard of diving, as well as improve their awareness of others and potential problems they may encounter!

Padi Divemaster Course The Padi Dive Master Course is the first step into the professional world of Diving! Within this course you will be trained not only how to improve your own diving knowledge but also how to guide certified divers in Open Water, to assist Certified Instructors during Padi educational courses, and to carry out all the Divemaster Conducted Programs for example Scuba Reviews, where you take already certified Divers through a refresher of the diving skills learnt in their Open Water Course. This course is not only fulfilling from the aspect of entering the world of the Padi professional but also for the further progression you achieve in your own personal diving ability and diving knowledge. Manta Gili Air is the ideal environment to achieve this prestigious certification, not only due to the friendly relaxed atmosphere of our Gili Island Facilities, but because of the variety of courses you will be able to assist and learn from, and the variety of diving experiences available to us around the pristine waters of the Gili's!

FUN DIVES

All dive sites are within a 15-20 minute boat journey, which means you actually spend most of your time diving rather than sitting in a boat!

We send only two buddy teams with each guide providing you with a very relaxed diving environment. Oxygen is on board, as well as drinking water. Most of our dives are drift dives, so the boat picks you up at the end of the dive. Our dive sites offer a broad range of topography, including sea mounds, slopes, canyons, walls and flatter areas, providing a wide selection for divers of all levels. Typically we encounter black and white tip reef sharks, stingrays, octopus, cuttlefish, moray and ribbon eels, a variety of scorpion and lionfish, clams, sea snakes, silly amounts of turtles and a bewildering amount of fish.

If you're into the small stuff Hans Reef just off Gili Air is great for 'Muck Diving', where frogfish and pipefish are the highlight. Thousands of species dwell in these waters, other visitors include mantas, eagle rays, leopard sharks, and large pelagic. Dives are generally at 9am, 11;30 am and 2pm, night dives typically begin at 7pm, and we expect you around ½ hour beforehand to arrange equipment, and so we can make all the necessary pre-dive checks and briefings.




DIVE SITE MAP


There are 15 sites that we visit around the Gili islands, most are suited to all levels of diver but a few require an Advanced certification or higher.

Gili Air

Located off the North West Coast of Lombok, and just a short journey East of Bali, the Gili Islands are 3 enchanting Islands, surrounded by crystal clear water, draped in Palm trees and blessed with beautiful tropical beaches. The Gili's now cater for all forms of travelers, with a variety of activities, and accommodation to suit every taste and budget. This has been achieved while maintaining the peaceful atmosphere typically associated with a tropical island retreat.

Gili Air offers all levels of accommodation, for all levels of budget, but has resisted the westernized feel of the bigger Islands, maintaining the Island Paradise feel whilst still offering a wide variety of cuisine and accommodation. Our beachside shop and accommodation are set in beautiful gardens which blend in perfectly with the atmosphere of the Islands.

Gili Air is becoming known as the more romantic island, more suited for families, backpackers and people wanting to find total relaxation.

No motorized vehicles are allowed on any of the 3 Islands which just add to the romance of the Gili's. If the 1 hour walk around the Island is too much energy to spend on your holiday you can travel in the quaint Cidomo's which the Gili version of taxis are basically! They are horse drawn vehicles and as long as you haggle you can have a great experience for a very reasonable price.

Most visitors to the Gili's are here to dive in our crystal clear waters, but there are many more activities to keep you entertained on your stay! If you are not a diver why not just snorkel. Even if the water is not your thing there are still many other activities such as golf, sightseeing tours in Lombok, massages and of course trying out the local cuisine!




ACTIVITIES


Golf

Directly opposite our shop is the Lombok Golf Kosaido Country Club. This is an 18 whole championship course that offers a challenging experience for golfers of all levels. Only a 2 minute speed boat journey from Gili Air, you can arrive on the beach at the 4th hole. One day and half day packages including transport, 18 holes green fee, club rental, buggy, caddy, lunch and drinks, can be arranged for you. Rates are very competitive and offer great value for money. When you're here speak to Jonathan as he is always keen to play, and won’t provide too stiff competition!!

Snorkeling

If diving is not for you this doesn't mean you have to stay out of the water! Many people enjoy the sights seen around the Gili's by snorkeling! Chances are very good for seeing favorites such as Turtles and Nemos!

Surfing

Surfing in the Gili Islands is a big part of the modern local culture. All the Islands have surfing area, the best being in the South of Gili Air and Gili Trawangan. Boards are available to rent in many shops and the locals are always happy to take you with them!

Beach Parties

Whilst Gili Trawangan is better known for its wilder parties, Gili Air is more famous for its relaxed beach parties with the music usually provided by one of the talented locals. There are no fixed schedules for parties! Just look along the beach for fires or the sounds of a guitar then just join in!

Wake Boarding and Waterskiing

Although these and other water sports are not allowed directly around the Gili Islands, for obvious safety reasons, it can be arranged for you to partake in these in a bay off Lombok. Just let us know if you would like to do this and we will arrange it all for you!

Waterfalls

Lombok boasts some beautiful waterfalls that are easily accessible from Gili Air on a day trip. You can simply take a boat, whether with public transport or by charter to Lombok, and we can arrange for a driver to take you to the waterfalls for the day, then simply return by boat to Gili Air to continue you Island Holiday! Trekking Mount Rinjani Mount Rinjani is the 2nd highest volcano in Indonesia and offers breath taking views of Lombok, The Gili Islands, and the surrounding areas. Trips can be organized from Gili Air, and can vary in length depending on how much time and energy you have!

Why not fit this in as part of your holiday experience? We would be happy to look after your larger bags whilst you explore one of the many natural wonders of Indonesia.

FAQ


How can I pay and do I have to bring much cash?
At Manta Gili Air we accept Visa/MasterCard, Traveler's checks, and many foreign currencies. There are currently no ATMs on the Gili Islands although there are plans for one to open later this year (we hope!). So the nearest ATMs are on Lombok which is a boat and car or bemo journey away. Cash advances are often available in Shops or Bars but you can incur a fairly high charge for this service. We will usually go to Lombok once a week and can try to arrange to get cash from ATMs for you on this date.

Is Gili Air suitable for children?
Yes! As with most of Indonesia, children are the most welcomed of guests! Indonesians usually have large families and find children a joy! So if you want to go out for a meal you will find the restaurant staffs automatically want to take care of your children, and baby sitters or Nannies are very easy to find.

Are the waters around the Gilis safe to swim in?
Yes the seas directly off the coast are safe for all levels of swimmers, but there can be strong currents in between the Islands, so attempting to cross from one Island to another is not advisable, (we have lots of boats for that!) If you have any doubts it is always best to ask first, we can easily advise you of conditions, or just offer you our pool to swim in!

Are there hawkers on Gili Air?
Yes, but the difference here to many parts of Indonesia and Asia as a whole is that it is a licensed business. The Salesmen and women have to have a license to sell on the Islands and are therefore controlled, so if you say no, it means no. Often the salesman on Gili Air are a pleasure to talk to and will have some beautiful local handicrafts at very reasonable prices.

Are there police on the island?
No! But this by does not mean it is a lawless Island. The locals have an orginisation called SATGAS which is an unofficial equivalent. They answer to the Kepala Desa (Head of the Village) so if, for example, you lose anything they'll be your best chance for finding it. The office for the Head of all 3 Islands is on Gili Air.

Is there anything to do but diving?
Yes, although diving and snorkeling are the reason many people come to Lombok and the Gilis, there are many other things for you to do. Such as visiting waterfalls, golfing, surfing plus much more. For more information see our Activities page!

The price is subject to change. Please  contact us for more information.