Diving in Lombok and the Gili Islands

Relaxed, bohemian and bathed in glorious nature, the island of Lombok and the three Gili Islands are all bleached white beaches and aquamarine waters. Lombok itself was made famous for its fantastic surf, but it is also a delightful isle of jungle-coated volcanoes encircled by reefs and stunning sea walls. The waters are so packed with fish that Lombok is famed for its deep-sea fishing. If you prefer to swim with the marine creatures rather than catch them, you’ll love the mix of trevallies and snapper, turtles, eels and colourful parrotfish. The same can be said of the Gili Islands. Each one has its own vibe – Gili Trawangan is the party island, Gili Meno is sleepy, romantic and relaxed, while Gili Air combines a little of the other two, with a slightly hippie, authentic ambiance. The latter two are the best for diving, with cuttlefish, triggerfish and brilliant blue surgeon among the dazzling array of marine life as well beautiful coral formations that create colourful gardens. You can dive throughout the year but heavy rainfall in December and January can reduce visibility. This area is also a fantastic place to learn to dive, with plenty of accessible sites and exciting things to see without having to go deep.