
Become an SSI Divemaster
If you are dreaming of becoming a professional diver, choosing the right place for your training is one of the most important decisions you can make. The SSI Divemaster program is the first professional step in scuba diving, and the environment where you train will shape your confidence, experience, and development as a dive leader.
For many divers, Gili Air is the perfect place to begin that journey. Located just off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia, this tropical island offers warm water, healthy reefs, frequent turtle encounters, and a relaxed lifestyle that makes long-term training enjoyable and affordable. If you are looking for the ideal destination for an SSI Divemaster internship in Indonesia, Gili Air stands out for all the right reasons.
A Peaceful Island Perfect for Professional Dive Training
One of the first things people notice when arriving on Gili Air is the atmosphere. Unlike many busy tourist destinations, Gili Air has no cars, no taxis, and no noisy motorbikes. Transport on the island is by bicycle, electric bike, horse cart, or simply on foot. This creates a calm and relaxed environment that is ideal for focusing on your Divemaster training.
The island is small enough to walk around in about an hour along the beach, yet it offers everything you need for a long-term stay. Life moves at a slower pace here, which makes it easier to settle in, concentrate on your diving education, and enjoy the journey of becoming a dive professional.
Why Gili Air Is Great for SSI Divemaster Training
The waters around Gili Air are part of the protected Gili Matra Marine Park, making the area an excellent classroom for future dive professionals. As an SSI Divemaster trainee, you will spend many hours underwater assisting instructors, guiding certified divers, and building your own comfort and control in different diving conditions.
Diving around Gili Air offers several advantages for training:
- Warm tropical water throughout the year
- Visibility often between 15 and 25 meters
- A wide range of dive sites close to the island
- Frequent encounters with turtles
- Healthy coral reefs and diverse marine life
- Short boat rides to the dive sites
Because most dive sites are only around 10 to 15 minutes away by boat, you spend less time traveling and more time gaining real in-water experience. This is a huge benefit during a Divemaster internship, where practical experience is everything.
More Than Just Diving: What Else Is There To Do on Gili Air?
Although your SSI Divemaster internship on Gili Air will be centered around diving, the island offers plenty to enjoy outside the water as well. One of the reasons many trainees love staying here is that island life feels balanced. You can train hard during the day and still have time to relax and enjoy the island after diving.
Beautiful Sunsets Every Evening
The west side of Gili Air is famous for its sunsets. At the end of the day, you can sit on the beach and watch the sun go down behind Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan, and Mount Agung in Bali. For many Divemaster trainees, this becomes a daily ritual.
Yoga and Wellness
Gili Air offers several yoga spaces and wellness options. After a long day of training, yoga is a great way to stretch, recover, and relax both body and mind.
Food for Every Budget
The island has a wide variety of food options. From small local warungs to healthy cafés and international restaurants, Gili Air has something for every taste and budget. Whether you want a cheap local meal or a more luxurious dinner, you will find plenty of choice.
Fitness and Active Lifestyle
If you like to stay fit during your Divemaster training, Gili Air offers several opportunities. Besides swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, there is also a modern gym on the premises of Oceans 5 Gili Air, which is a big advantage for trainees who want to maintain their strength and fitness.
Are There ATMs on Gili Air?
Yes, there are several ATMs on Gili Air, so getting cash on the island is normally easy. Some of the ATM locations include:
- One next to Oceans 5 Gili Air
- Two next to 7Seas
- Two next to Bel Air
- One next to Blue Marlin
- Several more in mini markets around the island
This makes daily life on the island practical and convenient, especially for long-term visitors completing a Divemaster internship.
What Does Accommodation Cost for a Month on Gili Air?
One of the big advantages of training on Gili Air is that living costs are still relatively affordable. If you are staying for a month or longer, you can usually find a local room or bungalow for around 3 to 5 million IDR per month.
These rooms are often simple but comfortable and usually include:
- Private bathroom
- Kitchen or shared kitchen
- Air conditioning
- Hot water
A good strategy is to book a homestay for the first 3 or 4 nights before arriving. Once you are on Gili Air, the team at the dive center can help you find a monthly rental bungalow or room that suits your budget and needs.
It is important to remember that during the high season, especially from June to September, it becomes harder to find long-term accommodation. If you plan to start your Divemaster internship during those months, it is a good idea to arrange your housing early.
Is Gili Air Expensive?
No, Gili Air is not an expensive island. One of the reasons it is so attractive for Divemaster trainees is that it offers something for every budget. You can live quite simply and affordably, but you can also enjoy more comfort if you prefer.
A realistic monthly budget is often around:
- EUR 200 for accommodation
- EUR 250 for food
This makes Gili Air a very appealing place for divers who want to spend several weeks or months training without the very high living costs found in some other tropical destinations.
Internet, SIM Cards, and Staying Connected
If you are staying on Gili Air for your SSI Divemaster program, your best option is to buy a local Indonesian SIM card. It is the most reliable way to stay connected during your stay.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, there is WiFi available at the dive center, and many accommodations also offer a decent internet connection. Several cafés and restaurants around the island provide relatively stable WiFi as well, so staying in touch with friends, family, or even doing some remote work is usually not a problem.
Shops and Daily Essentials on Gili Air
There are shops all around Gili Air where you can buy the basics. The best-known local shop is Siti Shop, where you can find almost everything you need for daily life, including toiletries, fruit and vegetables, medicine, and household items.
In addition, there are small stalls and shops selling clothes, jewelry, and island essentials. Even though Gili Air is a small island, it is very easy to live here comfortably for an extended period of time.
Is Gili Air Safe?
Yes, Gili Air is considered very safe. The island has a relaxed atmosphere and a friendly community, making it especially popular with couples, families, solo travelers, and long-term visitors. Compared with busier islands, Gili Air has a much more chilled vibe and a smaller party scene, which helps create a calm and comfortable environment for Divemaster trainees.
The Gili Islands Are Not in Bali
Many people think the Gili Islands are part of Bali, but that is not correct. The Gili Islands belong to Lombok, not Bali. Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno are located just off the northwest coast of Lombok and are easy to reach either by flying into Lombok International Airport or by taking a fast boat from Bali, which usually takes around 2.5 hours.
Why Choose Oceans 5 Gili Air for Your Divemaster Internship?
Choosing the right dive center is just as important as choosing the right island. If you want to become a confident dive professional, you need a dive center that focuses on quality, real experience, and personal attention. That is exactly why many trainees choose Oceans 5 Gili Air for their SSI Divemaster internship.
Professional Training Environment
Oceans 5 Gili Air is an SSI Instructor Training Center, which means professional diver education is part of the daily environment. As a Divemaster trainee, you are surrounded by ongoing training, experienced professionals, and real students, giving you valuable practical exposure.
Small Groups and Personal Attention
At Oceans 5, divers are not treated as numbers. Group sizes are limited, with a maximum of four divers per guide or instructor. This philosophy creates a better experience for customers and gives Divemaster trainees a much stronger example of how professional diving should be done.
Conservation Matters
Oceans 5 Gili Air is known for its conservation philosophy. If you become a Divemaster here, you are not only learning how to guide dives and assist with courses, but also how to become a more environmentally aware dive professional. For many trainees, this is an important part of their development.
Help Finding Accommodation
One of the practical benefits of doing your internship at Oceans 5 is that once you arrive, the team can help you find a monthly room or bungalow on the island. This makes the transition into island life much easier, especially if it is your first time staying on Gili Air for a longer period.
A Relaxed but Professional Island Lifestyle
Doing your Divemaster internship is not just about ticking boxes in a training program. It is about living the lifestyle of a dive professional, building confidence, and enjoying the process. Oceans 5 combines professional standards with the friendly and relaxed atmosphere that Gili Air is known for.
Start Your SSI Divemaster Journey on Gili Air
If you are looking for the ideal place to begin your professional diving career, Gili Air offers everything you need: beautiful reefs, warm water, affordable living, a safe community, and a lifestyle that is easy to fall in love with.
And if you want to train in a dive center that values quality, personal attention, conservation, and real experience, Oceans 5 Gili Air is a strong choice for your SSI Divemaster internship in Indonesia.
Gili Air is more than just a tropical island. For many divers, it is the place where a passion for diving turns into a profession.
Interested in becoming an SSI Divemaster at Oceans 5 Gili Air?
Get in touch with the team to learn more about the Divemaster internship, accommodation options, and life on Gili Air.








