The Ultimate Guide to a Divemaster Internship on Gili Air
Divemaster Internship on Gili Air
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| The Ultimate Guide to a Divemaster Internship on Gili Air |
Why Choose Gili Air for Your Divemaster Internship?
Becoming a PADI Divemaster is an incredible journey that transforms passionate divers into confident dive professionals. Choosing the right location for your divemaster internship is crucial, as it sets the stage for your career in the dive industry. One of the best places to do this is Gili Air, a small tropical paradise located between Bali and Lombok in Indonesia. Gili Air offers the perfect blend of professional training, a strong diving community, and an unbeatable island lifestyle.
In this article, we will explore the advantages of doing your Divemaster Internship on Gili Air and why this beautiful island is the ideal location to start your professional diving career.
1) Affordable Cost of Living
One of the biggest advantages of doing your divemaster internship on Gili Air is the affordable cost of living. Compared to other diving destinations like Thailand, the Maldives, or the Caribbean, living on Gili Air is much more budget-friendly. This makes it an excellent choice for aspiring dive professionals who want to gain experience without spending a fortune.
Food: Delicious & Budget-Friendly
Gili Air offers a wide range of food options to fit every budget. If you enjoy Indonesian cuisine, you can eat well for as little as $1 per meal at local warungs (small family-run restaurants). Warungs serve traditional Indonesian dishes like Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Mie Goreng (fried noodles), Gado-Gado (vegetables with peanut sauce), and fresh seafood.
For those who prefer Western-style food, the island has plenty of cafes and restaurants offering healthy smoothie bowls, wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and fresh salads. While these meals are a bit pricier ($5-$10), they are still affordable compared to Western countries.
Transportation: No Motorized Vehicles, No Costs
One unique aspect of Gili Air is that there are no motorized vehicles. The island is small, and the only ways to get around are by bicycle, walking, or taking a horse-drawn cart (cidomo). This means zero expenses on transportation, making it even more budget-friendly.
2) Cheap Accommodation
Accommodation is another significant factor when choosing a location for your divemaster internship. On Gili Air, you can find comfortable accommodation for just $200-$300 per month.
What Can You Expect from Budget Accommodation?
Unlike some other diving destinations where budget accommodation means shared dorm rooms, on Gili Air, you can get your own private room in a homestay. A typical budget homestay includes:
Private bedroom and bathroom
Air conditioning
Hot water showers
Possibly a small kitchen
Wi-Fi connection
For those willing to spend a little more ($350-$500), you can find beautiful bungalows with swimming pools, perfect for relaxing after a long day of diving.
3) The Warm & Friendly Local Community
One of the best things about Gili Air is its strong local community. Unlike its neighbor Gili Trawangan, which has a more transient crowd of party-goers, Gili Air has a tight-knit and welcoming local population. Many people who come to do their divemaster internship here end up forming lifelong friendships with the local community.
Hospitality & Culture
The local Sasak people, originally from Lombok, are known for their warm hospitality and generosity. If you take the time to learn a few words of Bahasa Indonesia or Sasak, you’ll find yourself welcomed into the community with open arms.
Many divemaster interns stay for months, and by the time they leave, they have built strong friendships with the locals. It’s not uncommon for past interns to return years later to visit their friends or even set up their own diving businesses on the island.
4) Breathtaking Sunsets
If you love sunsets, you are in for a treat! Gili Air has some of the most stunning sunsets in the world. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky lights up in shades of pink, purple, and orange, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
Best Sunset Spots on Gili Air
Beach Bars on the West Side – The best place to watch the sunset is from the western side of the island. There are plenty of beach bars where you can sip on a fresh coconut or a cocktail while enjoying the view.
Sunset Viewpoints – On a clear day, you can see Mount Agung in Bali rising above the clouds, adding a dramatic backdrop to the sunset.
Gili Meno & Gili Trawangan – The sunsets over these islands create an incredible silhouette effect that photographers and Instagram lovers will adore.
5) Warm Water Temperature All Year Round
One of the most important factors for divers is water temperature. Gili Air is located in tropical waters, meaning you can dive comfortably all year round.
What’s the Average Water Temperature?
27-30°C (81-86°F) year-round – No need for thick wetsuits!
Most divers wear a 3mm wetsuit or just a rash guard with shorts.
Warm water makes long dives more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on mastering your skills during your internship rather than worrying about getting cold. It also makes night diving a much more pleasant experience.
6) A Vibrant Social Scene (Without the Chaos of Gili T)
While Gili Trawangan is famous for its wild parties, Gili Air offers a more relaxed social atmosphere. There are plenty of places to meet fellow divers and travelers, but the island never feels overwhelming.
Where to Socialize on Gili Air
Live Music Bars – Several bars host live music nights, where you can enjoy reggae, acoustic performances, and traditional Indonesian music.
Beach Clubs – There are a few laid-back beach clubs where divers gather for a post-dive drink.
Diver Hangouts – The dive community on Gili Air is small and close-knit, so you’ll quickly get to know everyone working at the dive centers.
Yoga & Wellness Centers – For those who prefer a quieter scene, there are plenty of yoga classes and wellness retreats to relax and recharge.
Unlike Gili T, where nightlife can be intense and exhausting, Gili Air provides the perfect balance – enough social life to keep things fun, but still peaceful enough to get a good night's sleep before a full day of diving.
Conclusion: Why Gili Air is the Perfect Place for a Divemaster Internship
Choosing Gili Air for your divemaster internship is one of the best decisions you can make as an aspiring dive professional. The island offers high-quality dive training, a relaxed island lifestyle, and a supportive local community, all at an affordable cost.
Key Takeaways:
Affordable cost of living – Cheap food, no transport costs, and budget-friendly accommodation.
Comfortable accommodation – Private rooms with AC and hot water for just $200-$300 per month.
Friendly local people – Become part of a welcoming community.
Breathtaking sunsets – Enjoy the best sunsets over Gili Meno, Gili T, and Mount Agung.
Warm water all year round – No need for thick wetsuits, with 27-30°C water temperatures.
Perfect social scene – Enough places to socialize but without the chaos of Gili T.
If you’re looking for a divemaster internship that combines professional training with an incredible lifestyle, Gili Air is the place to be!
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