If you've ever heard of Gili Trawangan—or "Gili T" as it's affectionately called—you might imagine turquoise waters, laid-back beach cafes, and unforgettable sunsets. But beyond the iconic party island vibe, our recent trip revealed a much deeper side of Gili T—one of compassion, healing, and meaningful connections—both underwater and on land.

A Dive Paradise Still Full of Surprises

*Floating through Turtle Heaven, both in name and spirit.*

We came for the diving, naturally. Gili’s vibrant reefs, relaxed currents, and turtle-filled sites delivered as promised. As we were hovering silently over the coral gardens of Turtle Heaven, the warm waters welcomed us with open arms.

But the real surprise? It wasn’t just the marine life that stole our hearts.

Meeting the Horses of Gili

During a surface interval one afternoon, we visited Horses of Gili, a rescue and rehabilitation centre for the island’s working horses. These horses, often seen pulling cidomos (traditional carts), have long been part of island life—but not always under the kindest conditions.

Some arrive injured. Others arrive emotionally shut down. But all find sanctuary here.

We spent time helping with their care—feeding, brushing, walking, learning how to read their body language. It wasn’t glamorous work. But it was real. And it reminded us that compassion doesn’t just belong in the ocean.

A New Kind of Connection

It’s easy to fall in love with the sea. But being able to contribute on land too? That made this trip unforgettable. Between dives, we learned what it meant to rebuild trust—one hoofstep at a time.

*Trying to ease the pain for the rescued horse*

Many of us left feeling like this wasn’t just a diving holiday—it was a lesson in empathy, and a call to be more mindful travelers.

Why This Matters

Sustainable travel isn’t just about avoiding plastic or not touching corals. It’s also about showing up for the communities we visit—be it marine ecosystems or working animals who’ve long gone unseen.

Supporting organizations like Horses of Gili is one way we can give back, and we’re incredibly grateful to have had the chance.

A Trip to Remember

We came to Gili for the dives, but we left with something deeper: a renewed sense of purpose. This was a journey that reminded us why we dive, why we travel, and why we choose to make every trip count.

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