Gili Trawangan - Where Purpose Meets People

At The Dive Company, we’ve always believed that dive travel should be more than just diving. It’s not just about ticking off dive sites or chasing the next deep.

It’s about people. Connection. The quiet moments between dives that remind us why we travel, why we teach, and why we keep coming back to the sea.

Gili Trawangan captures that spirit perfectly. A place where the ocean meets the heart, and where every trip becomes a story worth telling.

Beyond Perfect Waters

With our dive guide Itchy

Gili T is known for its postcard waters, easy drifts, and endless turtles. And it delivered again. White tip sharks slipping past the reef, giant morays peeking from crevices, and turtles gliding beside us as if keeping watch. We got lucky this time as well to see leaf scorpions, frog fish and heard news of whale sharks visiting (better luck next time)

But what made this trip unforgettable wasn’t just the dives. It was what happened on the surface that connects, the moments that turned a simple dive holiday into something human and real.

Showers ran slightly salty from the tides. The island is run primarily with desalinated water via the plant, this time due to mother nature(tide issues), the desalination did not work very well and we ended up with all slightly slighty mix from running taps and shower. Its amazing feeling (thats how us divers are like). Reminds us that in islands like this, the resources are mostly scarce, not taken by granted.

The resort yard was shared with horses, goat and other animals. Sometimes there was cats by the pool, hoofprints at the courtyard and resident goat Gisele goofing around. Nobody complained.
Instead, we laughed, cleaned up, and watched the animals wander freely. Somehow, the imperfections that we city dwellers think what should be, it made everything feel complete.

Meeting the Horses of Gili

Swimming and washing Nala

Returning to Horses of Gili have so much familiarity since our last visit.
The owners and staffs welcomed us back like old friends, updating us on the rescues they’ve healed and the work that still needs to be done.

The divers met Gisele, the mischievous goat that now practically lives at Lutwala and handled two ponies, Nala and Anna, both gentle and curious. Our divers helped brush them, feed them, and walk them to the sea. Even took them swimming.

The team explained why horses need to be gelded, why working horses aren’t cruel and the regulations that help them to be strong, live well and not abused. It’s neglect that causes harm and of course, uneducated publicity make things worse in a world like ours where rash words were post everywhere in the internet without taking time to learn the culture and missions.
You could see the group soften speaking quietly, moving carefully, treating each animal with respect and care.

There’s something powerful about seeing divers so used to movement and control underwater learning instead to pause, to feel, and to care.

The Rhythm of the Island

The Night market

Our days followed an easy rhythm: dive, eat, explore, connect.
Between dives, we rode bicycles down sandy paths or chill by the beach with coconuts, shared meals in small warungs, and discovered flavors that told stories of the island itself. Unfortunately we did see a rise of electric bikes on the island which is illegal and damage the representation of the island. Not just residents but also tourists are tempted by the idea of traveling faster around the small island. Hopefully the local government and further enforce to ensure this is removed.

Our final evening were simple a dive screening, a bonfire, a few drinks, and plenty of laughter. No big parties. No distractions. Just the right people, at the right pace, under the right sky.

Bonfire sing-along

Why This Matters

Sustainable travel isn’t about perfection it’s about presence.
It’s about showing up fully for the places and lives that host us, both above and below the waterline.

Some travels we have the local team educate us on environmental sustainably, some on the animals, some on culture.. this encompass all. The only regret is not having more time.

Caring for the horses. Respecting the island’s rhythm. Supporting the people who make it home.
These small acts matter. They’re what turn a dive trip into something with depth not in meters, but in meaning.

Because when we travel this way, we leave more than footprints. We leave awareness, empathy, and stories that ripple outward.

The Heart of It All

Bringing the horses for a walk

Before leaving, one of our divers said quietly,

“It’s not the dives I’ll remember most. It’s the feeling.”

That’s what Gili gives you. It slows you down. It strips away what doesn’t matter. It reminds you that diving is not just about being underwater, it’s about the life and people around it.

Support the Horses of Gili

If you’d like to learn more or support their rescue and rehabilitation work, visit Horses of Gili and share their story.
Every bit of awareness helps them keep caring for the animals that carry the soul of this island. You can donate to support their cause or visit them in Gili T to learn more.

Until the Next Tide

Group photo with the owners Tori, Joe and divers

We left Gili sunburnt, salty, and content.
It’s no longer just another dive destination for us it’s become part of who we are.

Every trip here reminds us that diving isn’t only about what we see underwater, but about the people, the connections, and the small acts of kindness that make it meaningful.

And that’s the kind of journey worth returning to. Read here for our first trip to Gili T