Friday Beach Cleanups at Oceans 5 Gili Air

Friday afternoon has become a tradition at Oceans 5 Gili Air—not just for divers and ocean lovers, but for anyone passionate about protecting the environment. As the week winds down and the sun begins its slow descent toward the horizon, the harbor of Gili Air becomes the meeting place for a dedicated group of changemakers. Today was no different. It’s Friday again, and that means one thing at Oceans 5: beach cleanup time.

This week, just like every Friday since 2010, Oceans 5 organized a cleanup in the harbor area of Gili Air. Armed with reusable bags, gloves, and a deep sense of purpose, our community came together once again to clear away marine debris and protect the delicate ecosystems that surround the island.

A Team Effort

Our regulars were back: passionate Divemaster candidates, proud ex-IDC (Instructor Development Course) graduates, and a few volunteers who joined us for the very first time. It’s always heartwarming to see how each week brings familiar faces and new supporters—people united by a shared goal to make a difference.

This week, the team managed to collect 26 kilograms of trash from the beaches and shoreline of the harbor. Among the usual suspects—plastic wrappers, single-use bottles, straws, and pieces of styrofoam—there were also discarded fishing lines and old flip-flops, slowly disintegrating under the sun. Every piece of trash collected is one less item that can harm marine life or pollute the ocean.

Ramadan and the Changing Crowd

With Ramadan drawing to a close, we noticed fewer local residents participating in today’s cleanup. Understandably, the timing clashed with preparations for iftar—the evening meal to break the fast. The cleanup starts just before sunset, a moment of quiet reflection and anticipation for many practicing Muslims, especially during the final days of the holy month.

We completely respect and understand this, and we’re grateful to the local community for all the support they've shown throughout the year. Their commitment to keeping Gili Air clean is evident in every empty plastic bottle collected, every cigarette butt picked up, and every child who watches the cleanups with curiosity and pride. We're looking forward to next week when Ramadan will have concluded, and we expect an even bigger crowd to join us once again.

A Consistent Mission Since 2010

Oceans 5 has been organizing these cleanups every week since 2010. That’s more than 700 cleanups over the past 14 years—a powerful testament to the center’s long-standing commitment to conservation. While many dive centers around the world support the ocean through education and sustainable diving practices, few have maintained such a consistent and visible effort to protect their local environment.
These cleanups are more than just a weekly activity—they’re a statement. A statement that we care deeply about our oceans, that we recognize the damage plastic pollution causes to coral reefs, fish, turtles, and seabirds, and that we’re not willing to stand by and do nothing.

The Role of Divemaster Candidates and IDC Graduates

One of the most beautiful aspects of the Oceans 5 beach cleanups is the involvement of our Divemaster candidates and ex-IDC students. These are people who are not just learning how to guide dives or teach diving skills—they're learning what it means to be true ambassadors for the ocean.

During their training, conservation is not just an add-on; it's a core value. Helping with cleanups reinforces that message. Our candidates learn first-hand that marine protection doesn’t end when the dive is over. It continues on land, through education, action, and example.
For many of our former IDC students, these cleanups have become part of their routine. Even after they’ve passed their PADI Instructor Examination and moved on to teaching in various corners of the globe, they often remember Gili Air not just for the coral reefs and turtles, but for the community of conservation that shaped their values.

Trash with a Story

While the numbers are always important—today’s 26 kg of rubbish will certainly make a difference—every cleanup also tells a story. It tells the story of what’s happening upstream in Lombok, where river waste still finds its way into the sea. It shows how seasonal currents and tides push marine debris toward our shores. And it reminds us of the global nature of ocean pollution—how even in paradise, we are not immune to the environmental consequences of unsustainable habits.

Our volunteers always comment on how eye-opening the experience is. What looks like a clean beach from a distance often reveals, upon closer inspection, layers of microplastics and hidden debris. Collecting trash becomes more than just a task—it becomes a lesson, a meditation, and a reminder of why ocean protection matters.

Looking Ahead: Post-Ramadan Crowds

Next week, we anticipate a larger turnout. With Ramadan coming to an end, many of our local friends will be able to join us again. These community-driven cleanups are a perfect example of what can happen when locals, dive professionals, and tourists work together. Gili Air has always been known for its peaceful vibe and close-knit community. Our beach cleanups reflect that spirit—everyone is welcome, everyone contributes, and everyone leaves with a deeper connection to the ocean.

What Can You Do?

If you’re planning a visit to the Gili Islands, consider joining one of our Friday cleanups. You don’t need to be a diver, or even a strong environmentalist. Just bring your smile, some positive energy, and maybe a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in the sun. We’ll provide gloves, bags, and the guidance you need.

You can also help by making small changes in your daily life—say no to single-use plastics, bring your own bags when shopping, and support businesses that care for the environment. If you’re a diver or planning to become one, choose a dive center like Oceans 5 Gili Air, where conservation is not just a marketing slogan, but a lived practice.

The Ripple Effect

Every piece of trash removed from the beach sends out ripples. It inspires someone walking by. It makes a child ask questions. It encourages another dive center to do the same. Over time, those ripples can lead to real change.

At Oceans 5, we’re proud of our small but steady impact. We believe that consistency matters. Showing up every Friday matters. And we believe in the power of community—local and global—to make a lasting difference.

See You Next Friday

So here's to another successful Friday cleanup. 26 kg lighter, the harbor of Gili Air looks a little brighter. Our hearts are full, and our mission continues.

Thank you to all the Divemaster candidates, ex-IDC instructors, and volunteers who joined us today. And for those observing Ramadan, Selamat Berbuka Puasa and Selamat Hari Raya in advance. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone again next week for another round of cleaning, laughing, sharing stories, and giving back to the island we love.

Let’s keep Gili Air clean—together.