Safety · Destination Guide
Car-free island life with turtles, reefs, and easy day-boat diving
Updated Dec 13, 2025 • 13 sources
The Gilis are generally friendly for beginners, but safety depends on respecting currents, boat traffic, and surface conditions. Conservation matters here: your trip occurs inside a managed marine protected area, and many local operators invest in reef protection and restoration.
Basic medical clinics operate on and around the Gilis, with more advanced facilities on Lombok. For suspected decompression illness, rapid assessment and transport to a hyperbaric facility is the priority.
Local clinic example:
Hyperbaric support on Lombok is referenced at RSUD Kota Mataram (Mataram City Hospital). Carry dive insurance (for example, DAN) that covers hyperbaric treatment and medical evacuation.
Tide-driven currents and occasional downcurrents
North and northeast sites can run strong currents, especially around corners and channels. Choose sites to match certification and comfort, and follow local briefings.
Boat traffic near popular reefs
Snorkel boats and dive boats share many areas. Stay close to your guide, surface carefully, and use an SMB for scuba.
Coral cuts and fire coral
Small scrapes happen fast in shallow reefs. Wear a rashguard, control buoyancy, and avoid touching anything for both safety and reef protection.
Sun and dehydration
Equatorial sun is intense even on cloudy days. Hydrate, use shade breaks, and consider a rashguard to reduce sunscreen reliance.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when tide-driven currents and occasional downcurrents. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Emergency (Indonesia) | General emergency dispatch | 112 | 24/7 (coverage can vary by area) |
| Police (Indonesia) | Police emergency line | 110 | 24/7 |
| Ambulance and Medical Emergencies (Indonesia) | Ambulance and medical emergency lines | 118 or 119 | 24/7 |
| Fire Department (Indonesia) | Fire emergency line | 113 | 24/7 |
| BASARNAS (Search and Rescue) | National search and rescue | 115 | 24/7 |
| Gili Emergency Medical Clinic | Clinic and emergency medical support on/near the Gilis | +62 823-1211-2112 | Listed as available on their published contact lines |