Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Indonesia

Ocean conservation for beginners: A two-week restoration journey in the Secret Gilis [Non-Qualified Divers]

Start your journey as a protector of the blue. Over the course of 2 weeks, this experience invites beginners and non-qualified divers to find their fins while contributing directly to the survival of our oceans. After mastering essential underwater skills, the group will dive into active conservation, from debris sorts to artificial reef building. It’s a chance to go from a beginner to a purpose-driven reef protector in a single trip, working alongside a passionate collective to restore life to the reefs in one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets.

  • Marine conservation

  • NGO

  • Requires Fluent English

  • 15 days

  • Up to 10 travelers

Kara
Worldpackers host since Mar/2026

Starting from

US$ 2,919 for 15 days (US$ 194.60/day)

Check dates & prices

Starting from US$ 2,919
15 days
Check dates & prices

Available dates

Dec/01/2027 Dec/15/2027

  • Coming soon

New dates coming soon!

Dates to book this experience will be available soon, stay tuned!

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Starting from

US$ 2,919

Itinerary

The activities in this itinerary and their order can be adjusted according to seasonality and the needs of the project.

What's included

Pre-trip support

Our support team is available via WhatsApp and email to provide quick answers to any questions you may have.

Comprehensive Program Guide

Get a complete and trustworthy go-to guide with travel logistics, destination highlights, full itinerary, host info, safety tips, and more.

Pre-trip preparation checklist

Get immediate access to a checklist outlining the essential steps you must take to prepare for a safe journey, with no surprises along the way.

Local guidance and support on the ground

Connect with grassroots hosts, passionate, reliable, and rooted in their communities.

Accommodation

The traveler will stay in private, traditional huts crafted from sustainable bamboo and Alang Alang grass. Located just steps from the shore, these eco-friendly rooms feature fans and mosquito nets for a low-impact lifestyle. While the traveler enjoys private personal space to recharge, the social areas are shared with the group

Marine Conservation Program

Once certified, dive directly into active field research. Your program features hands-on conservation work including specialized Peak Performance Buoyancy and survey technique dives , coral nursery maintenance and briefings , artificial reef building (MARS build) , frame planting , debris collection dives , and a professional fish identification session.

Training & Education

Participate in a comprehensive, multi-stage arrival induction program. This includes a guided site tour, a formal health and safety briefing, an introduction to the dive store, and educational presentations covering marine ecology, priority species identification (turtles and mantas), and research mapping.

Field Survey Techniques

Gain experience with professional survey methods, including BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) deployments and reviews, as well as land-based mangrove conservation activities.

Orientation & SORCE Induction

A comprehensive introduction to the SORCE project on your first day, ensuring you understand the mission, the facility, and the safety protocols of the marine station.

Three Meals a Day

Enjoy 3 daily meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — prepared at the project base. From the welcome social to the farewell party and bonfire night, all your meals at SORCE are included.

Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off

You’ll be picked up at Lombok International Airport (LOP) and transferred to the project site. At the end of your journey, we’ll ensure your return to the airport for a smooth departure.

Transportation

All boat transfers for diving activities and land transportation between the airport and the SORCE base are fully covered.

Mangrove & Coastal Conservation

Participate in vital nature-based climate solutions on land and water. This includes dedicated mangrove walks , direct nursery planting and outplanting , coastal beach clean-ups , and educational lectures covering plastic pollution and mangrove ecology.

PADI Open Water Certification

Complete your full PADI Open Water Diver training during your first week. This certification course prepares you with the essential skills needed to safely transition into active field conservation and research diving for the remainder of your stay.

On-Site Amenities & Socials

Take advantage of free on-site amenities during your downtime, including an ocean-facing yoga platform, an outdoor gym built from recycled materials, a half basketball court, a volleyball net, and a book library. The program also includes organized weekly social activities such as documentary and movie nights, bonfire evenings, games nights, and a day trip to Gili Asahan.

What's not included

Flight tickets and info

Visas and documentation

Travel Insurance

Requirements

  • Fluent English
  • Over 18 years old

Activities

See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.

Learning opportunities

Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.

Immersion activities

Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.

Extra activities

Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.


Videos

Accommodation options

Private Room

The group will stay in traditional Lombok-style huts, thoughtfully crafted from sustainably sourced bamboo and Alang Alang grass. Located just steps from the shoreline, these eco-friendly lodges allow the traveler to fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Each private room is equipped with a fan and mosquito net, prioritizing a low-impact lifestyle in harmony with the environment. Accommodation is part of a wider community living environment where the traveler shares social areas overlooking the beach with staff and fellow participants. To minimize the carbon footprint, the facility utilizes natural cooling and does not offer hot water, creating a strong sense of community while still having private personal space to rest and recharge.

6 bedrooms 5 bathrooms
  • Fixed-price laundry service
  • Internet (under 50 Mbps)
  • Dedicated Workspace

Meals

The on-site kitchen team prepares three meals daily. Travelers follow a fixed weekly menu of Indonesian and international dishes. Full details are in your program guide once your spot is confirmed!

Included meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Dietary restrictions
Vegetarian friendly
Vegan friendly

Arrival orientation

Arrive at Lombok International Airport (LOP) and make your way to the designated meeting point in South-West Lombok to connect with the scheduled group transfer. Your journey begins with a scenic boat transfer to our remote research base, and we recommend arriving at the airport before midday to catch it. Full details are in your program guide once your spot is confirmed!

Pickup included
Lombok International Airport (LOP)

About the project

Hosted by Kara

Arrive at Lombok International Airport (LOP) and make your way to the designated meeting point in South-West Lombok to connect with the scheduled group transfer. Your journey begins with a scenic boat transfer to our remote research base (tides permitting—if the tides are too low to use the boat, travelers will arrive by scooters instead), and we recommend arriving at the airport before midday to catch it. Full details are in your program guide once your spot is confirmed!

Languages spoken in this project
English
How long does it exist
8 years
Worldpackers host
Since Mar/2026

About the destination

Nestled in the "Secret Gilis" of South-West Lombok, the destination is a world away from the crowds of Bali. This region is a biodiversity hotspot within the Wallacea zone, characterized by pristine turquoise waters and untouched coral reefs. The traveler will find themselves in a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path setting where the rhythm of life is dictated by the tides. It’s a place of raw natural beauty, offering a rare glimpse into a marine ecosystem that remains largely undiscovered by mass tourism.

Local currency
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Timezone
GMT+8

Impact & Purpose

By participating, the traveler directly supports the restoration of the Coral Triangle’s vital ecosystems. The group’s work involves transplanting "corals of opportunity," maintaining nurseries, and conducting BRUV surveys to monitor shark and ray populations. This effort not only rehabilitates the reef but also empowers local communities through education and sustainable management, ensuring the Gita Nada Marine Park remains a thriving sanctuary for future generations.

This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals


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