06/11/2025
🌴 Day 30… Beneath the Waves of the Gili Islands 🌊🐢
Today’s adventure was one I’ll never forget — a full day exploring the magical underwater world of the Gili Islands with my amazing travel buddy Cami.
We began in Gili Air, where colorful coral reefs swayed beneath the surface like living rainbows. The water was crystal-clear, and drifting among tropical fish felt like being inside a dream.
Next, we headed to Gili Meno, home to the iconic underwater statues known as Nest. Created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, this circle of 48 life-sized figures lies beneath the turquoise shallows, symbolizing the connection between humans and nature. Over time, these sculptures have become living reefs — now covered in coral and alive with marine life.
We also visited a baby turtle sanctuary on Gili Meno, where a kind local explained how they protect turtle eggs and care for hatchlings until they’re about seven months old, giving them the best chance to survive once released into the wild. He was crafting beautiful handmade bracelets and necklaces from natural materials — I couldn’t resist buying three! Each piece now carries a story of care, culture, and conservation. 🐚💙
Our final stop was Gili Trawangan, where we swam alongside gentle sea turtles gliding gracefully through the clear blue. It was humbling, peaceful, and deeply moving — a reminder of how fragile and breathtaking our oceans truly are.
✨ Travel Tip: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, never touch the coral or turtles, and take time to talk with the locals — their stories are what make these islands unforgettable.
