Gili Trawangan: Halik Dive Site – Lombok
Site Overview
Halik is one of the most popular and accessible dive sites around Gili Trawangan, renowned for its thriving coral garden and reliable turtle encounters. Located on the northwest side of the island, this gently sloping reef descends from just 3 meters to around 22 meters, making it an ideal site for divers of all experience levels. The reef structure consists of healthy hard and soft coral formations growing on limestone bommies, separated by white sand patches that create a picturesque underwater landscape. Hawksbill turtles are virtually guaranteed on every dive, often seen grazing on the reef or swimming gracefully above the coral heads. The site is home to a diverse array of macro life including ornate ghost pipefish, multiple species of clownfish, and blue-spotted stingrays that rest on the sand between coral formations. The coral health at Halik has improved significantly in recent years thanks to the Gili Islands' no-fishing policy and active reef restoration programs. The gentle currents and excellent visibility make this a favorite site for underwater photographers, particularly those interested in combining wide-angle reef scenery with intimate macro subjects. Halik is typically dived as part of a two-tank day trip alongside Shark Point or Hans Reef, providing a well-rounded Gili Islands diving experience.
Dive Briefing
"The dive begins with a gentle descent from the boat onto the shallow reef crest at approximately 3 to 5 meters, where dense staghorn coral formations create an impressive coral garden. Your guide leads you along the slope, gradually working deeper as you explore the colorful bommies and the sand channels between them. At 8 to 12 meters, the bommies become larger and more widely spaced, revealing blue-spotted stingrays resting on the sand and hawksbill turtles feeding on the reef. The deeper sections at 15 to 22 meters feature soft coral-covered walls and overhangs where ghost pipefish and pygmy seahorses hide. The return leg follows the shallower reef, allowing you to explore the vibrant coral garden in the warm, well-lit water. The safety stop at 5 meters is spent among the thriving shallow corals where schools of anthias and damselfish create a colorful backdrop. Look for the small anemonefish darting in and out of their hosts during the final minutes of your dive."
Signature Marine Life
Hawksbill turtle
Eretmochelys imbricata
Best: January, February, March
Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Blue-spotted stingray
Taeniura lymma
Ornate ghost pipefish
Solenostomus paradoxus
White-banded pipefish
Doryrhamphus dactyliophorus
Safety & Hazards
- Fire coral on the shallower bommies near the reef crest
- Sea urchins on the sand patches between coral heads
- Occasional boat traffic from the nearby Gili Trawangan harbor
- Shallow coral heads require careful buoyancy control
- Hydroids on limestone outcrops can cause skin irritation
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Halik is perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike. The gentle slope, light currents, and excellent visibility make it an ideal training site for Open Water students. Macro photographers will appreciate the diverse critter life, while wide-angle shooters can capture stunning coral garden scenes. The site is also excellent for snorkelers due to the shallow coral formations. It is a fantastic choice for those who want a high-quality reef experience without the long boat travel. The reliable turtle sightings make it a crowd favorite, especially for those visiting the Gili Islands for the first time.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Gili Trawangan Dive Center
- DSM Dive Gili
- Big Fish Diving
- Manta Dive Gili Trawangan
Photography Info
Best for: macro, wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Gili Trawangan Resort
Gili Trawangan • 0.5km away
PinkCoco Gili T
Gili Trawangan • 0.3km away