beginner
    (650)

    Gili Trawangan: Halik Dive Site – Lombok

    22m Max
    10-28m Vis
    boat

    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

    very high

    Eretmochelys imbricata

    Best: January, February, March

    Clownfish

    very high

    Amphiprion ocellaris

    Blue-spotted stingray

    high

    Taeniura lymma

    Ornate ghost pipefish

    medium

    Solenostomus paradoxus

    White-banded pipefish

    medium

    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
    Nearest Chamber
    RSUD Provinsi NTB (Mataram)
    45km away

    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.

    coral-garden
    turtle
    beginner-friendly
    macro
    boat-dive
    slope

    Quick Stats

    Difficultybeginner
    CertificationOpen Water
    Currentlight
    Water Temp26-29°C
    Best TimeApril - October

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Gili Trawangan Dive Center
    • DSM Dive Gili
    • Big Fish Diving
    • Manta Dive Gili Trawangan
    Pricing Guide
    $60 - $95
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    macro_100mm
    wide_angle_zoom
    fisheye

    Best for: macro, wide_angle

    Nearby Stay

    Gili Trawangan Resort

    Gili Trawangan0.5km away

    Check Availability

    PinkCoco Gili T

    Gili Trawangan0.3km away

    Check Availability