About Us
Founded in 2002, Gili Eco Trust is one of Indonesia's longest-running island conservation organisations. Established to protect the Gili Matra Marine Park from destructive fishing practices, we have grown into a community-based organisation leading marine conservation, sustainable waste management, environmental education, and animal welfare across the Gili Islands.
In 2004, we launched our pioneering Biorock reef restoration programme. Today, more than 200 Biorock reefs have been installed, creating thriving artificial reef habitats that support thousands of corals, fish, sea turtles, and other marine species. Our conservation work also includes coral gardening, Reef Check and CoralWatch monitoring, coral bleaching surveys, passive acoustic reef monitoring (Reef Sounds), turtle conservation, mooring buoy maintenance to prevent anchor damage, and marine education for divers, schools, and local communities.
Beyond the ocean, Gili Eco Trust works closely with the local waste management organisation (FMPL) to improve waste collection, recycling, and environmental awareness. Together, we coordinate waste collection from more than 800 businesses on Gili Trawangan, helping transport recyclable materials to Lombok while developing innovative local recycling and glass upcycling initiatives that reduce pollution and support a circular economy.
Our commitment to the community also extends to animal welfare through regular veterinary clinics for the island's working horses, educational outreach in schools, environmental workshops, beach clean-ups, and sustainability training for tourism businesses.
Our mission is to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for the Gili Islands by protecting marine ecosystems, restoring coral reefs, reducing waste, promoting responsible tourism, improving animal welfare, and inspiring local communities and visitors to become active stewards of the environment.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
As a volunteer, you won't just observe conservation—you'll become part of it. Whether you're transplanting corals, monitoring reef health, collecting scientific data, taking part in beach clean-ups, supporting waste management initiatives, or assisting with community education, your work will make a direct and lasting contribution to protecting one of Indonesia's most unique island ecosystems.
Requirements
Volunteers should meet the following requirements:
- Hold a minimum Advanced Open Water scuba diving certification
- Have valid travel insurance that covers scuba diving to depths of up to 30 metres
- Bring a reusable water bottle (single-use plastics are not permitted; reusable bottles are available to purchase from our eco-shop)
- Bringing a mask, snorkel, and fins is recommended
If you are not yet certified:
- Arrive approximately one week before the programme to complete your diving certifications
- Complete both the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications
- Courses can be completed before your arrival or at our partner dive centre, Trawangan Dive
- Both certifications can typically be completed within 5–7 days
Volunteer experience
A typical volunteer placement begins with our 4-week Coral Restoration Training Programme, which includes:
- Marine ecology and coral reef education
- Coral restoration and propagation techniques
- Reef Check Eco Diver certification
- Biorock Reef Technology (PADI Distinctive Specialty) training
- Hands-on conservation dives and reef surveys
- Coral Gardening (PADI Distinctive Specialty) training
If you are unable to commit to the full four-week programme, you may join for one or two training weeks, depending on your availability. Flexible options can be discussed with the Gili Eco Trust team.
After completing the training, volunteers can continue participating in all conservation activities at no additional cost.
Throughout the programme, volunteers may:
- Monitor and restore coral reefs
- Maintain coral gardens and underwater nurseries
- Conduct marine research and reef surveys
- Support waste management and environmental education initiatives
- Participate in beach and underwater clean-ups
- Create content for awareness and outreach
- Assist with project reporting and documentation
The programme fee includes:
- 4-week Coral Restoration Training: IDR 20,500,000
- Marine Park Fee: IDR 100,000
After completing the training programme, there are no additional programme fees to participate in Gili Eco Trust's conservation activities.
Participants are responsible for covering their own:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Travel expenses
- Visa costs
Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own accommodation and meals. There are many accommodation options available on Gili Trawangan, ranging from budget hostels and guesthouses to private villas and resorts, allowing volunteers to choose an option that best suits their budget and preferences.
Meals are not provided as part of the programme. Volunteers are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own meals. Gili Trawangan offers a wide variety of cafés, restaurants, and local eateries to suit different budgets and dietary preferences.
Outside your volunteer hours, you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy everything Gili Trawangan has to offer.
Activities may include:
- Horse riding
- Surfing
- Fun diving and snorkelling
- Cycling around the island
- Watching the famous Gili sunsets
- Beach walks and island exploration
- Yoga and wellness classes
- Paddleboarding and kayaking
- Visiting local cafés and restaurants
- Enjoying Gili Trawangan's vibrant nightlife
- Island hopping to Gili Meno and Gili Air
- Meeting fellow travellers and volunteers
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