FREEDIVING OPEN TRIP – KONDO, EAST LOMBOK (GILI KONDO – GILI BIDARA – GILI PETAGAN-GILI KAPAL) (ONE DAY)

05.30 AM:

• Meeting point at Mataram
• Otw Kondo Beach by private car

08.00 AM:

• Dive Spot 1: Seafan Garden
• Dive Spot 2: Gili Petagan
• Visit Gili Kapal (Sandbar)
• Lunch break at Gli Bidara (Barbeque lunch)
• Dive Spot 3: Gili Bidara
• Dive spot 4: Gili Kondo

14.00:

• Boat back to harbor at Kondo Beach

18.00:

• Arrived at Mataram

The iconic seafan spot in East Lombok has become quite popular among freedivers due to its unique location at a small harbor near Kondo Beach. Unlike typical coral spots in open waters, the seafans here grow abundantly along the vertical walls of the pier that face directly into the sea, creating a dramatic underwater scene.

When sunlight penetrates the surface, the silhouettes of the seafans appear majestic and exotic, often compared to the mystical world of Pandora from the movie Avatar. Freedivers usually make a slow descent along the pier wall while enjoying the gentle movement of the seafans swaying with the current, with a depth that is friendly for exploration.

Gili Petagan is a small island known for its natural mangrove forest that surrounds almost the entire island. Before reaching the underwater spot, a freedive trip usually begins with a boat ride through the mangrove pathway, where the atmosphere feels very calm with shallow water and mangrove roots stretching above the surface, creating a natural corridor in the middle of the forest. After passing through the mangrove route, the boat then heads to the freediving spot around the waters of Gili Petagan, which features dense coral ecosystems.

Gili Kapal is often called a tidal island because its size changes with the rise and fall of the sea. When the water is low, its white sand stretches wider, allowing visitors to walk around the island. This unique feature makes Gili Kapal a favorite spot for photos with a backdrop of the vast blue sea. In addition, the surrounding waters are popular for freediving, as they are clear and home to various small reef fish swimming around the coral areas and the white sandy seabed.

At Gili Bidara, several coral spots host schools of clownfish swimming among anemones, while the rare blue starfish adds to the appeal for underwater exploration. This small island features white sandy beaches and savanna areas and is often used as a resting spot for a beachfront lunch with fresh grilled fish, offering a relaxing atmosphere, cool sea breezes, and expansive ocean views.

The underwater beauty of Gili Kondo is dominated by healthy natural coral reefs, sandy bottom, home to small fish, clownfish, & starfish. With depths ranging from 5 to 15 meters, it serves as an ideal diving spot for freedivers from beginner to intermediate levels.