In Reply to: Diving Courses posted by ochervet on Monday, 25. August 2008 at 06:40 Bali Time:
I went to Gilli Trawangan and dived there last October. We few there from Bali, but you can get a boat there from Bali. I stayed at the Villa Ombak. I already had my Open Water Cert. Lots of Europeans where there doing the Open Water course. My wife and I were the only Australians that where there. Most of the resorts have Padi 5 star diving facilities.
The water was crystal clear and there was very little current so it is good for learning. Gilli is very tiny and most of the resorts and restaurants are in a short stretch along one side of the island.
The pool at the Omabk was very (too) warm as it was shallow and had no shade.
If you want to see turtles then this is the place. I also saw a small shark there. October was very hot as it was just before the beginning of the wet season and there as a short shower one afternooon ( we were the 1 week). There is very little shade, but there are trees along the main street, which is dirt.
Although I enjoyed it there, I missed Bali and I think I would stay in both places next time, if I go back. I prefer diving at Nusa Lembongan. I have not been diving in North Bali yet. Some people say that Amed etc is the best place for diving.
Also, it is cheaper to learn to dive in Perth than Bali, but you will enjoy Bali diving I am sure. Did you know that you can do the theory for the course in Aust and do the dives in Bali ?
All the best