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Community-Led Coral Reef Restoration Program in Gili Nanggu

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The experience

Actively join coral restoration efforts in Gili Nanggu through planting, cleaning, and monitoring work while supporting marine biodiversity and reef recovery. Learn essential coral ecology, collaborate with local conservation teams, and experience meaningful fieldwork combined with educational sessions in the pristine waters of West Lombok.

What you offer

6 hours of help per day

Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.

Additional fee required

Amount: US$ 45 Per day

Fee pays for: Benefits for travelers, Materials for volunteer activities, and Donation to project

Description: The program contribution supports community-led conservation and covers your private room, three home-cooked meals daily, all scuba gear, boat petrol, and restoration activities. It also includes guidance from local practitioners, community programs, and a completion certificate. Optional add-ons like scooter rental or extra tours are available at an additional cost.

What you get

3 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Get free drinks or beverages.: Drink up! Get free and tasty drinks for yourself.

Free Parties: Get free entrance for the best parties in town.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Intermediate English or Intermediate French

Between 18 and 35 years old

Only hosts solo volunteers (doesn’t accept couples or partners)

Be from outside Indonesia

Travel insurance

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

This backpacker-focused program directly sustains community-led conservation by funding coral restoration efforts without external sponsorship. By staying in locally owned homestays, enjoying traditional home-cooked meals, and joining community-based activities, your contribution keeps economic benefits within local families while supporting long-term environmental recovery. Your involvement helps regenerate coral ecosystems in Gili Nanggu, strengthens coastal resilience, and empowers the community to protect their marine heritage.

Running four days per week, the program blends hands-on restoration—coral planting, monitoring, and underwater cleanups—with learning sessions on reef ecology and climate-related impacts. Working alongside local marine practitioners gives you practical experience in conservation and a deeper understanding of the region’s biodiversity. Participants are expected to follow safety guidelines, respect marine life and cultural values, maintain responsible diving practices, and proactively report any concerns. Your participation creates meaningful impact for Lombok’s ocean and the people who depend on it.

Activities & Shift

Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation
Welcome by the local team, introduction to marine protected areas, coral ecology, and basic scuba concepts. Breakfast or lunch provided depending on arrival. Free time to settle in, explore, and meet the community.

Day 2 – Gili Nanggu Orientation
Breakfast and health check, boat trip for snorkeling and reef introduction. After lunch: field orientation, pre-dive briefing, and light activities. Sunset documentation, dinner, and optional community interaction.

Day 3 – Coral Table Building & Dive
Morning prep followed by a hands-on coral table workshop. Lunch, guided dive with the restoration team, afternoon reflection, dinner, and evening community time.

Day 4 – Coral Planting & Monitoring
Boat transfer, coral planting activity, lunch, then reef monitoring and a dive. Sunset documentation with the media team, dinner, and optional interaction.

Day 5 – Advanced Restoration
Coral replanting in the morning, afternoon reef surveys and dive, sunset documentation, dinner, and optional community engagement.

Day 6–7 – Free Time: Cultural & Adventure Days
Join mangrove planting, English teaching, and stingless bee colony support as part of the program. Scooter rentals available on request. Optional add-ons include tours, eco-visits, workshops, ceremonies, beach clean-ups, or coastal hikes.

Accommodation & Inclusions
Private room in a local home near Gili Nanggu, three home-cooked meals daily, nearby laundry access, and full scuba gear with boat petrol included. Participants receive a certificate upon completion.

Rules

Code of Conduct:
• Follow all instructions from certified dive instructors and local guides.
• Respect marine life; no touching, collecting, or disturbing coral and wildlife.
• Maintain buoyancy control to avoid physical damage to reefs.
• Do not dispose of any waste in the ocean or dive areas.
• Respect cultural values, fellow participants, and local communities.
Rules:
• No diving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• No solo diving unless certified and approved.
• Follow the buddy system at all times.
• Immediately report any discomfort or safety concern.
• Adhere to the 18–24 hour no-fly rule after diving.
• Instructors have the authority to restrict participation if safety protocols are not met.