About this spot
Vila Almarick Biorock sits within the Taman Wisata Perairan marine protected area around Gili Trawangan in North Lombok, Indonesia. The site centers on biorock structures—artificial reefs designed to accelerate coral growth and marine habitat restoration. These structures create unique diving terrain where you can observe active reef building and the species that colonize young coral systems. The location benefits from protection under Indonesia's marine reserve designation, which limits fishing and boat traffic. This management creates a controlled environment for coral recovery work. Divers visiting the site contribute to understanding how restoration techniques function in tropical reef systems and can document the progression of coral recruitment on the artificial structures. Access is via boat from Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three Gili Islands. The site operates year-round, making it accessible for divers planning visits to this popular Indonesian dive destination. Currently, the broader region carries a coral bleaching warning, so conditions may show stress indicators on natural reefs nearby. The biorock itself attracts observational diving—you're watching reef ecology in action rather than pursuing deep wrecks or dramatic wall dives. This makes it suitable for divers interested in conservation, coral biology, and sustainable diving practices. Documentation from 12 species observations provides baseline data on what marine life uses these artificial structures.
📖 Guide: Diving in Indonesia: 323 Sites, Mantas to Micro-critters
Best months
Marine life
Dive types
Trip essentials
Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.
Trip checklist
- 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
- 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
- 📔 Dive logbook
- 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
- 🔌 Plug type C/F · 230V adapter
- 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
- 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact
Quick facts
- 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
- GPS
› Sustainability disclosures
From your departure country
- Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
- Flight: 12h · direct
- Jet-lag: 12h east · 8 days recovery
FAQ
›When is the best time to dive Vila Almarick Biorock?
The site is accessible year-round. Gili Trawangan has consistent diving conditions throughout the year, though the dry season (April–October) typically offers calmer seas and better overall weather. Check current conditions locally before booking, especially given the coral bleaching warning affecting the region.
›What depth and difficulty level is this dive?
Specific depth and difficulty ratings are not documented for this site. Contact local dive operators in Gili Trawangan for current site specifications, depth ranges, and skill requirements. As a biorock restoration site, it likely involves shallow to moderate depths, but confirm before diving.
›What marine life will I see?
Twelve species observations have been recorded at the site. Young coral colonies and the fish and invertebrates that recruit to biorock structures are the primary draws. These may include reef fish, small crustaceans, and other organisms colonizing newly grown coral. Expect this to differ from natural reef dives due to the artificial substrate.
›How do I access Vila Almarick Biorock and what permits do I need?
The site is within a marine protected area (Taman Wisata Perairan Gili Ayer, Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan). Access is by boat from Gili Trawangan. Divers should arrange trips through local operators familiar with MPA regulations and any required entry fees or permits for the protected zone.
