Question 1

What is the "Fake Dive Certification Course Scam" scam in Gili Islands?

Accepted Answer

Unlicensed dive operators on Gili Trawangan advertise PADI Open Water courses at prices 40–60% below market rate, then issue unofficial or forged certification cards that are not recognized by dive operators elsewhere. Some use equipment that has not been properly serviced, creating genuine safety risks. Students often only discover the fraud when they attempt to dive elsewhere and their certification cannot be verified. Book only with PADI or SSI-registered dive schools — verify the shop's affiliation number on the official PADI or SSI website before paying. Do not pay the full course fee upfront. Ask to see the instructor's current certification. Budget Open Water courses on Gili T typically run IDR 3.5–4.5 million from legitimate operators.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Online Gili Accommodation Booking" scam in Gili Islands?

Accepted Answer

Fake booking websites and social media accounts impersonate well-known Gili Trawangan and Gili Air villas and bungalows, collecting deposits of 300,000-1,500,000 IDR for non-existent reservations. The Gili Islands have no land transport and no police station on Gili T or Gili Air, making dispute resolution after arrival extremely difficult. Scam pages replicate real property photos and names closely. Book only through major platforms such as Booking.com or Airbnb with verified property listings, or contact properties directly via their official domain email. Confirm your reservation by phone or WhatsApp with the property on the day before travel from Lombok.

Online Scams in Gili Islands

Fake Dive Certification Course Scam

Fake Online Gili Accommodation Booking

Experienced a scam here?