Underwater Statues Guide
Dive into Art: Discover the Underwater Statues of Gili Meno Guide
Imagine yourself gliding through crystal-clear turquoise waters, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Suddenly, a surreal sight appears: a circle of life-sized human figures, frozen in time, gazing out into the ocean's depths. This is the magic of the underwater statues off the coast of Gili Meno, one of the three idyllic Gili Islands in Indonesia. This unique art installation offers a truly unforgettable experience, blending art, nature, and adventure into one incredible dive or snorkel. The statues, officially titled "Nest," were created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor in 2017. They weren't just dropped into the ocean; they were carefully designed to act as an artificial reef, providing a habitat for marine creatures and promoting coral growth. The figures represent a community, a circle of people holding hands, symbolizing unity and connection. Over time, the statues have become encrusted with coral and algae, transforming into a living, breathing artwork that evolves with the ocean. The main activity here is, of course, diving or snorkeling! Several dive shops on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air offer trips to the statue site. Even if you're not a certified diver, snorkeling is a fantastic way to experience the statues, as they are located in relatively shallow water. Keep an eye out for turtles, colorful fish, and other marine life that call this underwater gallery home. After your dive, relax on the pristine beaches of Gili Meno, grab a fresh coconut, and soak up the sun. While the Gili Islands don't have a specific, unique culinary tradition, you'll find incredible fresh seafood grilled to perfection at the many beachfront restaurants. Don't miss the chance to try the local Indonesian dishes like Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Gado-Gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce).
Transportation
To reach the underwater statues, you'll first need to get to one of the Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno, or Air). The most common way is by fast boat from Bali (Padang Bai or Serangan). From any of the Gili Islands, you can hire a local boat to take you to the statue site off Gili Meno. Many dive shops include boat transportation in their dive or snorkel packages.