Visit the Gili Islands’ Environmentally Friendly Underwater Sculptures

The Gili Islands are famous for their vibrant marine life, crystal-clear waters, and if you scroll Instagram, beachfront swings and underwater sculptures. A major attraction of the islands is an underwater sculpture designed by renowned artist and environmentalist Jason deCaires Taylor. Known for his work that merges art with conservation, Taylor’s installation in Gili Meno is visually captivating and environmentally significant.

The Story Behind the Sculptures

Installed in 2017, the “Nest” sculpture by Taylor is one of the most talked-about attractions in the Gilis. The installation features 48 life-sized human figures arranged in a circular formation, frozen in poses that reflect intimacy, connection, and serenity. The figures are made from pH-neutral marine-grade concrete, a material designed to be eco-friendly and attract marine life growth.

Taylor’s sculptures are not just art pieces but also function as artificial reefs. Over time, these sculptures have become habitats for marine organisms such as coral, fish, and crustaceans. His work acts to raise awareness about the fragility of marine ecosystems while actually offering a place for restoration and regeneration. The circular arrangement of the sculptures symbolizes both life and renewal, embodying the cycle of nature in the underwater world.

Environmental Impact

The installation’s environmental impact goes way beyond its aesthetics. The Gili Islands’ waters are part of a delicate coral ecosystem, which has faced challenges from climate change, bleaching, and over-tourism. By creating artificial reefs like the Nest, Taylor is helping to promote coral regeneration. The sculptures provide a solid surface where corals can latch on and grow, creating new homes for marine life and contributing to biodiversity in the area.

Over time, the sculpture park has become a thriving ecosystem, attracting fish, crabs, and coral polyps that eventually transform the art into a living reef. The sculptures will slowly erode under the sea and nature will take over. The site’s role as an artificial reef also alleviates pressure on nearby natural reefs by drawing divers and snorkelers to this designated area.

Tips for Visiting

From Gili Trawangan you can easily get a boat over to Gili Meno. There is either the public ferry or you can charter a boat over. The Nest installation is easily accessible from Gili Meno’s western beach.

The best time to visit the underwater sculptures is in the morning, when the water is calm, and the visibility is at its peak. During the midday sun, the water reflects light beautifully, enhancing the view of the sculptures from underwater.

While the sculptures are shallow enough to be enjoyed by snorkelers, divers get a closer look and can obviously stay down longer. Many dive shops on Gili Meno offer guided tours to the site.

Underwater photography enthusiasts will find this site a dream come true. Bring a GoPro or underwater camera to capture the haunting beauty of the sculptures, but be mindful not to disrupt the marine life in the process.

As with any underwater experience, it’s important to follow eco-friendly practices. Avoid touching the sculptures or any marine life, and make sure to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the fragile ecosystem.

The underwater sculptures in Gili Meno offer a unique blend of art, environmentalism, and marine conservation. They are a creative way that an artist has contributed to preserving our oceans. Visiting the underwater installation is not only a great experience to add to your holiday but also shows your support of the ongoing efforts to protect the delicate ecosystems of the Gili Islands.