You know that feeling when you surface after an amazing dive, saltwater dripping down your face, and your first thought is: “Imagine doing this every day for work.”
But then reality sets in: you’re back at your desk, scrolling through emails instead of gliding past coral reefs.
Maybe you’re a Divemaster who is getting tired of guiding yet another group of tourists who ignore your briefing. Or perhaps you’re stuck somewhere landlocked but are often dreaming of trading your suit and tie for fins and a wetsuit.
If this sounds familiar, we have some good news: you’re not alone. Even better news: there’s a clear path out that leads you directly to paradise.
We’re talking about the PADI IDC Gili Islands course.
The PADI IDC Gili Islands isn’t your average instructor course. Under the direct guidance of renowned Platinum Course Director Holly Macleod, you’ll learn exactly what it takes to teach diving professionally. And you’ll do it surrounded by white sand and turquoise waters (and an experienced and welcoming dive community).
Here’s what you need to know about the 2025 course dates, how the program works, and what to expect from your training.
2025 Course Start Dates
If you’re planning ahead, here are the upcoming PADI IDC Gili Islands course dates for the rest of 2025:
- August 6 – August 25
(Instructor Exam: August 26 – 27) - September 10 – September 29
(Instructor Exam: September 31 – October 1) - October 10 – November 3
(Instructor Exam: November 4 – 5) - November 19 – December 8
(Instructor Exam: December 9 – 10)
Each course is followed by a PADI Instructor Examination (IE). This is a standardized, two-day assessment conducted by PADI staff. The IDC prepares you fully for the IE. It helps you master both your diving skills and your ability to teach them clearly, safely, and effectively.
The schedule is designed to give you time to absorb the material, practice your teaching, and build confidence before the exam. Many candidates also take advantage of free fun diving and team teaching opportunities before or after their course. Your experience on Gili Trawangan should be equal parts learning and fun, after all.
What to Expect During the Padi IDC Gili Islands Course
The PADI IDC Gili Islands program follows a well-rounded training structure that includes classroom sessions, confined water practice, and open water teaching scenarios.
You’ll learn how to deliver briefings, manage students in real-world situations, and teach core diving skills step by step.
The course is split into two parts:
- Assistant Instructor (AI)
- Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)
Together, they make up the full IDC and prepare you to become a certified PADI Scuba Instructor.
The course is done under the guidance of Holly Macleod. She’s a multiple Platinum PADI Course Director with over 25 years of experience.
You’ll receive detailed feedback on your performance and lots of opportunities to improve. Every part of the program is designed to help you become a confident, knowledgeable instructor. That means you’ll practice mock classroom presentations as well as in-water exercises.
Expect to leave the program not just ready to pass your Instructor Exam, but fully prepared to start working in the dive industry. This could be in the Gili Islands, elsewhere in Indonesia, or anywhere in the world. The choice is completely yours.
Who Can Join + Entry Requirements
The PADI IDC Gili Islands program is designed for divers who are ready to take the next step toward becoming professional scuba instructors.
To join the PADI IDC Indonesia course, you’ll need to meet a few standard requirements:
- Be a certified PADI Divemaster (or equivalent) for at least 6 months
- Have logged at least 100 dives before the Instructor Examination
- Completed Emergency First Response (EFR) training within the past 24 months
- Have a medical statement signed by a physician within the last year
If you don’t have your Emergency First Response Instructor (EFRI) certification yet, that’s not a problem! You can complete it as part of the IDC program. This is an addition to your skills and certifications that expands your teaching opportunities right from the start.
Course Packages & What’s Included
No matter your current situation, there’s a course package to match your goals (and maybe even a little more than you expected).
Sure, you’ll find cheaper programs out there. But if you’re serious about becoming a confident, in-demand scuba instructor, you’re not here to cut corners. You’re here to get real-world experience, expert mentorship, and well-rounded training that sets you apart from the crowd. That’s exactly what you get with Holly Macleod’s PADI IDC Gili Islands program.
Here are the most popular options you’ll have:
- IDC + EFRI Package ($1600): For those who want to teach emergency response too. You’ll complete both the Instructor Development Course and your EFR Instructor certification.
- IDC + MSDT Package ($2100): This package adds five specialty instructor ratings so you can offer more courses right away.
- DM + IDC Package ($2680): This one is great for those who haven’t yet completed Divemaster training.
- OWSI Crossover ($825): For instructors certified with another agency who want to become PADI professionals..
All packages include:
- Free fun diving before the course
- Free team teaching opportunities
- Free equipment rental
- Access to world-class dive sites and real-world training environments on Gili Trawangan
Note: PADI application fees and course materials are not included in the above prices.
Why Holly’s PADI IDC Program Is The Best
When it comes to instructor-level training, the right mentor makes all the difference. Holly Macleod is one of the most respected names in the dive industry, with over 25 years of global experience and more than 3,500 instructors certified.
She has earned the PADI Platinum Course Director Award multiple times. This is an elite recognition given only to the top educators worldwide. Holly personally teaches every IDC, which means you’re not getting a generic or outsourced experience. You’re learning directly from the best.
Her course is known for its high success rate and supportive environment. You won’t be passed off to assistants or crammed into massive groups. Instead, you’ll get real-time feedback, tailored coaching, and mentoring that builds confidence, not just certification.
And because the PADI IDC Gili Trawangan program is well-known in the dive community, many grads go on to land jobs quickly (in Indonesia or across the globe).
If you’re ready to invest in real, lasting skills and a career that’s both exciting and sustainable, this is where you start.
Secure Your PADI IDC Gili Islands Spot
Spots fill up quickly for the PADI IDC Gili Islands program during peak travel seasons, so don’t wait too long.
If you’re ready to start your journey as a professional dive instructor in 2025, you can learn more and apply here.
If you have any further questions or would like to speak to us personally, reach out to us anytime for personalized guidance and planning help.