The Bajau People: The Remarkable Sea Nomads of Southeast Asia
The Bajau People: The Remarkable Sea Nomads of Southeast Asia The Bajau people, also known as the Sama-Bajau, are one of the most extraordinary maritime communities in the world. Often called the “Sea Nomads,” they have built their identity, culture, and survival around the ocean for centuries. Their lifestyle is not just unique — it has even shaped their biology. In this article, we explore who the Bajau are, where they live, their incredible diving abilities, and the modern challenges threatening their traditional way of life. Where Do the Bajau People Live? The Bajau are spread across Southeast Asia, particularly in: Philippines Malaysia Indonesia Historically, many Bajau communities lived almost entirely at sea, especially around the Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea. Instead of settling permanently on land, they spent generations moving across coastal waters in search of fish and trade opportunities. Why Are the Bajau Called “Sea Nomads”? For centuries, the Bajau lived abo...