Born In Water, Living On Waves, Dying At Sea: The Sea Nomads Who Fear Setting Foot On Land

Across the world, many indigenous tribes live in isolation, far removed from modern civilisation. One such unique community is the Bajau tribe of nomadic people who inhabit the coastal regions of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines and are known for spending most of their lives at sea, rarely coming to land.

The Bajau are renowned for their extraordinary free-diving abilities. Without using modern diving gear, they can dive to depths of 20–30 metres and hold their breath for five to 13 minutes. Medical research reveals that the Bajau have spleens that are, on average, 50% larger than those of ordinary people, a natural adaptation that enables them to dive deeper and longer. Scientists have traced this adaptation to a variation in the PDE10A gene.

Bajau children learn to swim and dive from an early age, as the sea is not just a source of livelihood but an inseparable part of their identity. They hunt fish, octopus, and sea cucumbers using traditional wooden goggles and handcrafted spears. The Bajau live in wooden boats known as lepa-lepa, which serve as both homes and means of travel. Following seasonal changes, they move between islands, entirely dependent on the sea for food, income, and daily needs.

Fishing remains central to their lifestyle and is a strong reflection of their cultural heritage. Communal fishing activities help preserve traditional practices and strengthen social bonds.

Challenges and Preservation Efforts

While some Bajau communities have begun to settle in stilt houses along the shore, their hearts still belong to the sea. However, their way of life is under threat. The rise in tourism has disrupted traditional fishing routes, and some individuals have turned to harmful methods such as dynamite fishing, which is devastating the marine ecosystem. Despite these challenges, the Bajau are making efforts to preserve their culture. Community leaders are working to raise awareness about their rights and are encouraging the younger generation to embrace both traditional knowledge and necessary modern adaptations.

Unfortunately, many Bajau remain stateless and lack access to education, healthcare, and formal employment. Government efforts to settle them permanently on land further threaten their nomadic identity and self-sufficiency. Witnessing the Bajau culture is a rare and beautiful experience – wooden boats floating over turquoise waters, children diving near coral reefs, and the communal joy of traditional dances and fishing. Their unique lifestyle is a living reminder of the deep human connection with nature.

Spirituality is also woven into their lives. Their beliefs are a blend of Islam and animistic traditions. They worship deities like Umbo Tuhan (God of the Sea) and Dayang Dayang Mangilai (Goddess of the Forest), symbolising the harmony they maintain with both land and water.