The Sama-Bajau or Sea Nomads have been living along the coasts of Southeast Asia for thousands of years. Their life is all about the sea and they are famous for their awesome maritime skills, boat-building and sense of community. The Sama-Bajau people’s history, culture and way of life is a mix of survival, adaptation and resilience.
Who are the Sama-Bajau?
They live in the waters of the Philippines, Malaysia & Indonesia. Generally Sama-Bajau communities are divided into two main groups: the Sama and the Bajau. The former are coastal people who live on the shores by living in different villages. More sea-based is the Bajau, living most of their life on boats and stilt houses that stretch beyond the water bodies, so these people are not far from the sea.
For centuries they lived off the sea, fishing, boat building & trading. What’s amazing is that the Bajau adapted very well to their surroundings. Some call them “sea gypsies” because they roam the waters according to the fish routes and seasons.
What makes the Sama-Bajau special?
One of the most distinctive things about the Sama-Bajau is their sea connection. Many coastal communities around the world depend on the sea for food but the Sama-Bajau’s connection is deeper. The Bajau have a life on the water, living in lepa-lepa boats or stilt houses above water, in shallow waters or remote islands.
This has made the Bajau some of the best free divers in the world. They can dive to incredible depths without any breathing apparatus, relying only on their skill, experience and physical body. Some Bajau fishermen can hold their breath for several minutes and dive up to 60 meters (197 feet) to catch fish and other sea creatures. Their incredible diving ability is due to a combination of practice, genetics and adaptation. Studies show that their spleen may be bigger than other populations which allows them to store more oxygen during dives.
How big is tradition in Sama-Bajau culture?
The traditions and culture of the Sama-Bajau has been passed down through generations and shapes their way of life and society. Their sea life is closely tied to their spiritual beliefs and values. The sea is not just a source of livelihood; it’s also a source of spiritual connection. Many Sama-Bajau communities perform rituals and ceremonies to honor the sea and its resources, to show respect to the sea creatures that sustains them.
Their boat building is an art form, the lepa-lepa boats are hand crafted using techniques that have been passed down for centuries. The boats are not just for transportation and fishing, they are also a symbol of Bajau identity & cultural pride. The boats are adorned with intricate designs and treated with care because they are the lifeblood of the Bajau way of life.
What are the Sama-Bajau facing today?
Despite being so well adapted to life at sea, the Sama-Bajau are facing many challenges today. Climate change, overfishing and destruction of coral reefs has decimated marine life and that’s affecting their way of life. Government regulations and the creation of marine protected areas has also restricted their traditional fishing practices and many Bajau communities are without their main source of livelihood.
Also many Sama-Bajau communities are stateless, especially in Malaysia where many of them don’t have official citizenship or ID. This status makes them vulnerable to discrimination and limits their access to education, healthcare and employment.
Can the Sama-Bajau adapt to modern life?
The question is: can the Sama-Bajau continue their traditional way of life in a modernized world? While many Sama-Bajau are now living on land due to lack of resources and changing environment, others still practice their maritime ways. This is a proof of their adaptability. They are a people of the sea but they are so flexible in navigating the complexities of the modern world.
Some Sama-Bajau are into tourism and crafts while others are learning new skills in the cities. But this comes with its own set of challenges as they try to balance their traditions with the fast pace of the world.
