The Bajau, also called the Sea Gypsies or Sea Nomads, have lived on the waters off the coasts of Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines for centuries.
Their floating homes keep them connected to the sea at all times, though their distance from the mainlands also keep them disconnected them from modern civilization. Perhaps, this divide is part of what allows them to maintain their way of life and ancestral traditions despite the influences of globalization.
The Expedition
My voyage to meet these mysterious people was no smooth ride. The real obstacle course to reach the islands started in Kuala Lumpur. I touched down there after a several hour flight from Vietnam. Another airplane took me to Tawau in the Sabah region of Malaysia. From there, I caught a bus to the harbor town of Semporna, one of the largest cities in Borneo.
Tourists typically depart from Semporna to reach the incredible dive sites that Malaysia has to offer.
Where the Bajau people live in Malaysia ?
This map highlights the regions where the Bajau people reside, as detailed in the article below.
