Meet the Bajau, the last of the true “Sea Nomads” of Southeast Asia. These remarkable people spend a staggering 60% of their lives underwater, diving for fish at depths exceeding 200 feet – all without the aid of scuba gear or bulky oxygen tanks. Their life is a testament to human adaptation and a deep connection to the ocean.
Untethered to land and without a fixed nationality, the Bajau have developed unique physiological traits to thrive in their aquatic world. Their spleens, for instance, are significantly larger than those of land-dwellers, allowing them to hold their breath for extended periods – up to 10 minutes according to some accounts. This exceptional breath-holding ability fuels their primary way of life – spearfishing.
The Bajau diet reflects the bounty of the sea. They consume a diverse array of marine life, including not only fish but also fascinating creatures like sea cucumbers. This diet is likely a contributing factor to their remarkable health and well-being.
Beyond their physical adaptations, the Bajau possess a rich cultural history that is as diverse as their seafood platter. Genetic studies reveal a fascinating mix, suggesting intermarriage with local populations throughout their history. Their language and cultural practices have also likely been influenced by the coastal communities they’ve interacted with over generations.
However, the Bajau’s unique way of life faces significant challenges. Despite their contributions to human culture and their undeniable connection to the sea, they are often targeted by insurgents and pirates who steal from them, extort them, and even resort to kidnapping and violence.
The ancestral roaming grounds and fishing areas of the Bajau people traverse the maritime borders of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This makes them, in a very real sense, international citizens of the sea. Their story is a powerful reminder of humanity’s deep connection to the ocean and the urgent need to protect both these remarkable people and the marine environment they call home.
bonnie says
wow very interesting, i hope no harm come to the people.
Saima Faisal says
How interesting!
Dominique Stovall says
This was very interesting, but unique how their spleen adapted but not their eyes? you would think that they wouldn’t need to wear goggles when other organs adapted
PAUL SHAPIRO says
The are still evolving
Earl Holder says
speaking from experience….the unprotected eyes and living, you might say, in the water that is salty….eyes couldnt last very long….Eyes werent made for constant exposure to
salt water.
Debra Pleau says
Amazing, I pray God protects these special people, living with such freedom from all the distraction of this world…
Janet Vallar-Gillette says
Your first photo reminds me of a docudrama “My Octopus Teacher”.. I have never looked at octopi in the same way.
Jayde Blackwood says
This was an amazing programme
connie coleman says
Where do they get their drinking water?
Mary Wynne says
Fascinating.. They are living a non toxic life.. Others should leave them alone with their peaceful existence.
Sarah Masanda says
My daughter just bought a bunch of pearl jewelries from a Filipino Bajau in davao just awhile ago, They live mainly around the islands
Bruce Spedding says
What do they do for fresh water?
Sonnie says
Have these people developed membranes between their fingers?
Chris Bobinac says
The only reason they even continue is because they’ve nothing to covet, take or exploit So noone cares if they’re building pole houses on beaches. I wonder how ocean pollution and warming are affecting their survivability?
Wole Ralph says
God in diverse of ways showing his sovereignty on his creatures.