The Bajau Laut are sea nomad communities native to the waters of Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The Bajau Laut, often called "sea gypsies," traditionally live on small houseboats (lepa-lepa), subsisting on fishing and foraging from coral reefs. Their deep connection to the sea defines their identity, with many spending their entire lives on water.
Their exceptional free-diving abilities—reaching depths of up to 20 meters without scuba gear—are legendary and reflect centuries of adaptation to their aquatic environment. Boats are central to their lives, serving as homes, transport, and tools for sustenance. Beyond their practicality, these vessels are often ornately decorated, symbolizing cultural pride and craftsmanship.
The Bajau Laut inhabit the Coral Triangle, an area known for its rich marine biodiversity. Their sustainable fishing practices—using spears and small nets—historically preserved the fragile ecosystems of coral reefs. However, external forces, such as destructive fishing methods and climate change, are depleting marine resources and damaging their environment.