Bajau

Bajau, also called Sama-Bajau, are an indigenous maritime people of Southeast Asia. They traditionally inhabit coastal and island communities in the Philippines’ Sulu Archipelago, eastern Sabah (Malaysia), and parts of eastern Indonesia, including Sulawesi and the Sangihe–Talaud region. Historically, many Bajau lived as sea nomads, residing on boats or stilt houses built over the shallows. In some historical accounts they were described as “sea gypsies” because of their nomadic, seafaring lifestyle, though Bajau identify as a distinct people.

Linguistically, the Bajau speak Sama-Bajau languages, a branch of the Austronesian family, and are commonly bilingual in national languages such as Filipino, Malay, or Indonesian. Islam is the predominant faith among Bajau in most areas; there are also communities practicing Christianity or traditional beliefs in certain regions.

Culturally, the Bajau have long been known for seafaring, free-diving, and boat-building. Their social organization is often kin-based, with subsistence closely tied to the sea. Traditional occupations include fishing, pearling, and coastal trade, though many Bajau now live on land in towns and pursue a variety of livelihoods.

Contemporary issues affecting the Bajau include shifts toward permanent settlement and integration with nation-states, alongside challenges such as statelessness or restricted citizenship for some groups in parts of the Philippines, Sabah, and Indonesia. Environmental change, land pressures, and regulatory policies also impact traditional sea-based livelihoods and ways of life.