Bajau People - Sea Nomads
OVERVIEW
Meet the Bajau People "Sea Nomads"
Join us for an epic Indonesian cruise trip to meet one of the most welcoming and smiling people of the archipelago. The Bajau people are living exclusively in coastal areas of Sulawesi, Maluku, Kalimantanand the Lesser Sunda islands, including the Komodo area.
In the past, they were true nomads living essentially aboard small skiff called lepa, where they would cook, sleep and fish. They have now been sedentarised and inhabit villages by the shore, often literally above water, in wooden houses built on stilts, with wooden alleyways serving as streets. No wonder the Bajau are also called the “sea Gypsies”.
Most of them still make their living entirely from the sea: they fish, collect trepang and other mollusks on the sea floor, act as traders of sea produce or use their boat to ferry people and cargo from island to island.
It is a wonderful experience to visit these Bajo villages, always lively, colorful and busy. One of the highlight of such visit will be to witness how they developed an exceptional ability to free-dive, deep and for extended period of time, a testament to their adaptation to the environment.
HIGHLIGHTS
Bajau "Sea Nomads" Trip Highlights
GET TO KNOW THE SEA GYPSIES’ TRADITIONAL WAY OF LIFE
Creating memories through meaningful interaction with the village people
Meeting people going about their daily activities in the Bajau villages is a rewarding experience: whether walking on wooden gangways, stopping by at an impromptu market, visiting a local school or sipping coffee at a local warung, you will always be welcome by people who want to engage in a conversation, or will insist for you to have a look at their newborn baby or simply want to take a selfie with you. Expect plenty of “ Hello Mister”.
Highly recommended excursion for avid photographers.
EXPLORE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF BAJAU COUNTRY.
Marveling at and connecting with remote and pristine locations
Most Bajau areas are littered with countless islands and islets, often separated by narrow passages where secluded lagoons await us for a new adventure.
Often, we’ll use our zodiac to island-hop from one beach to another, from one cove to a snorkeling spot, from a tiny hamlet to some blue mangrove spot. Expect many stop on secluded beaches to enjoy the sun or walk along the shores.
WATER ACTIVITIES IN BAJAU COUNTRY
Joining the locals in their fishing activities
Besides our zodiac rides, one of our main activity will be to snorkel on the pristine reefs fringing most islands, and mostly in crystal clear water. The reefs are mainly sloping, offering a kaleidoscopic scenery of a large variety of reefs and fish.
Whenever possible, we’ll join a party of fishermen to experience their way of fishing and witness first-hand their free-diving skills. Amazing!
More about the free-diving skills of the Bajau, see the National Geographic article.
HAVING FUN WHILE ON BOARD
Enjoy the life on board and around the boat
We carry 2 kayaks for you to enjoy the surroundings of our anchorage as well as a paddle board and a surf board. Yoga mats are also at your disposal.
We will bring you occasionally for volleyball game with the locals or our crew, an exhilarating experience.
In the evening, you can enjoy chess, scrabble, backgammon and other games.
Learn more about the Nomad Experience
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Bajau People Travel Information
HOW TO GET TO BAJAU VILLAGES
Our Bajau trips are part of our liveaboard trips to different destinations and start and end at various ports. Please visit the page of each destination: