This tribe lives on water, rarely set foot on land, reason is…, not American, Chinese or Brazilian, they belong to…

Bajau Tribe: There are more than 190 countries in the world, and each is different from the others. Every country has its own culture and tradition. But when we think that we know everything about every culture, a new thing pops up debunking our beliefs. In this story, we are also talking about a mysterious tribe that is known for its unique way of living. The tribe lives on water and rarely sets their foot on the soil. Yes, you read that right — the Bajau Tribe, found on the coasts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, has called water their home for centuries. The tribe, also known as ‘Sea Gypsies’, are skilled divers and can hold their breath for up to 5 minutes underwater. Let’s know more about this unique tribe.

Nomadic Lifestyle

The people of this tribe are skilled sailors and excellent freedivers. For centuries, this tribe have lived a nomadic lifestyle. They move from one island to another according to the seasons. People of the Bajau Tribe live in wooden pol houses and houseboats called Lepa-Lepa. In the modern world, people of this tribe still use spears to catch fish.

Experts In Diving

People of this tribe can excellent divers and can dive to a depth of 20-30 meters without using any equipment. Surprisingly, these people can hold their breath for 5 minutes underwater, better than several professional divers and athletes.

According to scientists, the Bajau people have genetically enlarged spleens that help them stay underwater for a long time.

They dive barefoot with wooden goggles and traditional spears. The children of this tribe learn swimming at a very early age, and most of the community life is centred around fishing.

Changes Are Happening

Coastal communities have seen an influx of people due to shifting ocean environments and government relocation initiatives. Despite these significant changes, the Bajau people have maintained their maritime traditions.

Experiencing the Bajau culture provides a unique opportunity to witness a disappearing traditional lifestyle. Witnessing the tribe’s wooden boats on the turquoise water, children playing in simple canoes, and the vibrant coral reefs creates a memorable and striking scene.

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