CONTEMPLATE THE LIFESTYLE & CULTURE
The Bajaus
Bajau is an indigenous ethnic group of Malaysia and can be found prominently at Semporna, east of Sabah. Currently, they are the second largest ethnic group in the state of Sabah, which is 13.4% of the total population of the state; the Kadazandusun is the first.
Many of the Bajau live in sprawling stilt villages over the water on the outskirts of Semporna town with their long and large roofted-boats traditionally called Lepa-Lepa.
Watch the Bajau traditional dance below:
The Bajau Fishing Village is a quaint, charming place with lots of houses on stilts, connected to one another by plank walkways. The ocean is still their main source of living. They do fishing, collecting clams and mussels at islands of Semporna. However, few Bajau has come inland and become working at business shops, etc.
Bajau constitutes of different sub-groups which are closely related indigenous groups. Even though they are called Bajau, each sub-group has their own unique language, cultures and tradition. In Semporna, they are Bajau darat, Bajau Laut, Bajau Ubian, Bajau Sama and Bajau Simunul.
The Bajau have been a nomadic, seafaring people for most of their history. Many Bajau still practice that same lifestyle to this day, thus commonly called as “sea gypsies.” the Bajau Laut tribes of Semporna are known for their seafaring skills.
In Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia, the Bajau groups perform the dance of Daling-Daling either in Suluk or their own native languages. They also invented their own dance called Igal-igal, based on the Daling-daling moves and costumes. The dance has been practiced for wedding ceremonies for native communities in Semporna. Brides and grooms wear more colorful clothing at their wedding. (text by Gavin)