In Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah, a maritime community maintains a deep connection to the sea. The Bajau, sometimes referred to as “sea nomads,” have inhabited this region for generations. While some have maintained an itinerant lifestyle, others have settled down and live in coastal villages. Today, they must adapt to economic and environmental transformations while preserving their traditions.
The Bajau, from maritime origins to a new sedentarization
The Bajau have long occupied the waters of the Malaysian and Philippine archipelago, living aboard their boats and moving according to marine resources. Their mobility allowed them to trade with other populations, thus integrating a structured maritime trade network. This itinerant lifestyle was adapted to the challenges imposed by the sea and the subsistence needs of their communities.
Over time, some families settled on the coasts of Borneo, particularly in Kota Kinabalu. The proximity of markets and urban infrastructure facilitated this transition. Gradually, they adopted a more stable lifestyle, building houses on stilts and developing local economic activities. Today, fishing and crafts remain essential to their daily lives, although other opportunities, such as tourism, offer alternatives.
Maritime know-how that evolves over time
The Bajau of Kota Kinabalu no longer all live on the water, but their knowledge of tides, currents and marine species remains valuable. While free-diving is declining, traditional navigation and the construction of “lepa-lepa” boats still bear witness to their expertise. These boats, used for cultural ceremonies such as the Regatta Lepa, have become a strong symbol of identity.
However, fishing regulations and evolving techniques are changing their daily lives. Modern nets and boat motorization facilitate access to resources, but also pose challenges. Competition with industrial fishing and environmental restrictions require constant adjustments. Despite these changes, some Bajau continue to pass on their knowledge to younger generations, thus ensuring the sustainability of their maritime culture.
Habitat under increasing environmental pressure
The Bajau stilt villages, built on the water’s edge, are directly affected by coastal transformations. Rapid urbanization in Kota Kinabalu and rising sea levels are threatening their way of life. Coastal erosion is weakening homes, and some families must regularly rebuild their houses.
In addition, modern infrastructure is not always adapted to their needs. Access to public services remains limited, and economic opportunities are mainly concentrated in the urban sector. For some families, the transition to urban life is more of a necessity than a choice. However, this change also leads to a gradual loss of certain cultural practices linked to the sea.
Did you know?
In the Philippines, many Bajau are considered stateless, which complicates their access to public services and their integration. Despite laws protecting indigenous peoples, marginalization and administrative difficulties still hamper the recognition of their rights
Pollution and marine conservation: major challenges
The urban and tourist development of Kota Kinabalu leads to an accumulation of waste in coastal areas. Plastic pollution directly affects the Bajau, who depend on marine resources for their livelihoods. Abandoned fishing nets, packaging and microplastics contaminate the waters where they sail and fish. This degradation impacts local biodiversity and threatens their food security.
Faced with these challenges, some local initiatives are emerging. Community members participate in beach and mangrove cleaning programs. Others raise awareness of the importance of reducing plastic waste. These actions help preserve their immediate environment, but they require broader support to be truly effective.
Marine conservation is becoming a crucial issue for these populations. The preservation of coral reefs, which serve as a habitat for many species, conditions the ecological balance on which their way of life depends. Some associations work with the Bajau to protect these fragile ecosystems. Sustainable fishing practices and reducing plastic waste are among the priorities to ensure a viable future for these maritime communities.
Bajau culture is changing but still alive
Despite the challenges, the Bajau continue to value their cultural heritage. Music, dance and crafts are an important part of their identity. The Regatta Lepa, which celebrates their connection to the sea, remains a key event in Kota Kinabalu. The festival highlights the Bajau’s seafaring traditions and craft skills, while drawing attention to their current situation.
Additionally, adapting to new economic realities requires diversifying their activities. Some Bajau are turning to trade, tourism or other urban occupations. This transition allows them to better integrate into Malaysian society while retaining part of their maritime identity.
Preserving an identity in the face of current transformations
The Bajau of Kota Kinabalu illustrate the complexity of cultural and environmental developments in the coastal regions of Southeast Asia. Between attachment to traditions and adaptation to modern realities, they seek a balance. The recognition of their know-how and their history could play a key role in their future.
Supporting local initiatives in favor of marine conservation and waste management would improve their living conditions. Better consideration of their needs in public policies could also promote their integration without erasing their identity. By combining cultural preservation and ecological commitment, the Bajau could find a sustainable path for future generations.
Did you know?
According to a study published in 2018 in the journal Cell (Ilardo et al.), the Bajau, sea nomads in Indonesia, have a spleen 50% larger than average. This adaptation allows them to store more oxygen and extend their breath-hold dives by up to 13 minutes.
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