How Asia's Super Divers Evolved for a Life At Sea

The Bajau are an indigenous, nomadic, and seafaring people in Southeast Asia, known as "Sea Gypsies" or "Sea Nomads" for their deep connection to the ocean. They have traditionally lived on small, wooden boats called lepa lepa or in stilt houses over the water, with significant populations found in coastal regions of Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Key characteristics A seafaring life: For centuries, the Bajau have lived a semi-nomadic existence on the water, relying on the sea for the