NESTLED in the triangle of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia lies a village inhabited by the Bajau Laut, who are also known as 'sea gypsies'.
The sea gypsies lead a life intricately entwined with the water, as their nomadic existence revolves around the vast seas of this region.
While they navigate the waters fluidly, their lives seem to remain anchored, untouched by the currents of change and modernisation sweeping across the global landscape.
This is the essence of the sea gypsies' way of life — living in harmony with the environment, without the need for stockpiled provisions or worries about the distant future.
In my observation, they live day by day, relying on the resources available in their surroundings. It's akin to the Malay proverb "kais pagi makan pagi, kais petang makan petang", which also means they "eat to live" rather than "live to eat".
Wealth in their community is measured not by material possessions, but by the size of their boat, which should be spacious enough to serve as a dwelling and equipped with a motor for mobility.
Inside, simple furniture accommodates entire families, alongside cooking equipment fuelled by small gas canisters.
Most of the men are skilled craftsmen, adept at constructing and repairing boats and canoes essential for their daily lives.
The sea gypsies are renowned for their exceptional diving and fishing skills, which are honed since childhood and refined over decades.
Their diet, predominantly lean and healthy, contributes to their robust appearance. A common dish, 'Tompek', consists of grated tapioca, serving as an alternative starchy staple to rice. The tapioca is dried and toasted until golden brown, providing sustenance for their daily lives.
Children frolic in the open sea, learning to swim from the age of 1 and embracing the waters as their playground.
While education holds significance for the younger generation, the paramount skill, according to their elders, is the ability to fish for survival.
Women start their day early, applying 'Buwas Kuning' (cooling powder) made from rice-based powder, turmeric and coconut milk to shield their faces and necks from the sun's glare.
Access to clean water remains a challenge for the Bajau Laut, necessitating reliance on bottled drinking water for daily needs. With inadequate waste management systems, the picturesque island of Semporna, famed for its pristine beaches, is sadly marred by litter.
While some sea gypsies villages float on water, others opt for land-based settlements, forsaking their nomadic heritage. These settlements, like the one on Tetagan Island, retain traditional sea gypsies architecture, utilising coconut tree leaves for roofing and walls to temper the tropical heat.
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