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Sea Gypsies: A Tribe In Borneo Living In Their Own Little Paradise
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Sea Gypsies: A Tribe In Borneo Living In Their Own Little Paradise

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Traditionally, the Bajau resided in small boats, sailing day and night with the currents, counting only on their fishing gear to make a living. This is how they earned the title of the “sea gipsies”. Others used to live in hiding and many still live nowadays in the middle of nowhere, on floating villages built on the coral reefs. Today, many have come ashore to live on small islands, but continue to develop their perfect knowledge of the oceans, whilst selling their fish on a small scale.

Réhahn, a french photographer, spent a few days with these sea gipsies. He will keep forever in the depths of his heart the feeling of peace and serenity that emerges from these places, of these people who have nothing in common with our lives and who live only for and by the water.

More info: Facebook | rehahnphotographer.com

RELATED:

    The Bajau, the nomads of the sea, are neither recognized not accepted by the neighboring countries

    They are there by choice: the choice to live in paradise, their own little paradise

    The tribe has no knowledge of reading or writing

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    The Bajau do not know their ages

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    They know roughly about the concept of age but time doesn’t matter much to them, only the present moment counts

    Regardless of age, everyone finds his place and helps to catch the fish

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    Women give birth here in their hut on stilts. Most Bajau are born, live and die on their land

    Younger children are constantly on the boats, learning how to dive or swim, while those who have reached the age of about 8 years old are already busy hunting

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    photaddict

    photaddict

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    Traveling across the world, i am addict to adventures. I am always looking for the best photos who redraw perfectly our world.

    Read less »
    photaddict

    photaddict

    Author, Community member

    Traveling across the world, i am addict to adventures. I am always looking for the best photos who redraw perfectly our world.

    What do you think ?
    Add photo comments
    POST
    MarjorieSchuh
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unbelievably clear, clean green water. Hopefully no one interferes with their way of life.

    RichardPetch
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a life, no taxes, governments ripping you off for your last pennies, no telly or radio pouring out doom and gloom, what a life.

    ChrisCuevas
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wrong. The Bajau's are recognized, accepted & defined as ethnic citizen of the Philippines.

    ChrisCuevas
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Sulu (group of) Islands where they mostly live is part of the Philippine Archipelago. They are also NOT as nomadic as people think.

    Load More Replies...
    ReneeBeers
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bet they live happier lifes than the ones who have, what we know, everything!

    EmmaTuengel
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i wish i could be in their shoes, its truly amazing and i wish i could live out there

    EmmaTuengel
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i thought this was heart warming and just truly amazing, i wish i could go there and enjoy their land with them,

    worldcitizen
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I certainly learned a little more about our world and its many varied and amazing people today !

    VikaHandayani
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think i have met them in derawan island, Borneo. They only go along the side of island to get some supply. Their smile is priceless

    سهرماموسى
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know some of the Bajau people in my place, and not all of them living on the sea. Some of the even going to university...

    AmariBurnett
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow i am jealous and kind of not at the same time. They don't have wifi

    ViktoriaSighs
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Bajaos (or Bajau as spelled in this article) are sea gypsies and travel to harbors to beg. No paradise there.

    ArizalRasyid
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    they are fishermen. not beggar. they are my neighbour living in the same province. and yes, they are living in paradise.

    Load More Replies...
    DirkDeBeer
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ya until the pollution of the oil spills and the nuclear waste hits them. Wish I could live among them all by your self no worry's at al....

    AstridCunningham
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not a fat-a*s-mcdonalds munching child amongst them.... their lives seem wonderfully simple

    JackieDrown
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd love to share some time with the Sea Gypsies to feel the peace they live in.

    BrianMackenzie
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seems like paradise to me. Far from the Maddening crowd. I would go there in a flash.

    LeanneComeau
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    they look happy ... no technology and no keeping up with the Jones' no media to ruin their world just plain and simple healthy living ... ki

    EvaKlevska
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It doesn't really show much more than four swimming kids...

    Réhahn
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's why the link to my page and website is given in the article ;) To make people curious...

    Load More Replies...
    BarniRajah
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a beautiful place but it has become very touristy. the kids wait daily of tourist to come in boats, pose for them and ask for $$

    Load More Replies...
    captaingrumpy
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All pictures of children. What about their huts and how they catch the fish etc.

    RogerSullivan
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    better look out, first thing you know there will be a Walmart built there....

    CuriousGeorge
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No iPads, cell phones or modern conveniences and the happiest children I have ever seen! God bless!

    Réhahn
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You should read the article, and you will see the link to the website and fanpage. Then you will find more photos. Be curious ;)

    Load More Replies...
    AriannaZainuddin
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Its really as wonderful as this post says.. just a little caveat for travelers there - Be careful of kidnappers from southern Philippines..

    MarjorieSchuh
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unbelievably clear, clean green water. Hopefully no one interferes with their way of life.

    RichardPetch
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a life, no taxes, governments ripping you off for your last pennies, no telly or radio pouring out doom and gloom, what a life.

    ChrisCuevas
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wrong. The Bajau's are recognized, accepted & defined as ethnic citizen of the Philippines.

    ChrisCuevas
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Sulu (group of) Islands where they mostly live is part of the Philippine Archipelago. They are also NOT as nomadic as people think.

    Load More Replies...
    ReneeBeers
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bet they live happier lifes than the ones who have, what we know, everything!

    EmmaTuengel
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i wish i could be in their shoes, its truly amazing and i wish i could live out there

    EmmaTuengel
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i thought this was heart warming and just truly amazing, i wish i could go there and enjoy their land with them,

    worldcitizen
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I certainly learned a little more about our world and its many varied and amazing people today !

    VikaHandayani
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think i have met them in derawan island, Borneo. They only go along the side of island to get some supply. Their smile is priceless

    سهرماموسى
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know some of the Bajau people in my place, and not all of them living on the sea. Some of the even going to university...

    AmariBurnett
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow i am jealous and kind of not at the same time. They don't have wifi

    ViktoriaSighs
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Bajaos (or Bajau as spelled in this article) are sea gypsies and travel to harbors to beg. No paradise there.

    ArizalRasyid
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    they are fishermen. not beggar. they are my neighbour living in the same province. and yes, they are living in paradise.

    Load More Replies...
    DirkDeBeer
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ya until the pollution of the oil spills and the nuclear waste hits them. Wish I could live among them all by your self no worry's at al....

    AstridCunningham
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not a fat-a*s-mcdonalds munching child amongst them.... their lives seem wonderfully simple

    JackieDrown
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd love to share some time with the Sea Gypsies to feel the peace they live in.

    BrianMackenzie
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seems like paradise to me. Far from the Maddening crowd. I would go there in a flash.

    LeanneComeau
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    they look happy ... no technology and no keeping up with the Jones' no media to ruin their world just plain and simple healthy living ... ki

    EvaKlevska
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It doesn't really show much more than four swimming kids...

    Réhahn
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's why the link to my page and website is given in the article ;) To make people curious...

    Load More Replies...
    BarniRajah
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a beautiful place but it has become very touristy. the kids wait daily of tourist to come in boats, pose for them and ask for $$

    Load More Replies...
    captaingrumpy
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All pictures of children. What about their huts and how they catch the fish etc.

    RogerSullivan
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    better look out, first thing you know there will be a Walmart built there....

    CuriousGeorge
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No iPads, cell phones or modern conveniences and the happiest children I have ever seen! God bless!

    Réhahn
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You should read the article, and you will see the link to the website and fanpage. Then you will find more photos. Be curious ;)

    Load More Replies...
    AriannaZainuddin
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Its really as wonderful as this post says.. just a little caveat for travelers there - Be careful of kidnappers from southern Philippines..

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