Bajau Tribe:
Research has revealed that the Bajau’s spleens are, on an average, 50% larger than those of the general population, a natural adaptation that allows them to live longer and deep diver.
- The Bajau, also called the Sea Gypsies or Sea Nomads, come from the Sulu Islands region in the Southern Philippines.
And because of their nomadic sea life, this tribe eventually spread into the waters of Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. - The Bajau are renowned for their extraordinary free-diving abilities.
- Without using modern diving gear, they can dive to depths of 20–30 metres and hold their breath for five to 13 minutes.
- Bajau have spleens that are, on average, 50% larger than those of ordinary people, a natural adaptation that enables them to dive deeper and longer.
- Scientists have traced this adaptation to a variation in the PDE10A gene.
- People of the Bajau Tribe live in wooden pole houses and houseboats called Lepa-Lepa. Their activities are mostly carried out on the boat.
- Following seasonal changes, they move between islands, entirely dependent on the sea for food, income, and daily needs.
- Fishing remains central to their lifestyle and is a strong reflection of their cultural heritage. Communal fishing activities help preserve traditional practices and strengthen social bonds.
