The Bajo -- Sea Gypsies



Just before the Christmas holidays we made our first trip to Nain Island. The people of Nain are of Bajo decent. The Bajo have always had a very close association with the sea... originally they lived a nomadic lifestyle on ships. Now, although they have settled into permanent, or semi-permanent communities, they still live on the water -- literally! The majority of their houses are built on stilts above the water. The Bajo people rely on the sea for their livelihoods; they have a close cultural and spiritual affinity with the sea and believe that the sea spirits have tremendous influence over their lives. The Bajo are often thought to exploit the sea’s bounty however they wish, causing a decline in marine resources, however, oftentimes, the Bajo employ much more sustainable fishing practices than other fishing communities found in Indonesian waters.

A good friend and work-mate of ours is a native of this tribe, so we were his guests for the visit to the island... and as such, we were welcomed with open arms, and treated like kings!


From an early age, kids are one with the water.



They live a simple, unhurried lifestyle. My favourite part of the 'bajo' day, was the afternoon nap... There can be nothing more relaxing than chilling in the shade of a bamboo stilt house in the afternoon sun... the reflections from the surrounding water dancing off the floor, walls and ceiling sooths you to sleep, while the cool breeze blowing from the sea keeps you fresh. aaaahhhh...


Apart from this, there seemed to be little escape from the sun, which seemed more potent in this setting.... So I had to purchase a new hat... It's actually a 'fisherman's hat', but I thought it was pretty and practical (oh, groan... mom, I'm definitely your daughter!), and for 50 cents, you can't go wrong!


We can't wait to return to this unique community next year!