Borneo tribe who spend their lives on the water

 

For some of us, owning a home by the sea is something of a dream. 

 

But for the Bajau Laut, stateless sea gypsies who live off the coast of Borneo, life on the water is just a part of who they are.

 

Traditionally, these boat dwelling nomads are from the many islands of the Sulu Archipelago in the Philippines but many have migrated to the neighbouring area of Sabah, Borneo, due to the conflict in Muslim Mindanao. 

 

They have no citizenship and therefore no rights to public amenities or schools.

 

The unique community have become a disappearing tribe in recent years owing to dwindling trade and food supplies. 

And now, an increasing number of Bajau Laut are moving closer to the mainland for work - a move that could mean an end to this way of life