The Sea Nomads—A Dying Way of Life

Awarded GOLD at the Tokyo International Photo Awards 2025

The Bajau are closely bonded with the ocean, shaped by centuries of nomadic life across Southeast Asia.

Their animist beliefs speak of unseen spirits that connect them to the sea as a living and life-giving force that provides them with everything they need. Their life was one of movement and adaptation, their fishing practices emphasise balance and restraint. But this harmony has been disrupted by climate change, industrial fishing, and forced settlement.

Their story is both a warning and a call—to honour indigenous wisdom, protect cultural identity, and restore our relationship with nature.