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A Sea Gypsies Stilt Village in Indonesia; Visiting the Bajo Tribe of Sampela, Wakatobi
20 January 2025 · 30 min · 18K views · Hoga Island
What this video covers
The Bajau people, a semi-nomadic tribe of sea gypsies, inhabit the stilt village of Sampela in the Wakatobi region of Indonesia.5:17 The village stands entirely over shallow coral waters, with no connection to land, and houses approximately 1,000 residents.5:27 Residents construct their homes and walkways by hand using wood and coral foundations.17:12 While the community historically lived on boats, they now maintain a subsistence lifestyle based on daily fishing, utilizing ice transported in plastic bags to preserve their catch for local markets.26:26 Infrastructure includes a government-built clinic and power lines, though solar energy remains insufficient during the rainy season.18:14 Residents navigate the village via narrow, elevated wooden planks that lack safety railings.27:42 The community maintains a distinct culture, with many members having traveled internationally for work.27:13 The village remains a primary destination for cruisers visiting the Wakatobi archipelago.29:04
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