Meet the Bajau People Who Can Hold Their Breath for 13 Minutes
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| Photo credit: James Morgan |
For over 1,000 years, the Bajau have relied on seafood for sustenance, spending long hours free-diving to hunt fish, squid, and crustaceans—a lifestyle that not only defines their culture but also pushes the boundaries of human physiology and abilities to adapt to the natural environment and conditions.
What makes the Bajau truly extraordinary is their genetic adaptation to an aquatic way of life.
Research has revealed that the Bajau possess spleens that are up to 50% larger than average.
This enlarged spleen acts like a natural oxygen reservoir: it stores extra oxygenated red blood cells and releases them during prolonged dives. This adaptation enables Bajau divers to reach depths exceeding 60 meters and hold their breath for more than 13 minutes—a feat few others can achieve.
Intriguingly, this trait is present even in Bajau children who have never learned to dive, underscoring its genetic rather than learned nature.
In addition to their remarkable spleen adaptation, some Bajau divers have developed unique techniques to cope with underwater pressure.
To equalize the pressure between the outer and middle ear during deep dives, a few Bajau intentionally puncture their eardrums.
While this practice can reduce discomfort during dives, it may also lead to reduced hearing ability and a higher risk of ear infections over time, but its a trade off for the Bajau people and most of them do it without any hesitation.
The Bajau people provide a rare, real-life example of human evolution in action. Their ability to thrive under extreme conditions demonstrates how environmental pressures can shape our biology in profound ways.
Studies published in respected outlets like Cell and features in National Geographic have brought global attention to these adaptations, highlighting the intricate link between culture, lifestyle, and evolution.
That’s interesting right?
Lets debunk some more myths and know rear facts with these FAQs about the Bajau People:
Do Bajau people still exist?
Yes, the Bajau people still exist and continue to live in coastal regions of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. However, modernization and government policies have influenced their traditional nomadic lifestyle.
How long can Bajau people dive for?
Bajau divers can hold their breath for more than 13 minutes and dive to depths exceeding 60 meters (197 feet) due to their unique physiological adaptations, including an enlarged spleen.
Are Bajau Muslims?
Most Bajau people follow Islam, particularly Sunni Islam, but their religious practices may include elements of their traditional animistic beliefs.
Where do Bajau people sleep?
Traditionally, Bajau people sleep on houseboats or in stilt houses built over the water. However, some have moved to land-based settlements due to modernization and government resettlement programs.
Where do the Bajau people get fresh water?
Since they live at sea, Bajau people collect fresh water from rainwater or coastal wells when they visit islands. Some trade fish for drinking water with inland communities.
Can Bajau people hear?
Yes, but some Bajau divers intentionally puncture their eardrums to equalize pressure when diving deep. This practice can lead to hearing loss and makes them more vulnerable to ear infections.
What is the Bajau tribe’s diet?
The Bajau primarily eat seafood, including fish, squid, shrimp, crab, and sea cucumbers. They also forage for seaweed and occasionally trade with nearby communities for rice and other goods.
How long can free divers hold their breath?
Most trained free divers can hold their breath for 4 to 6 minutes, but Bajau divers can go beyond 13 minutes due to their genetic adaptations.
What is the movie about the Bajau tribe?
There are several documentaries about the Bajau people, including features by BBC, National Geographic, and James Morgan. One notable film is Jago: A Life Underwater, which tells the story of a Bajau hunter.
Are Bajau people African?
No, the Bajau are Austronesian and originate from Southeast Asia, specifically Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Did Bajau people evolve?
Yes, scientific research confirms that Bajau people have evolved genetic adaptations, including an enlarged spleen that allows them to store and release more oxygen into their blood while diving.
Do Bajaus live in permanent abodes?
Traditionally, Bajau people were nomadic, living on boats and moving from place to place. However, many have settled in stilt houses or land-based villages due to government resettlement efforts.
Can you visit Bajau people?
Yes, travelers can visit Bajau communities in places like Sabah, Malaysia, and the Tawi-Tawi islands in the Philippines. However, it’s important to be respectful of their culture and way of life.
What is the genetic mutation of the Bajau?
The Bajau have a genetic adaptation that results in a 50% larger spleen, which allows them to store and release more oxygen while diving. This adaptation is found even in Bajau individuals who do not dive, indicating it is inherited.
My trusted data sources for this article:
- Ilardo, M., et al. (2018). Physiological and Genetic Adaptations to Diving in Sea Nomads. Cell
- The Guardian. “Last of the Sea Nomads.” The Guardian
- National Geographic. “The Bajau Sea Nomads: Nature’s Underwater Champions.” National Geographic
