A Perspective on Bajau Laut Community in Kampung Pulau Gaya, Sabah

This paper is a descriptive study on an ethnic group called Bajau Laut (Ba-Jo La-Ut) living on Pulau Gaya, Sabah, in East Malaysia. Pulau Gaya is one of many beautiful islands located in the western shores of Sabah. Pulau Gaya is famous for its pristine marine-based destination, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park located on the western shores and Bajau Laut weather-beaten villages built on wooden stilt above the sea on its eastern shores. These two shores depict two different world and its images are detrimental for tourism development in the surrounding area. This paper also examines the local responses towards potential tourism development in particular home stay project. The instrument used during the survey was a structured questionnaire. Analysis is based on data collected using face-to-face questionnaires interviews with the villages and community leaders. The analysis of the study is hoped to bring together information for the stakeholders to gauge better understanding of the eccentric characteristics of the unique community sometimes recognized as sea gypsies of the east. In addition, the findings from the survey can assist state government or local authorities in planning out strategies to develop the area for better living condition or a potential tourism destination in the future.