Mengkabong Water Village

Mengkabong Water Village. A settlement of the Bajaus, the descendant of pirates who set foot on this land in early 19th Century. In present, this tribe are fishermen who resides on a village built on water. The spectacular sight are the houses, which stands on stilts and connected by narrow wooden planks.

A settlement of the Bajaus, the descendant of pirates who set foot on this land in early 19th Century. At present, this tribe consists of fishermen who reside on this water village which is built above the surface of the water. The spectacular sight are the houses, which stands on stilts and connected by narrow wooden planks.

An ever increasing population has seen the water village gradually expanding into the sea.

In the 19^th century the Bajau Tribe were boat dwelling sea gypsies but now their houses are built on stilts and are connected by narrow wooden planks. Many little children appeared as we visitors walked through their village. The children giggled as I gingerly walked the skinny boards. Some children were like water nymphs, jumping in and out of the deep water, freely, with no fear. Some were shy, but others were eager to have their pictures taken, holding forth a variety of finger salutes.