NAVIGATION
Navigating the sea is primarily determined by tides, wind conditions, and currents. The Bajau begin this unique process by taking a reading of the current by dropping small pieces of wood into the water. Noting the direction in which they are pulled. They then determine a heading to compensate for the currents pull. Seven cardinal directions were created in reference to winds and sea currents. North (utala’), north-east (utala’ lo’ok), east (timul), south-east (ungala’), south (satan), west (hilaga), north-west (habagat). With the strongest winds in the region blowing from the north-west. Additionally, their activities on the sea center around a monthly lunar cycle which sets the time to fish within a particular manner or area. For example, as the size of the visible moon increases the nights grow noticeably lighter. And the currents are strongest during the full moon and no moon phases. They distinguish by numerical terms 30 nightly changes in the sea during a single waxing and waning moon. Therefore, the Bajau have
developed a complex choreography with natural phenomena
to inform them of how to passively coexistence with their environment.
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