Brief introduction of Ba Yao nationality.

The specific origin of Ba Yao nationality is not clear. This group is called Ba Yao, but this name is not their own. On the contrary, they usually use their own or tribal names as national names. They become Ba Yao people because they have some common words and the same genetic characteristics, such as dark skin color. In the history of Ba Yao nationality, it is a nomadic marine nation with developed maritime trade and self-sufficient fishery. Ba Yao people live in houses with high water plants and use "lepa-lepa" when traveling.

The handmade boats used by the Ba Yao nationality originated from the southern coast of the Philippines, but according to the "Shabasama Legend" of the Ba Yao nationality, the ancestors of the Ba Yao nationality were originally the Royal Guards of the Sultan of Johor. After the storm ravaged the Malay Malacca Empire, they gradually settled and multiplied in Borneo on the east coast. Another version about the origin of the Ba Yao nationality is that Sultans Of Brunei kidnapped the Sudanese bride while escorting her in Malacca, and they lived in seclusion in this area in order to escape punishment. In fact, the "Bayao Sama" language used by Bayao people belongs to the Malay-Polynesian branch of the Philippines, which proves that Bayao people originated in the Philippines.

However, there are also traces that Bayao people migrated to this area from Riau Islands, especially Lingjia Island, 300 years ago. Studies have proved that the trade between Sama people in Borneo (the predecessor of Ba Yao nationality) and Brunei Empire began in the year when immigrants from Bukit, Johor overthrew the legitimate Sudan. During the chaotic years of ethnic cleansing and Bukit rebellion in Johor, a large number of Samak craftsmen, shipbuilders and farmers fled to neighboring countries. At that time, the Samak people fled to the west coast of North Borneo and were protected by Brunei, so they settled here. Some people think that in the chaotic era of ethnic cleansing in Johor and the Bukit rebellion, a large number of Samak craftsmen, shipbuilders and farmers fled to neighboring countries.

At present, the number of Ba Yao people living at sea is decreasing, mainly due to the deterioration of living environment and discriminatory policies of neighboring countries. For example, the Philippine government recently closed the Bayao people's settlement on the coast of Sabah, which led many Bayao people to migrate to some islands in Malaysia, and they often entered Sabah to engage in manual labor.