Pulau Papan
The boat to Kadoda, the bridge, and time in the village with a guide.
- Half day
- On request
Bajau Village
- The Sea Nomads of Pulau Papan
- A stilt village built over the water
- 10 minutes by boat from the resort
- A 1 km wooden bridge across the shallows
- Breath-holds of up to 13 minutes
A half day from the resort
Bajau Village
Experience the unique culture of the Bajau people, also known as the Sea Nomads, who have lived on the sea for centuries in wooden houses built on stilts over the water. They have their own language and primarily make their living from fishing. Remarkably, some Bajau are able to hold their breath underwater for up to 13 minutes.
To witness how the Bajau people live today, take a trip from our resort. Just a 10-minute boat ride brings you to Kadoda village. From there we walk along a 1 km long wooden bridge to the Bajau village of Pulau Papan, offering you an intimate glimpse into their fascinating way of life.
Who the Bajau are
The Sea Nomads
For centuries the Bajau lived almost entirely on their boats, coming ashore mainly to trade. Most now live in villages like Pulau Papan — built over the water rather than on land, which is about as close to the old life as a house can get.
- Their own language
- Bajau is a language in its own right, not a dialect of Indonesian, and it is still what you will hear on the walkways.
- A living from the sea
- Fishing is the heart of it — by net, by line and by free-diving, mostly from small wooden boats.
- Up to 13 minutes
- Some Bajau can hold their breath underwater for as long as thirteen minutes. It is genetic, not just practice — generations of diving have left them with unusually large spleens.
- Houses on stilts
- The village stands on posts driven into the shallows: walkways instead of streets, and the tide moving under the floorboards.
Pulau Papan is not a museum — everything you see is somebody's home. Ask before photographing anyone, especially children, and a greeting in Indonesian goes a long way.
How the visit works
From the jetty to Pulau Papan
Half a day, two short hops and a walk that people remember for years. Tell us the evening before and we will arrange the boat.
- 01
Ten minutes by boat
The trip leaves from the resort jetty and crosses to Kadoda village in about ten minutes — long enough to watch the shallows change colour underneath you.
- 02
The wooden bridge
From Kadoda a wooden bridge a kilometre long runs out across the water to Pulau Papan. Clear water on both sides, boats passing underneath, and the village growing slowly in front of you.
- 03
The village
Houses on stilts, walkways between them, nets drying and children everywhere. Walk slowly, say hello, and let the place come to you rather than the other way round.
- 04
Back, or onward
The village pairs naturally with a snorkeling stop or with the jellyfish lake, if you would rather make a full day of it. Tell us the evening before and we will plan it with you.
Pulau Papan
The village from above
A rocky islet, a bridge across the shallows, and a village that has been built out over the water for as long as anyone can remember.
Good to know
Visiting respectfully
- Duration
- Half a day — ten minutes by boat each way, plus the bridge and the village
- Getting there
- By boat from the resort to Kadoda, then on foot across the wooden bridge
- Who it suits
- Everyone — the bridge is flat and the walk is an easy one
- What to wear
- Shoulders and knees covered is appreciated, and there is no shade on the bridge
- Photographs
- Ask first. Most people say yes, and the asking is the part that matters
- What to bring
- Drinking water, a hat, and small change in case you would like to buy something
This is a neighbourhood, not an attraction. Go quietly, ask before you photograph, and take your rubbish back to the boat with you.
David, the owner, is incredibly friendly and went above and beyond to make our trip seamless. He's always clear, efficient, and ready to help with anything — from diving and snorkeling to visiting local villages or arranging boat and car transfers.
Pierre BarbaraGoogle reviewThey organized events for us, such as seeing deer pigs, visiting a bat cave, jungle walk, once grabbed a baby coconut crab for us to see. There was always something to do. The other perk was friendly guests, with whom it was fun to talk during the meal time, share boats for diving and snorkelling.
Olesia BorysovaGoogle reviewAsk the evening before
The village trip
The village is a short trip, and it combines easily with the rest of the day. We quote the boat per trip rather than per person — tell us how many of you there are.
The wooden bridge
A kilometre of boardwalk across the shallows — the best part of the trip.
- Same trip
- Included
With the jellyfish lake
The village and the stingless jellyfish, made into one full day out.
- Full day
- On request
Snorkeling equipment
Mask, snorkel and life jacket, for every guest, on every trip.
- Any trip
- Free
The boat is quoted per trip, so the cost per person drops the more of you go. Ask us and we will give you the figure for your dates.
Send us your dates and tell us what you would like to see — we will get straight back to you.
