Religion can vary among the different Sama-Bajau subgroups; from a strict adherence to Sunni Islam, forms of folk Islam, to animistic beliefs in spirits and ancestor worship. There is a small minority of Catholics and Protestants, particularly from Davao del Sur in the Philippines.
Traditional Sama-Bajau communities may have shamans traditionally known as the kalamat. The kalamat are also known in Muslim Sama-Bajau as the wali jinn and may adhere to taboos concerning the treatment of the sea and other cultural aspects. The kalamat preside over Sama-Bajau community events along with mediums known as igal jinn.The kalamat and the igal jinn are said to be "spirit-bearers", and are actually believed to be hosts of familiar spirits. It is not, however, regarded as a spirit possession, since the igal jinn never lose control of their bodies. Instead, the igal jinn are believed to have acquired their familiar spirit (jinn) after surviving a serious or near-fatal illness. For the rest of their lives, the igal jinn are believed to share their bodies with the particular jinn who saved them.
Boat-dwelling
A few Sama-Bajau still live traditionally. They live in houseboats which generally accommodates a single family.The houseboats travel together in flotillas with houseboats of immediate relatives and co-operate during fishing expeditions and in ceremonies. A married couple may choose to sail with the relatives of the husband or the wife. They anchor at common mooring points with other flotillas at certain times of the year.
Music, Dance and Arts
Sama-Bajau traditional songs are handed down orally through generations. The songs are usually sung during marriage celebrations, accompanied by dance and musical instruments.
Among the more specific examples of Sama-Bajau songs are three love songs collectively referred to as Sangbayan. These are Dalling Dalling, Duldang Duldang, and Pakiring Pakiring. The most well-known of these three is Pakiring Pakiring.
Horse culture
The more settled land-based West Coast Bajau are expert equestrians which makes them remarkable in Malaysia, where horse riding has never been widespread anywhere else.They carry a spear.The horse is also caparisoned with a colourful outfit called kain kuda that also have brass bells attached.
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