Borneo Research Journal, Special Issue 2019, 42-56 ISSN 1985-5443 / E-ISSN: 2600-8645 42 THE CONCEPT AND THE SPACE DESIGN OF BAJAU LAUT TRADITIONAL HOUSE Zaimie Sahibil Univeriti Malaysia Sabah (dasarlaut70@yahoo.com.my) DOI: https://doi.org/10.22452/brj.sp2019no1.4 Abstract The Sea Bajau(s) is one of the earliest known communities inhabiting the coastal areas and islands of Sabah. They practice the traditional way of life and live in various traditional houses that are unique to their community. Samal is the language spoken by the Sea Bajau(s) who are mainly fishermen and whose source of living comes from the sea. This research explores the concept and use of space in Sea Bajau traditional houses in the coastal areas and islands of Sabah, in particular, the villages around Kudat and Semporna. The focus is on the concept, creative composition in relations to the process of building a traditional Sea Bajau(s) house in detail. The process in building a traditional house is tightly woven into the customs, cultural practices and religion of the Sea Bajau(s). The ceremonies or rituals involved in the process reaffirm the belief that it functions as a guide to goodness and well-being. The Sea Bajau house concept is unique and different from other traditional houses in Sabah because of its evolvement from different stages. From houseboats to houses above the water and then a house on the land, the Sea Bajau(s) houses have evolved through three stages that will also be documented in this paper. Keywords: Samal language, concept, creative composition, the customs, cultural practices, religion, rituals, house concept, traditional house and the Sea Bajau. Introduction The Bajau Laut community is the largest populated tribe living in the archipelago and the coast of Sabah. The boats are their traditional house which has many different types and shapes that have been used since dying. Living in 'no state' societies enables them to explore from one area of water to another freely. They live in canopy boats or boards. The Bajau Laut people live nomadic because the absence of a particular area is a permanent residence. Only boats are used as a place for the occupants of the family. In a narrow space to sleep, the entire Bajau Laut family was able to survive in the boat. They are not free to set foot on the ground as boats are full of nets and barrels to store rock and fish. They never complain, let alone be upset with such a way of life. The history of the origins of the arrival of the Bajau Laut of Sabah exists in two forms. The first results from the study and research of western writers. Second, through legendary