Survivorman | Beyond Survival | Season 1 | Episode 2 | Sea Gypsies of Malaysia | Les Stroud

Cultural survival often requires traditions, rituals and rites of passages, but sometimes it can depend on none of those. Sometimes simple existence is nothing more than a constant hand-to-mouth struggle: the ever-present search for food. What happens when that struggle takes place in a boat? Every day you live, eat, breathe, procreate, defecate and socialize entirely in a small boat or small ocean stilted hut - 24/7, 365 days a year. This is the life of the famous ‘Sea Gypsies’ (Sea Bajau). They belong to no country; their allegiance to the sea. It is said they originate from the Philippians but have calling the waters of Borneo home for over 200 years. Beautiful yet dangerous, the ocean waters surrounding this area are highly contentious, a haven for pirates and pillagers. In April 2000, pirates kidnapped 21 persons, dive instructors and guests, from Sipadan Island itself. Today military bases dot every coastline, patrolling the waters to secure a fragile peace.
Poverty-stricken, the Bajau have large families. The more workers the better when the game is daily survival. 12+ people share one room stick huts that poke from the ocean floor like spindly legs on rickety tip-toe. Les will learn how to make shelter of braided palm leaves and machete shorn wood, find fresh water, catch sea cucumber learning the dangerous art of compression diving, and examine life in an area of the world where starfish aren’t your friends, sea urchins rule the ocean floor, and jelly fish leave more than a sting.
With award winning, never before seen ceremonial and survival footage, Les Stroud crafted this stunningly beautiful and compelling series about connecting to the earth through survival and ancient ceremonies with indigenous cultures around the planet.
Directed By Les Stroud
Starring Les Stroud

[@sevendayoptions6704]

Poor people, poor country, and they treat a foreigner like their family and protect and feed you at all costs. We can learn a lot from them.

[@Foodie_888]

Well said. Humbling. May they always have enough.

[@AllansCamp]

Malaysia is not a poor country at all..these people are equivalent to a homeless people in other countries...only they live on sea and catch thier food and not on a trash bin.

[@roelandhain1605]

This is how life surpose to be , farm your own food & water and live a good life daily. Free from " Control " and power over you from a Government of state. Their lives are free from the system while we are forced to abide to get work on time, breathing in exhaust fumes while stuck in traffic early mornings trying to get to work on time but getting a warning from your boss because you 1 minute late and on top of that you paying of a loan for your life time for a house. Just No, fuck the system we should all live in harmony like these people do. All in all we don't need a system a government to control us. Our world has become too controlled. I vote to break free !!!!

[@mckayver1306]

Les is the king of survival TV and he created the genre. Absolute legend.

[@mckayver1306]

Bear grills is a wannabe less.

[@normajean7332]

@@mckayver1306 Survivorman is my favorite!!!Bears Grill only when the camera on.

[@darianle190]

@@mckayver1306 Bear Grylls: You need to jump from tree to tree to get down this hill.

[@dantso3665]

Amen.

[@davidbeals2056]

To be fair to Bear...he is ex military & gives a different take on survival. I agree, Les is the best.

[@justoldjoe9328]

I do appreciate these uploads Mr. Stroud. It's a bright spot in the day every time in a rough year. Thank you sir.

[@CrabShakMan]

Yea he's spoiling me

[@jamesvaughn3796]

I must agree

[@xXSKAVENXx]

Takes me away for just a little bit...and that little bit is a long time...more please!

[@qasw287]

This was perfect

[@Clarkyson]

Couldn’t say it any better so I won’t.

[@G3O.On3]

Legend says even the fish smoke cigs over there.

[@RMJ1984]

In a time where fake reality TV is more prevailing than ever. It's so nice to see more content from Les Stroud, keeping it real as always.

[@saifulbinzainalabidinmoe8047]

experience so surreal

[@UserX03]

This episode is from 2010. You talk as if this is new content

[@user-ew7nz3yw2i]

Yeah. No. 100% scripted and multiple takes done to get the shot. Also, this dummy is pushing the known bigfoot hoax as real, all the while he knows its not real and just doing it for the $. Your "real" is actually very fabricated.

[@criminalscum_514]

@@user-ew7nz3yw2i Cool. Im sure your expansive knowledge of primitive solo survival is more worthy of a hit TV show. "Internet Hater almost succumbs to 24 hours of backyard camping".

[@jaym8299]

He's more real than all of you jokers combined! And you forget so easily about when he would go out for a week alone n film it all himself! Shut your ignorant mouths n go watch something else if you don't like it!

[@ShawDAMAN]

This in some ways was my favorite series. To have someone provide a respectful snapshot of these cultures, who already has a backdrop of lived experience in surviving is rare and special

[@EcoCurious]

It's quite a bit older than this show, but check out Ray Mears' World of Survival. It's a very similar, heartfelt snapshot of dying indigenous survival knowledge. And it's on KZbin :)

[@ShawDAMAN]

@@EcoCurious Yes! I have watched nearly everything Ray Mears has produced lol. Ray is more "polished" and of course had a film crew always, but the style of his shows never suggested otherwise, it was just a different approach and equally authentic, nothing sensational just nice information and techniques presented well. I love them both for different reasons.

[@EcoCurious]

@@ShawDAMAN True! I think Ray will always be my favourite as it's what I grew up watching. I never really saw much of Les Stroud's stuff aired here in the UK, so it's an awesome new discovery for me! :D Crazy how he does nearly all of it himself.

[@JKTCGMV13]

Watching Les laugh with someone who's language he doesn't speak is the best

[@bryceaaa]

Ya’ll are acting surprised to see him on KZbin, Les is literally the Inventor of Vlogging

[@deewhyy7012]

I can’t believe ive been watching you for 16 years. Good to see you are well sir!

[@DemocratsareagentsofSATAN]

I work Executive Protection for some of the wealthiest people in the United States...my "smallest" client...was Brad Grey, the CEO of Paramount pictures before he passed away a few years ago...my client now is worth 6 billion... And these are shows I watch to keep me grounded to how the REAL WORLD actually lives...I've even been to Malaysia... It honestly disgusts me when I hear the kids of my clients whining and complaining about...well...quite frankly....ANYTHING...knowing how most people actually live... They literally have NO CLUE what hardships are...

[@PanPan-do1ct]

Can I have a job???

[@DemocratsareagentsofSATAN]

@@PanPan-do1ct the company i was hired through only accepts prior military or law enforcement...but there are Executive Protection companies that do hire without those qualifications...👍

[@roelandhain1605]

This is how life surpose to be , farm your own food & water and live a good life daily. Free from " Control " and power over you from a Government of state. Their lives are free from the system while we are forced to abide to get work on time, breathing in exhaust fumes while stuck in traffic early mornings trying to get to work on time but getting a warning from your boss because you 1 minute late and on top of that you paying of a loan for your life time for a house. Just No, fuck the system we should all live in harmony like these people do. All in all we don't need a system a government to control us. Our world has become too controlled. I vote to break free !!!!

[@navigator902]

Your feed is remarkable ... You've made it part of my daily life. In a year of questionable reality. Part of the 21st century entertainment stories of life on earth now. Thanks Les makes for ten years of watching you ... as we all age.

[@Bbfishman]

love to see you kicking ass on youtube

[@cjgia4898]

"Kickin ass and takin names!", as my dad used to say.

[@Y0Leeroy2]

@@cjgia4898 same

[@ezekielswiss5956]

les : This is a puffer fish when you prepare it you have to be VERY careful or die of cyanide poisoning. lady in the back : SMMASHING THE FISH WITH A CLEAVER INTO SMITHERRRINESSSS. lol

[@consonantsandvowels1]

I think they know what they're doing, my friend

[@nuezacarlo2712]

we islanders eat porcupine fish and puffer fish alike, though only experts prepare the puffers. I have cleaned over a hundred porcupine fish in my lifetime you can eat them after skinning them, taste great when cooked with coconut milk.

[@stewiegriffin3627]

Ya chefs in restaurants have to pass like YEARS and YEARS of training in order to prepare it safely .. The lady is like WACK WACK .. ok lets eat , F that

[@wes9451]

@@stewiegriffin3627 The way I see it, if they are feeding it to their kids its likely safe.

[@nuezacarlo2712]

@@stewiegriffin3627 The funny thing is even if someone died eating fugu puffers, many would still eat it. Though from my 15 years of experience living in an island I have not heard of anyone dying after eating a porcupine fish.

[@Lucasryan]

As a long-time survivorman fan, this is my first time seeing this particular series... My heart ❤❤❤ Thank you for enriching so many lives Les!

[@kennyofficial2607]

7:30 "deadliest fish on the planet" "needs to be prepared with absolute caution otherwise it kills you while you are eating it" - sea gybsy: beats it with a machete

[@isaace436]

It's funny how they hype up those Japanese sushi masters that have to train for years just to make that dish, and these guys are just clubbing it and doing fine. It must be easier to do than they claim once you know what to avoid.

[@sj4253]

The ones that have no spike are actually poisonus. The fish in this video is actually fine. I've eaten both while living there.

[@kaikart123]

Afaik only the Takifugu genus of pufferfish has tetrodoxin, the rest are fine.

[@lucasknight6195]

Amazing! Survivorman was one of my favorite shows growing up. This is even more interesting with the social / anthropological dynamic. And he makes the whole thing available for free on youtube? This made my day! Exactly what I needed right now. Do your thing Les!

[@nrgltwrkr2225]

"The sea has no problem providing them with flotsam and garbage from a 'more civilized' world." Wow, what a potent sentence.

[@garrettc6521]

Les, I love how you honor these people and your willingness to embrace other people and cultures. Your the real deal

[@dominicdeluca6378]

The most important part of a survival situation, is to survive. Survivally. Survival is predicated on the survival equipment and the survival know-how. On the open seas, survival is integral to your survival.

[@edenbreckhouse]

I've just been reading 'The brain that changes itself' and in it Norman Doidge mentions that the Sea Gypsys have adapted their eyes so thay the can focus underwater without needing goggles - incredible. Apparently it's down to brain plasticity.

[@alvinliaw1785]

As a sabahan myself i love seeing shows and documentaries of people and life styles of people that live so close to me yet living such different lifestyles thank you for this

[@chrisscerbo5731]

I love these with these local people, that welcome him and treat him like family. what humble people out there that have nothing and would give up anything

[@BoredBoyBadib]

I've met these people before! I've been to their village too, but not the one that Les had been. They are really nice people. It's crazy to think that i share the same ancestors with them, they speak pretty much the same language as me, but with some different dialect. By far the most fascinating people i've met in my whole entire life!!

[@nickflowthefirst]

What have these guys in the video said?

[@cynthiafromtexas]

Thank you Les for all the respect and acceptance and grace you show to all of the cultures you have encountered, throughout all these years. Thank you for sharing their true beauty with us all. Loved you for years from Texas.

[@MRDPAUL13]

As a Canadian native growing up not even truly understanding the caliber of destruction and injustice done to our people by our own government, this intro gives me such emotion for all lost cultures

[@zacharyjacobson4206]

In Japan you have to get crazy certification and everything is very meticulous and closely monitored to serve pufferfish... Meanwhile in Maylasia Grandma is hacking one apart with a machete on a rocking boat. God speed Les

[@huntermontgomery7493]

Super excited for more beyond survival. It's truly amazing to watch you experience things that quite possibly no one ever has been able to document. Thank you for your contribution to bettering all our lives!

[@KennethNicholson1972]

Incredible. It amazes me how with the right knowledge, Humans can not just survive, but thrive, in virtually any environment. Thank you for sharing the story of these people, and for sharing your work with us all during this inhuman lockdown. Happy Christmas brother. Ken, UK

[@arshatarifin7442]

Inhuman lockdown?..ahh..U must be in a prison..good for u

[@lpete2766]

l must have missed this one . hard to believe how these people live . time an time again you out do your self . les l thank you for this gift . you do important work for all of mankind . the honest truth about all things around the world is so meaningful . you have my full attention . ones again THANK YOU .

[@roelandhain1605]

This is how life surpose to be , farm your own food & water and live a good life daily. Free from " Control " and power over you from a Government of state. Their lives are free from the system while we are forced to abide to get work on time, breathing in exhaust fumes while stuck in traffic early mornings trying to get to work on time but getting a warning from your boss because you 1 minute late and on top of that you paying of a loan for your life time for a house. Just No, fuck the system we should all live in harmony like these people do. All in all we don't need a system a government to control us. Our world has become too controlled. I vote to break free !!!!

[@AlohaGamester]

Just think, while we're watching this episode the sea gypsies are out puttin around in their boats surviving.

[@JacobTFuller]

I loved growing up watching survivor man but I actually enjoy this more

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

I met Les at the Global Bushcraft Symposium 2019 one of the most honest and genuine guys in the world of survival and bushcraft.... great show bro 😎 keepin it real as always 😉... JP

[@loam6740]

Time and time again people with the least give the most

[@jessierobbins6308]

Ever thought about doing a homeless survival episode to see how they survive ?

[@PanPan-do1ct]

Good idea!

[@enriqueponce7001]

les would have to shoot heroine for that.i like les to keep hunting bigfoot.

[@erikskelton6597]

@@PanPan-do1ct watch the documentary "Carts of Darkness" if you're interested in homelessness.

[@peterodonnell6386]

@@erikskelton6597 Agreed, that is an absolutely fantastic documentary.

[@indeedmyson]

When people who live on the sea fear sharks you know they are something to be afraid of, it's not Jaws' fault. Not just here but around the world primitive people who know sharks know they are dangerous.

[@brandoncousins8673]

When all is said and done Les can say he traveled the world and saw more than 99.9% of humans do in the world.... Thats amazing

[@davidbeals2056]

Les, thank you for putting yourself & your crew in harms way to give us a glimpse into the lives of the most "at risk" cultures on our planet. You truly deserve some type of award for your documentaries. Maybe your reward, is the privilege you get; spending time with them? I've watched everything you've produced. You are a remarkable man. A rare gem in this modern age.

[@shanaguilar8352]

Mr. Stroud, THANK YOU!!!!! This show is amazing!!!! So grateful for your gifts, and your kindness, making this free for us!

[@TheRandallboy77]

Every spoiled American should watch these videos. I make all my children watch these becuase I want them to appreciate what they have.

[@505fastlife6]

I tell my wife and kids all the time that we’re are blessed to be Americans and they blow me off like I’m crazy.

[@holdenyate4750]

Bear Grylls ain't got shit on Les Stroud. Absolute Legend.

[@brianbudzynski1926]

Les plus ed stafford alone in an island for a month. I'd watch that binge style

[@kennypowers99]

Hell yea I can’t believe this just popped up in my recommended.

[@wh1654]

Les is the Man. These are so in interesting and every primitive culture he visits welcomes him to their culture. If only all mankind would expect these values we would could become a global community. Unfortunately power and greed controls far to much of our beautiful planet.

[@konkim1285]

How did this show only last for one season? This is some of the most compelling television I've come across in recent years.

[@dubistverrueckt]

This video is epic. I've always loved Survivorman, but what Les did here of becoming part of the culture and surviving with as one of them, taught me so many precious ideas that I can't yet describe because I'm still taking them in! Thank you for connecting me to these great people, the Bajau, Les!

[@katehall2027]

I first watched this episode many years ago. Re-watching it now, I am reminded of the impact it had on me then and how it stayed in my thoughts long afterward. Undoubtedly one of the greatest pieces of television I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Powerful.

[@derethknight]

LES YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL MAN! Thank you for sharing these with us i wish i could afford to buy all your content on dvd! i have learned what to research from you. it gave me context to look into. It lets you know, what you dont know! i love my pocket knife you helped design. forgive my grammar and spelling.

[@wanting2sailssw256]

The Bigfoot eps I really liked, this series is pretty awesome too. Man, just keep them all coming lol.

[@afineshrubbery9014]

I'm actually really excited to see you on youtube and making content i've learned a lot from you over the years and have put some of those things into practice on my own excursions. i'd like to thank you for educating the masses on how to survive in any possible situation you're a true inspiration.

[@geckotoe]

Les, this was absolutely wild to watch! We all appreciate you bringing these different worlds to light for us. It is so informational and humbling. Thank you for being such a big part of all our lives!

[@critterjon4061]

I LOVED this series,so happy the episodes are being posted on KZbin

[@amiw9339]

Please please continue showing us the progress !!! I loved this !!! Sooooo refreshing !!! Your giving your children the best gift ever !!!!

[@hextasy000]

I love these shows... Les not only shows survival but also respect, kindness and love for all of it. amazing.

[@Cpc333]

Even though my heart broke just a little when you said POISONOUS snakes I still have to say well done another incredible piece done by you. I've watched you for over a decade and will always continue to. This is solid evidence why your one of the best. Love this stuff. Keep them coming les!! And yes even more BIGFOOT!!!🏕😁👍👏

[@mreverly]

My heart broke when you had to be self-righteous.

[@driftlesshermit9731]

Definitely an amazing hard core lifestyle. I can only imagine their days are numbered with declining fish stocks and having 9 children each...I guess all our days are numbered, maybe they will outlive those in modern industrial society.

[@joerussell9187]

Great video. It’s so easy to forget that people still live like this, and other relatively primitive ways all over the world. I couldn’t imagine how tough it is day after day. Thanks for sharing it with is Les.🇨🇦

[@janewolf4541]

WOW! Everyone, should have to go through a tough life, to appreciate the good that comes to them, more so. I admire what you did, to show us people that are certainly less fortunate than ourselves, and how they have to struggle just to survive everyday. Thank you, and your crew for making this video possible.

[@kieutran1211]

He is the crew lol. He does all his recordings and editing himself.

[@MrRebar15]

*Survivorman - Les Stroud* Thank-you sir for taking the time to bring this to us. God Bless.

[@quickquiz4217]

Hats off to Les 🙏🧑‍🦯🧐😎

[@claire4377]

So glad these are here on KZbin. The Beyond Survival series was instrumental in pushing me out of my comfort zone and wanting to travel more while expanding my knowledge of the many beautiful people of this world.

[@hkhou]

I watched this many years on TV and love all those video. thank you for uploading these and never get tiring of watching them

[@mercerfamilyadventures4613]

I lived on a boat in the Philippines for a while and these guys were fishing around me everyday. Their spirit is amazing but often racially looked down upon by the land dwellers. The appeals of modernity have bought many ashore as beggars and surviving in a modern culture with somewhat redundant skills. Les is a good dude for shedding some light on these ancient ways as they collide with the modern world.

[@raymondsmith1976]

you are my fav survival man. Don't know why tv took you off, my dad grew up watching you on tv and I used too sit there with my dad and watch you on tv..... YOUR way better then BG tbh your a real survival man and survival tips are usefully.... KEEP IT UP👍👍👍👍

[@EverydayBBQ]

I really enjoy your channel as I have your shows on TV for a long time. It brings my kids and I together and that’s what matters most to me. Thank you for the useful and entertaining content, Les 🙏👍🏼

[@Thecaliforniaoutdoorsmen]

LES ALWAYS HAS THE MOST PRACTICAL NO NONSENSE GUIDE TO SIMPLE SHORT TERN SURVIVAL AND NOW THIS

[@frugalmum7943]

Thankyou for sharing this Mr Stroud. We greatly appreciate your kind generosity. From my 13 year old Son and myself.

[@buckanderson3520]

My first thought was what does the sea need money for. Then I figured out it's giving up something valuable to them for the sea to give up something valuable to it. Not my belief but for people so dependent on the natural world I can see not wanting to take any chances.

[@kieranhart5776]

That must have been an incredible experience. I’ve been a lot of places, but watching this episode makes me feel like I haven’t truly lived yet. What a great people!

[@sandmaker]

Survival looks the same in most places. Work hard to find food and water. Rest and do it all over again. If lucky you have the resources and time to build a shelter. We are lucky being born where we are. Thanks for sharing. Be safe and stay healthy 😷⚒

[@denisemay6807]

Les: FANTASTIC scenery, fascinating people, incredible show!!

[@vaporman81]

seeing how they live makes my desire for a new bigger laptop seem foolish. amazing the luxuries we take for granted.

[@Machineius]

Amazing video. What an unbelievable chance to get to experience what these people live, everyday. WOW.

[@HeavenlyMotivation]

Dude. We got it so easy in the USA. Yet I feel that's about to change soon. Better prepare ourselves, I feel at any moment, things could change drastically. You have helped me level of preparedness, im so glad i found your channel. Thanks Les!

[@hughjasse4047]

Wow, this is the first video I've watched from this series and I'm already hooked

[@wwcwcp09]

Has anything been done to help preserve for sure the sea gypsies culture and history since this episode was first aired on TV 📺?

[@chriswita9709]

Yes my les is on KZbin les I love your shows thank you for what you do I actually was stuck somewhere and I thought back to a show of yours and well all was fine really thank you.

[@Jack-ne8vm]

I worked there 3 months in 1980.. Lot less people then. Thanks for the trip back.

[@patricianunez4025]

This video makes me so thankful for the humble home I have with a comfortable bed, plenty of food and purified water.💞 Ms Pat from southern Indiana

[@RobGibbonsW]

Thanks for putting these out here for us, Les.

[@christopherfisher128]

Les has a unique and genuine approach I appreciate. I grew up watching the adventure movies made about living with the tribes of different parts of the world made back in the late '60s & '70s. I've always wondered about if shows like this, that have a decent budget would gift a boat, or some new gear, to the people who took them in and showed them things that we value. Like how much could the materials to overhaul Max's boat/boats cost, or even a big H20 tank?

[@JohnC420.]

I thought I've seen every episode been watching Les for years now good to see there's at least one episode I haven't seen yet hopefully a few more

[@allenstorm3771]

Amazing documentary, really enjoyed it. Ive worked at sea living in close quarters, but couldn't imagine living on a boat that small with the smells.

[@darrenjameson4650]

the absolute best content on the tube dude

[@rtoguidver3651]

These people are protected from the world of greed, wars will come and go, the Bajau will remain untouched by man's hatred for each other.

[@moderatingmoderation1699]

Oh the glamour!

[@phrayzar]

I travelled all around this area in the 90's, such beautiful people. A hard life but these guys are tough.

[@wolfebilt]

Thank you for this. Another great upload!

[@casselc9]

I’m so glad you just keep uploading I can just keep watching like i did when it was on cable back to back

[@Flielow]

40:26 SO, she's fishing water beneath from them the same place where they relieve themselves ?? OMGAWWWWD

[@MrWizeazz]

@24:41 I don’t think that kid smoking believes your shark story. 😆

[@trishburrell8100]

I've been watching you for a long time, and I've learned a lot from you. It's great to see you adventuring with other people showing us how they live. It's very interesting. If I wanted to have a survivalist teacher I would want it to be you. ( - ; I really enjoyed this. Thank You Les

[@happyfeet4963]

Im hooked watching your show. Keep it up. Love from Philippines ❤

[@chlorophyllix]

Thank you Mr. Stroud !

[@bobbysauer7826]

Absolutely Amazing, it really is like a different world

[@fa7842]

What i can say..I like Les Stroud. Thumbs up..!

[@emilysabin2238]

Thank you .... so much for teaching me... showing me... amd the calmness of your voice. . . . . As if i know it from before.

[@wendycameron6512]

Just discovered this series today ! I'm planning on watching every episode ! Thank you Les Stroud (Survivorman) Awesome !! 🥰 🏆❤

[@bennyx1281]

@Less Thank you 🙏 Sir for these shows during the pandemic 😷.

[@BabiesKillYou]

I really liked Survivorman, but to be honest I really fell in love with you because of this series. Thank you so much sharing the world and yourself with us; you're truly an exemplary human ✌🏻❤️🤘🏻

[@TheFramer38]

This is cool. I used to watch all of your shows over the years even as reruns because it's good entertainment and learn something. I wish I got to see you when you visited my hometown Cape Dorset, Nunavut. I was out of town when you went there and made me so jealous I couldn't see you

[@evanoconnor2261]

I’ve missed watching your videos I grew up watching survivorman it made me the hunter I am and made me too be open to trying different things