The bagans are built by the Bugis, a maritime people who originated in southern Celebes (now known as the Indonesian island of Sulawesi), who are often referred to as "sea gypsies" or "sea nomads". The Bugis spend the majority of their lives at sea on their bagans, moving long distances in search of the richest fishing waters. Over generations they have developed an extraordinary relationship with the whale sharks who feed each morning beneath their nets, sucking succulent sardines through the tiny openings.