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Round about the northern coasts are to be found many small bands of Lanuns and Bajaus, living largely in boats. They are mostly Mohammedans, and descend from the notorious piratical communities whose headquarters were in the Sulu Islands and other islands off the north-east coast. In the foregoing pages we have said very little about the languages spoken by the tribes of Borneo.
The Lanuns who inhabit the north coasts are very warlike, and have always been pirates within the memory of man. They will not be easy subjects to deal with, nor will the Sooloos on the east coast, but if they can be reclaimed they may become an enterprising and fine people, like the Sarebas pirates of Sarawak. I hope the Company will have patience with the natives of this vast territory.
Illanuns or Lanuns, pirates inhabiting the small cluster of islands between Borneo and Magindano. Jovata, a Dyak name of God, of Hindu origin. Kadiens, Borneon tribes, Mahomedans, the Idaan of preceding voyagers and writers. See Idaans. Kalamantan, an original name of Borneo. Kanowit, wild tribes in Borneo. Kaya, a title of authority, Orang Kaya de Gadong, chief man of Gadong.
The first among these is the port of Soung, at which we anchored, in the island of Sulu; not so much from the number of men available here for this pursuit, as the facility of disposing of the goods. By the Spaniards they are denominated Illanun or Lanuns pirates.
There are other rendezvous on Pulo Toolyan, at Bohol, Tonho, Pilas, Tawi Tawi, Sumlout, Pantutaran, Parodasan, Palawan, and Basilan, and Tantoli on Celebes. These are the most noted, but there are many minor places, where half a dozen prahus are fitted out. Those of Sulu, and those who go under the name of the Lanuns, have prahus of larger size, and better fitted.
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