Also called Siyama, the Sama Pangutaran reside in Pangutaran Island of the west-central part of the Sulu archipelago near Mindanao. There are also some populations of Sama Pangutaran in Tawi-Tawi and southern Palawan. Since their isle is closer to Malaysia, some Sama Pangutaran are able to speak Malay.

Sama Pangutarans build their houses on the beachfront or over the ocean, using stilts. Therefore, fishing is the main source of livelihood.