Among Batek in 1995 and 1996, the average population per camp group
was 36.2, distributed across two settlements and some eight different camps.8
The number of settlements has increased since then, but their essential character
has not changed. Populations in camps and settlements still fluctuate sharply, and
settlements continue to be like base camps in which to rest or store belongings
before moving on to other pursuits (Lye 1997: 390–428). Traditionally, the pattern
was for each group to travel within the bounds of a tributary system over the course
of several months, averaging two weeks in a location. Although the camps were
always within walking distance of Malay villages, distances varied up to 18 km,
or anywhere up to six hours’ walk, depending on how deep into its river system a
group was moving.