The colourful lepa boats taking part in the floating parade.
IN the heart of Semporna, the colourful and exciting Regatta Lepa unfolded over three remarkable days in the town area of this east coast Sabah district.
Thousands thronged the event starting from Nov 22, which celebrated the rich culture and traditions of the Bajau community – widely recognised for its seafaring heritage and exceptional diving skills.
Known among locals as the “lepa-lepa”, the annual Regatta Lepa takes its name after the lepa, or traditional Bajau community boats.
The highlight of the event was, of course, the floating parade, which featured dozens of colourful lepa boats sailing through Dataran Semporna.
The boats were represented by different families from various villages in the district, with each one competing for the title of “Best Decorated Lepa”.
To add on to the enchanting atmosphere, each lepa is accompanied by musicians and traditional dancers onboard, playing and dancing to the lively traditional “igal-igal” dance, making the experience even more special.
Lepa do not only serve to help in transporting members of community and during fishing activities but also as a social avenue where they hold weddings and cultural performances.
Besides the lepa parade, other acitivities included the “kelleh-kelleh”, or small dugout boat race, the Lepa Tug of War, and a duck-catching competition, where competitors literally race to catch ducks swimming.There was also the “Budjang Cilik Manis” event – a beauty pageant distinctive to the Semporna community.
To cap the event, a dazzling fireworks display lit up the Semporna night sky, giving a proper send-off to the attendees, who were eager to welcome the next lepa extravaganza.
The Sabah government fully recognises the importance of the Regatta Lepa, with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announcing that it will be included in the state’s tourism calendar next year.
Hajiji said this move is aimed at ensuring this cultural heritage would be appreciated by the present and future generations while boosting local tourism.
Swimmers racing to catch ducks in the duck-catching competition while traditional dancers perform the lively igal-igal dance.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the lepa is not just a boat but a symbol of the “skill, wisdom and uniqueness of traditional architecture and engineering passed down through generations”.
“Through the Regatta Lepa, we do not only foster unity but also strengthen our identity as a society rich in traditions.
“It is our shared responsibility to empower the cultural sector in this state,” he said, adding Sabah’s distinctive and diverse heritage, ethnicities and communities are vital assets as tourist attractions.
