The Sabah East Coast Bajau community has a unique lifestyle. Fun and excitement come to Semporna as the locals celebrate the Regatta Lepa. This exciting Regatta Lepa Semporna event is held to commemorate the use of the 'Lepa', which has been a part of the Sabah East Coast Bajau community's unique lifestyle. 'Lepa' means 'boat' and refers to the single mast sailing boat made of Ubar Suluk or Red Seraya wood. The lepa is a cultural legacy inherited by the people from many generations ago. The existence of lepa is believed to originate from the fishing community who live in Bum Bum Island.
The lepa is a cultural legacy inherited by Semporna's Bajau community. The magnificent boat is believed to have originated from the fishing community that lived on the islands along the east coast district of Semporna. Colourful and dazzling lepas are lined up along the Seafest waterfront, decorated with the smiling faces of dancers and musicians. The regatta is an opportunity for them to proudly show-off their lepas which culminates in the choosing of the most beautiful lepa. A string of fun filled sports and games are organized; look out for the floating Semporna Ocean Tourism Centre!
The Regatta Lepa has been celebrated every year since 1994 to commemorate the Bajau tradition of building these splendid boats. Semporna comes to life as the colourful sails take to the sea to compete for the prize of the most beautiful lepa. This is judged based on its decoration, local ethnic music and dances performed on board, sambulayang (sails) and tapis-tapis (small flags). Other attractions include sea sports such as rowboat, sailing and kelleh-kelleh (small dugout boat) competitions, lepa tug of war, children swimming and duck catching competition. The colourful cultural night performance at the end of the day is certainly an event not to be missed.