This year's Regatta Lepa 2017 will take place from 21-23 April in Semporna, on the east coast of Sabah. This is also the 24th year the unique Regatta has occurred here.
Initially paying homage to the nomadic sea Bajau people, the event has now been accepted as one of the important traditional and cultural events of Sabah Borneo.
Regatta Lepa Sabah
The Regatta Lepa is also Malaysia's most unique sea festival, as no other culture has anything close to this. Seeing it take place live is an experience of a lifetime, and for anyone who loves traditional cultures plus seafaring, this is one event not to be missed.
I have witnessed this event twice as I travel all over Malaysia and Sabah. And the uniqueness of the event is something totally extraordinary. If you are a photographer, this is one of the best captures of people and traditions happening in the sea.
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| A Bajau dancer on board one of the Lepas during the Regatta. |
What is the Regatta Lepa?
It is a cultural celebration for the Bajau people of the east coast of Sabah, namely around the Semporna area and its vicinity. The highlight of the Regatta Lepa is no other than the floating boat parade. The Lepa is actually a single-mast sailing boat of the Bajau people.
During the festival, the Lepa are decorated in the village colours, complete with a musical troupe and dancers.
The music plays while the dancers perform traditional Bajau dances while the boats head to the main Regatta Lepa Square for judging. The overall judging will be based on the most beautiful and colourful Lepa.
Come evening, a special Lepa Beauty Pageant is held at the nearby stadium, where thousands of locals will witness the process of the pageant and the crowning of the new Lepa Queen.
During this session, ministers will convey their speeches while VIPs will be invited, and special guest artists will perform a show. A beautiful fireworks display is then followed to close the ceremony.
The Regatta Lepa has been running for 24 years, and in 2003, it was officially declared a national festival in Sabah and Malaysia.
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| Regatta Lepa Boats heading for the contest in Semporna. |
Why Should You See The Regatta Lepa?
It is a one-of-a-kind event that is unique to Sabah. If you are in Sabah or heading to Sipadan, Mabul or islands on the east coast from 21-23 April, consider making some time to witness this cultural event at the main town area of Semporna.
Below is a list of activities that occur through the three days of the Regatta Lepa in Semporna. Some of the main activities occur during the day, while others occur at night at the Semporna Stadium.
The list is;
- Lepa Boat Parade
- Boat Race (Kelleh-Kelleh Race)
- Duck Catching Contest
- Sea Tug-of-War
- Lepa Beauty Pageant Contest
- Igal-Igal Dance (Traditional Bajau Dance)
- Lepa Car Contest (Stadium Semporna)
- Craft & Food Stalls (Around Semporna)
- Fireworks Display (Stadium Semporna)
Regatta Lepa 2017
Date: 21 - 23 Apr 2017
Venue: Seafest Hotel Area and the Semporna Town Jetty Area
Time: Entire Day
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| A Bajau dancer with musicians on board one of the Lepa boats. |
What to take note of during Regatta Lepa
With a weekend of festivals and events, hotels, guest houses and lodges will be complete. You must book well ahead to secure a room at any of the accommodations.
The best hotel in Semporna is also the Seafest Hotel, which is a 3-star hotel and this hotel will be fully booked with VIP and state officials.
The weather may be humid and hot; drink lots of water and apply sunscreen. There will also be thousands of people around there, so it is best to be careful with your personal belongings. And if you are exploring Sabah, you can also read this article on where to go in Sabah.
Conclusion
For more detailed information, read my earlier story on the Regatta Lepa in Semporna Sabah, which I did in 2012. It highlights everything you need to know about this unique cultural festival and event in Sabah.
Again, if you are visiting the islands of East Coast Sabah, take some time to experience the unique Regatta Lepa 2017.