After a two-year hiatus, the Regatta Lepa celebration made a comeback to Dataran Regatta Lepa in Semporna, Sabah.
The two-day event, which began on July 16, was launched by Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.
A host of events and programmes was held in conjunction with the regatta, including sea sports, "Most Beautiful Lepa" competition and a Ratu Lepa pageant.
"Lepa" is a traditional single-mast sailing boat of the Bajau community, particularly in Semporna on Sabah's east coast.
It is made of a type of "uba suluk" wood or "seraya merah" (light red Meranti) and is a cultural tradition of the Bajau Semporna people.
The "lepa" is believed to have started from merchants and Islamic preachers who lived on the islands near the Semporna coastline.
The annual Ratu Lepa competition is to reintroduce the legend of Arung Salamiah, who was known to be a beautiful and good-natured woman, and a famous "igal-igal" dancer who could captivate anyone who sees her. Arung Salamiah is the daughter of Maharaja Tamiji and Pitla Alam.
The "igal-igal" is a traditional Bajau dance, named after the eagle, and mimics the movements of the predatory bird.