The return of Regatta Lepa

After a two-year hiatus, the Regatta Lepa celebration made a comeback to Dataran Regatta Lepa in Semporna, Sabah.

A girl performing a Bajau traditional dance called ‘igal-igal’ at the Regatta Lepa festival in Semporna, Sabah. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin
A girl performing a Bajau traditional dance called ‘igal-igal’ at the Regatta Lepa festival in Semporna, Sabah. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin

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’ with colourful sails docked in Semporna.  - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin
‘Lepa’ with colourful sails docked in Semporna. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin

"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 finalists of the 2022 Ratu Lepa pageant, held in conjunction with the  Regatta Lepa festival. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin
The finalists of the 2022 Ratu Lepa pageant, held in conjunction with the Regatta Lepa festival. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin

The "lepa" is believed to have started from merchants and Islamic preachers who lived on the islands near the Semporna coastline.

Visitors getting a closer look at a beautifully decorated ‘lepa’ in Semporna. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin
Visitors getting a closer look at a beautifully decorated ‘lepa’ in Semporna. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin

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.

A family taking part in a dancing competition at the festival. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin
A family taking part in a dancing competition at the festival. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin

The "igal-igal" is a traditional Bajau dance, named after the eagle, and mimics the movements of the predatory bird.

A beautifully decorated ‘lepa’ sailing in waters off Semporna. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin
A beautifully decorated ‘lepa’ sailing in waters off Semporna. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin

Roman Malandu, a member of the Panglima Samah family from Kampung Panji, performing a traditional dance. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin
Roman Malandu, a member of the Panglima Samah family from Kampung Panji, performing a traditional dance. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin

The tradition of ‘lepa’ has been passed on from one generation to another in the Bajau community. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin
The tradition of ‘lepa’ has been passed on from one generation to another in the Bajau community. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin

A ‘lepa’ decorated with a lamp and the colourful Sambulayang banner sailing in Semporna. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin
A ‘lepa’ decorated with a lamp and the colourful Sambulayang banner sailing in Semporna. - NSTP/Mohd Adam Arinin

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