Lepa Festival: A Living Celebration of Culture, a Jewel of Sabah Tourism

29 June 2025

SEMPORNA: The Lepa Festival, held annually in Semporna, Sabah, stands as one of Malaysia's most vibrant and culturally rich celebrations.

This uniquely local event is rooted in the maritime heritage of the Bajau Laut people, often referred to as "sea gypsies"—and has become a key highlight in Sabah's tourism calendar.

At the heart of the festival is the Regatta Lepa, a magnificent floating parade featuring traditional lepa boats, intricately decorated with colorful sails and ornaments.

The Minister with Abdul Azis Abd Bool at the Tawau Airport.

Each boat is a floating work of art, proudly representing villages from around the region. The competition to create the most stunning lepa is fierce, culminating in the Lepa Boat Competition, where craftsmanship, tradition, and creativity are all on display.

Complementing the nautical spectacle is the Lepa Queen Beauty Pageant, which showcases the grace, cultural knowledge, and traditional attire of Bajau women. The pageant is not only a celebration of beauty but also a testament to the enduring legacy of Bajau customs and values.

Upon her arrival at Tawau Airport, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew was warmly received by Semporna Assistant District Officer, Abdul Aziz Abd Bool. She later arrived at the Seafest Regency, where she was welcomed by Semporna District Officer Alexander Liew and greeted with the mesmerizing Igal-Igal dance, a traditional performance unique to the Bajau Laut community.

The festival's closing ceremony, scheduled for tonight (June 29, 2025) at Padang Bandar Semporna, will be officiated by Datuk Seri Christina, representing the Chief Minister YAB Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Her presence underscores the government's continued commitment to promoting and preserving Sabah's rich cultural heritage.

The Lepa Festival not only brings the community together in celebration but also draws thousands of domestic and international tourists each year.

It serves as a living showcase of Bajau identity, offering visitors an authentic and immersive cultural experience.

As Sabah continues to position itself as a premier cultural and eco-tourism destination, the Regatta Lepa remains a shining symbol of the state's diverse heritage and maritime soul.