Sabah’s Iconic Regatta Lepa Celebrates 30 Years with Exciting Festivities in Semporna

Unveiling a replica of the Lepa to mark the pelancaran (launching)

23 June 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The much-anticipated 30th edition of the renowned Regatta Lepa is set to take place in Semporna this weekend, marking three decades of celebrating Sabah’s rich maritime culture. Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, Datuk Christina Liew, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, emphasising its significance in promoting cultural tourism and community unity.

In her launching speech today, Liew extended her gratitude to the local community, government agencies, and media partners whose unwavering support has helped sustain the festival’s success over the years. She highlighted its status as one of Sabah’s most anticipated cultural spectacles.

“The Regatta Lepa is not just a celebration of our maritime heritage but also a symbol of identity, artistry, and cultural harmony among the people of Sabah,” she said. The festival’s theme this year, “Mairan Addat Bangsa Ta” or “Our People's Cultural Festival,” underscores its role in fostering cultural pride and unity.

The week-long festivities include a series of activities designed to showcase Sabah’s vibrant heritage. On 24 June, a workshop and symposium at the Tun Sakaran Museum will provide an academic platform for sharing research and cultural insights.

The following day, the final round of the Miss Lepa 2025 competition, known as Sangom Maglami-lami, will celebrate Bajau women’s elegance and cultural high standards.

A highlight of this year’s celebrations was the successful staging of IGALTHON on 21 June at Semporna Town Square, featuring 1,000 traditional IGAL dancers in synchronised performance.

Recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest Igal dance performance in the country, the event showcased Sabah’s vibrant local culture on a grand scale.

The main event on 29 June promises a colourful parade of decorated boats and heritage carvings, alongside a special performance by security forces demonstrating teamwork and efficiency.

The grand night, dubbed “Sangom Mairan,” will feature the official opening and closing ceremonies, awards for the Miss Lepa and Traditional Lepa competitions, and the crowning of the Regatta Lepa Hero for 2025.

Cultural performances, including the Igal dance and the musical theatre “Umaral 1886,” will recount the legend of Bajau sailors, while a folk choir titled “Da Suara” will add to the evening’s entertainment. The night will culminate with a fireworks display and performances by both local and national artistes.

Liew reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting cultural programmes as part of Sabah’s sustainable and inclusive tourism strategy. She urged the public and media to continue promoting the event to attract more visitors from both within Malaysia and abroad.

“Let us celebrate our rich cultural heritage and continue to showcase Sabah’s vibrant traditions to the world,” she said.

The 30th Regatta Lepa will be held at the Regatta Lepa Square and Semporna Town Square, concluding on 29 June. Visitors are invited to join in the festivities and experience the spirit of Sabah’s cultural pride.