This unique yet interesting event celebrated by the Bajau Laut ethnic community. The Bajau Laut people are seaman or yachtsman and well-known for their Lepa, traditional boat that is used in their daily lives.
But, in this era of globalization, the practice using this traditional boat slowly scatter. Few modern Bajau used this Lepa in their activity as they migrated to the mainland. Nevertheless, Lepa will remains as the symbol of the tradition and precious legacy for the Bajau Laut community.
The Bajau Laut seaman came alive in this annual festival. They will featuring their boats, the Lepa with participants will dancing at the helm of their boats, anf decorated their boat with bright colour sails.
The boredom Semporna town comes to life as the colourful sails take to the sea to compete for the most beautiful Lepa. The most important event of this festival is the sail-past of the Lepa, each boat will have dancers and lively musicians, hoping to be crown as the most beautiful Lepa. Every Lepa family has their own beautiful daughter to welcome the visitors with rhythmic igal-igal dance which is the traditional dance at Semporna.
The Regatta Lepa is not just a water festival, the whole town of Semporna has a carnival atmosphere, with various concerts staged and so many stalls set up to promote or sell products and services to the population, visitors and tourists.
