SEMPORNA, July 1— The Regatta Lepa, Sabah’s iconic celebration of Bajau maritime culture, has officially cemented its place on the state tourism calendar — a move that is already reaping the rewards by drawing larger crowds and international attention to the vibrant coastal town of Semporna.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the festival’s inclusion in the Sabah Tourism Calendar underscores the state’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while positioning it as a key tourism driver.
“This year marks the 30th edition of Regatta Lepa, a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Semporna community in keeping their traditions alive,” he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the festival at Padang Bandaran on Sunday night. State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew delivered his address.
Hajiji said the colourful procession of traditional lepa boats, adorned with vibrant Sambulayang flags and cultural motifs, offers visitors an immersive experience of the unique maritime lifestyle of the Bajau Laut community.
“With the Regatta Lepa now part of our official tourism calendar, we hope to elevate its profile to new heights and further entice visitors to witness this cultural spectacle firsthand,” he added.
This year’s edition featured a rich lineup of events, including the much-anticipated Lepa parade, traditional flag hoisting ceremonies, the crowning of the Lepa Queen, and the presentation of the prestigious Tokoh Regatta Lepa award.
Among the festival highlights was the Igathon — a record-breaking one-hour continuous performance of the traditional Igal-Igal dance, involving participants from diverse cultural groups. The feat, staged on June 21, has been officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the longest-ever Igal-Igal performance.
“The preservation and celebration of our cultural legacy is not just a community effort, but a powerful tourism asset. Sabah’s rich tapestry of 35 ethnic groups and their distinctive traditions continue to captivate visitors from across the globe,” Hajiji said.
He noted that cultural festivals like Regatta Lepa not only foster community pride but also reinforce Sabah’s reputation as one of Malaysia’s top tourism destinations — offering a blend of natural beauty, ethnic diversity and living heritage – Bernama
