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 LEPA KING of 2008
The winner of the most beautiful LEPA for 2008 came from
Kampung Tampi-Tampi.
On 20th April 2008, Mr. Maman Indang of Kg Tampi-Tampi was
crowned the new Lepa King for winning the most beautiful Lepa in 2008
The winning prizes were presented by Sabah Head of State Tun
Ahmadshah Abdullah that day.
The Bajaus, a bronzed-skinned nomadic seafaring people, living off the sea a
distinctive lifestyle characterized by their hand made LEPA boat.. They
only come on land for food, water supply and funerals.
For these Bajau people, Lepa Boats are multi utility. The boat serves as a fishing vessel
and as a means of transportation. It is also utilized for wedding venues and
cultural performances.
Semporna celebrates the annual Water Festival of Regatta Lepa
in April. LEPA boat has been a significant part of the Sabah Bajau
fishermen since immemorial time. The Regatta Lepa is an occasion to show-off all the beautifully built Lepas.
The annual event's highlight is a competition to choose the most dazzling
lepa. Colorful adorned lepas grace the waterfront, decked
with the smiling faces of dancers
and musicians.
Regatta Lepa is an annual gathering
of the most skillful fishing boat
builders in Sabah. The
Bajau in Semporna have their yearly festival
for remembering their old heritage.
In this festival the Bajaus from different village and different island will
meet. And during the festive meeting
they select the best lepa boat of
the year.
During the 2 to 3 days. the Bajau's show their lepa's with the different
style's and color. In each lepa is a group of musicians and a couple
dancer. The flotilla of colorful banners ridden lepas will make a round
in front
of the VIP's and the judge's stage. The judges will give a point for their
performance related to beautiful lepa's and
the best dancer's. The activities of Regatta Lepa-lepa
celebration were in two areas; the traditional event showcasing the beautiful
lepa-lepa boats around the water front and exhibitions events at the town
padang, where mini-village comprising of traditional huts were on display.
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