Regatta Lepa 2008
18 - 20/4/2008

Crowns with children's. The Sabah State Library promotion of Free membership for school children is a roaring success with over 1000 new members registered each day.

Popular singers, comedians and dance troupes provide a continuous entertainment throughout the days and nights interrupted now and again by boisterous screams and applause for outstanding performers.

The carnival was in full blast on Saturday. In the afternoon, you're drawn to the traditional Lepa by melodious sounding of kulintangan. 9 smaller kettle gongs and 3 much bigger hanging gongs accompanied by double-headed drums. Musicians play under roofed awnings while on the foredeck they dance the Igal-Igal.

The foreshores converted into fairgrounds is now chock-a-block with villagers and townsfolk dressed their best. Particularly noticeable are teenagers preening in fashionably colorful outfits. They all throng exhibitors tents promoting a multitude of life style options. From Malaysian Navy careers to Save the Planet causes. Heritage handicrafts are on show next to boat builders demonstrating ukkil wood carving skills. Artists from Peninsular Malaysia display their finest oil and water-color paintings while the Anti-Drug agency preaches against the horrors of dadah addiction.

 60 year old Hj Aladin KK - Kampong Ketua or Village Chief of Pulau Omadal Utara built his boat named 'Lepa Asli' - 'Boat Original' with his own hands over a period of 5 months. Spent over RM5,000 on this hobby to put his village in the spotlight.

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Brochures are flying off tables at the Sabah Tourism booth crowded with visitors, while another group of older people patiently queue up for foot reflexology by visually impaired society experts tweaking & kneading excruciaitng aches from tired bones.

In fact, the mix of public and private sector participants generate a carnival atmosphere with music playing and crowds swamping the stalls for food and games.

The Semporna Stadium lies next to the Anjung Lepa and here, 30 Bajau traditional houses were erected to showcase Bajau culture that included traditional dance and music, food, costume and art deco during the day.

This Saturday night, its a fairyland of lights. Locals and visitors from Tawau, Lahad Datu and Sandakan fill the spectator stands to overflowing. Performers in the hundreds line the grounds around a huge stage while music and announcements blare forth.

The most important personalities in Sabah are all in attendance as Head of State Tun Hj Ahmadshah Abdullah launched the festivities flanked by Chief Minister Dato' Seri Musa Hj Aman and an entourage of Federal and State Ministers.

The Grand Finale was a glorious fireworks display at midnight that rocked the town and could be seen from miles away.

The annual event's highlight is a competition to choose the most dazzling lepa boat.  Colorful adorned lepas decked with the smiling faces of dancers and musicians.

Dressed in traditional finery reflecting the splendor and spectrum of Sarah's rich tribal cultures.

We can easily identify the Bajau Tribal  from the head gear as well as the patterns and colors of garments.