Sambulayang - Bajau flag

brightly colored sails known as sambulayang

The lepa are heavily decorated with colorful sambulayang  in contrasting combinations of red and other bright colors.

Traditionally in red, white and black, the sambulayang is raised on special occasions and events like weddings and national day celebrations or to welcome State leaders.

A traditional flag of the Bajau people in Semporna Town, Malaysia.  This flag used in special occations such as Regatta LEPA, wedding ceremony, National Day or welcoming of VIP visitors. This decorative sails in shades of gold and reds and blues hang from a 5 to 7 meters tall T-framed mast topped with a ceremonial umbrella to symbolise sheltering of inhabitants from sun and rain.

Flags, banners and buntings are strung from the bowsprit and cross members from front to stern fluttering gaily in the breeze. Music blares and drums beat repeat a percussive rythm. Island maidens dressed in embroidered finery sway to the strains of violins playing as they dance the Igal-Igal.

The most visible part of the LEPA is this sail.

Lepa Boat has two types of sails :

1) the bigger sail, ‘lamak bua’an’ (a type of fish called ‘Bebang’, has one concave end resembling a fish’s mouth)

2) The smaller sail is called ‘lamak kapis’ and is rectangular shaped.

The sails are colourful  and made from medium weight cotton.