I am so thankful to have been invited by Tourism Malaysia for a trip to Semporna in Sabah to witness the Regatta Lepa Festival. Celebrated by the local sea gypsies, known as the Bajau Laut; the festival has become a state affair and is celebrated on the third week of April every year. The Regatta Lepa sees beautiful houseboats (that are lived in) by the Bajau Laut called Lepa, decorated in a myriad of colors — float into the harbour in Semporna to compete for the “Most Beautiful Lepa”. It’s a fun-filled affair celebrated with song, dance and performances; and attended by almost EVERYONE in this part of Malaysia.

Here’s a vlog of my experience attending the Regatta Lepa Festival 2019, and my time exploring the coastal town of Semporna too. Thanks for watching!

Read more about the Semporna and the Regatta Lepa Festival here.