By Geena Roslyna
The highlight of Sabah’s biggest water festival is happening this weekend from 26-28 June 2026 at Dataran Regatta Lepa and Padang Bandaran, Semporna, and here’s your chance to experience it in person!
What is Regatta Lepa
Regatta Lepa is Sabah’s iconic water festival, which celebrates the colourful maritime heritage of the Bajau Semporna and their iconic lepa boats.
This festival goes all the way back to 1994 and since then, has grown into a national celebration after being recognised in 2003. This year marks its 31st edition under the theme Cultural Charm, Global Attraction.
Expected to draw more than 50,000 visitors this year alone, locals, tourists, and culture lovers will gather to witness the floating spectacle of decorated boats, music, and dance that keep the Bajau Semporna’s nomadic legacy alive.
What Activities Are There to See?
Happening for 3 days, here’s what to expect throughout the festival.
Water activities:
- Lumba Kelleh-Kelleh: traditional boat races
- Lumba Renang dan Tangkap Itik: swimming and duck-catching games
- Tarik Tali Lepa: boat tug-of-war
- Lumba Kayak: kayak races
Cultural events:
- Kulintangan ensemble performances
- Igal-Igal traditional dance
- Grand Lepa boat parade
- Ratu Lepa (Lepa Queen) crowning
On stage:
- Live performances by Ella, Faris Adam, Den Bisa, Lobo, Rubisa, and Kamis on 26 & 27 June at Padang Bandaran Semporna
The whole affair kicks off with the opening ceremony, featuring the Sangom Maglami-lami sea sports spectacle, on the evening of 26 June, and bids farewell with the closing ceremony, Sangom Penanghuhan, on 27 June at Padang Pekan Semporna.
How to Get There?
- By air: Fly into Tawau Airport from Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur, then it’s roughly a 1.5-hour drive to Semporna.
- By bus: Buses run from Kota Kinabalu’s Inanam terminal, though it’s a longer 9-hour journey.
- By taxi: From Tawau town, a taxi ride takes about 1.5 hours.
Accommodation & Transportation
With tens of thousands expected to descend on Semporna this weekend, accommodation fills up fast, so secure your hotel, homestay, or resort early, whether in Semporna town or nearby Tawau.
Local taxis and e-hailing transport are available for getting around once you’re there, but with festival crowds in full swing, plan your routes ahead of time and allow an extra travel buffer.
Save the Date!
Now that you have a taste of what Regatta Lepa has in store, why not see it in person?
Happening from Friday to Sunday, 26-28 June 2026,
For more updates, Regatta Lepa Semporna Rasmi: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
