KOTA KINABALU, 15 JUNE 2026 – The much-anticipated 31st Edition of Regatta Lepa Semporna 2026 will take place from 20 to 28 June 2026, celebrating the rich maritime heritage, culture, and traditions of the Bajau community while showcasing Semporna as one of Sabah’s premier cultural tourism destinations.
The week-long celebration will feature a series of cultural, tourism, and community activities. leading up to the main Regatta Lepa festivities.
The programme will commence on Saturday, 20 June 2026, with the Launching Ceremony of Regatta Lepa and Raising of Sambulayang at Dataran Bandar Utama from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The event will feature a mini carnival with various activities, performances, and community engagement programmes to mark the official start of the celebration.
On Wednesday, 24 June 2026, the Ratu Lepa Selection Round will be held at Dewan Arena Masyarakat, Semporna, from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Participants will undergo screening and selection processes, including video presentations, as they compete for the prestigious title of Ratu Lepa 2026.
Preparations for the grand event will continue with a Full Rehearsal on Thursday, 25 June 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM at Padang Bandaran and Dataran Regatta Lepa. The rehearsal will cover the Opening Ceremony and “Sangom Maglami-lami”, Sea Sports and Lepa Parade, as well as the Closing Night Ceremony.
From Friday to Sunday, 26-28 June 2026, visitors can explore exhibitions by government departments, local handicraft entrepreneurs, and tourism industry stakeholders at Padang Bandaran, operating daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The exhibition area will showcase local products, cultural crafts, tourism offerings, and government services.
“Regatta Lepa remains one of Sabah’s most iconic cultural festivals, attracting thousands of local and international visitors each year to Sabah. The event serves as a platform to preserve and promote the unique traditions of the Bajau Laut community, particularly the significance of the lepa boat, while strengthening cultural appreciation and tourism development in Semporna”, said YB Datuk Jafry Haji Ariffin, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Sabah.
The Organising Committee warmly invites the public, tourists, and media representatives to join this vibrant celebration of culture, heritage, and community spirit at Regatta Lepa Semporna 2026.
