Latest news with #RegattaLepaSemporna
Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Regatta Lepa listed in Sabah tourism calendar
A captivating musical theater performance titled 'Umaral 1886' enthralled the audience during the closing ceremony of the Regatta Lepa Semporna. – Information Department photo SEMPORNA (June 30): The Regatta Lepa Semporna, an iconic traditional festival of the Bajau community and a major annual tourism attraction for the state, has been listed in this year's Sabah tourism calendar. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said this demonstrates the commitment of the people in preserving their heritage while introducing it to tourists worldwide. 'What makes it even more special is that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Regatta Lepa Semporna, proving the steadfast dedication of the Semporna community in upholding their cultural legacy. 'With its inclusion in the tourism calendar, we hope this festival will reach new heights and attract more visitors to experience its vibrant celebrations,' said Hajiji in his speech, delivered by Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew during the closing ceremony of the Regatta Lepa Semporna at Padang Bandaran here on Sunday night. 'Through the Regatta Lepa, we can showcase the beauty of Bajau culture and their efforts in preserving maritime heritage to tourists from around the world,' he added. Hajiji also congratulated the organizers for the success of the Igalthon event, which featured a non-stop one-hour performance of the traditional Bajau dance, Igal-Igal, involving dancers from various cultural groups and communities. The performance on June 21 earned a place in the Malaysia Book of Records as the longest Igal-Igal dance performance. 'Preserving the cultural and ethnic heritage of this state is a key element that makes it a popular tourism product, as Sabah is rich in diverse ethnicities and traditions. 'The people of Sabah comprise 35 ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture, language, and celebrations, yet they live in harmony and mutual tolerance. 'This makes Sabah a top choice for tourists, both local and international,' he said. Also present at the event were Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Isnin Aliasnih@ Liasnih, Assistant Minister of Finance Datuk Tan Lee Fat, and District Officer Alexander Liew.
The Sun
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Regatta Lepa in Sabah tourism calendar boosts Bajau culture promotion
SEMPORNA: The Regatta Lepa, a celebrated festival of Sabah's Bajau community, has gained significant traction after being listed in the state's official tourism calendar. The event has successfully drawn more visitors, offering them a firsthand experience of the dazzling display of traditional boats and cultural performances. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor highlighted the festival's dual role in preserving Bajau heritage while promoting Sabah's maritime legacy globally. 'This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Regatta Lepa Semporna, reflecting the community's dedication to safeguarding their traditions. Its inclusion in the tourism calendar aims to elevate the event's profile and attract even more tourists,' he said. His speech was delivered by State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew during the closing ceremony at Padang Bandaran. This year's festivities featured highlights such as the Lepa boat parade, Sambulayang flag-raising, the crowning of the Lepa Queen, and the Tokoh Regatta Lepa awards. Another standout was the Igathon, a record-breaking one-hour Igal-Igal dance performance, now recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records. Hajiji emphasized Sabah's cultural diversity as a key tourism draw, noting the state's 35 ethnic groups, each with distinct traditions. 'Preserving these cultural treasures enhances Sabah's appeal as a top destination for local and international travelers,' he added.
Barnama
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Listing Regatta Lepa In Tourism Calendar Boosts Promotion Of Bajau Culture
SEMPORNA, June 30 (Bernama) -- The inclusion of the iconic traditional festival of the Bajau community in Sabah, the Regatta Lepa, in the state's official tourism calendar has successfully attracted more tourists, offering them the opportunity to witness the vibrant spectacle of colourful traditional boats. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the festival not only celebrates the rich culture of the Bajau people but also serves as a platform to showcase Sabah's enduring maritime heritage to visitors from around the world. 'What makes it more special is that this year marks the 30th year the Regatta Lepa Semporna is held, proving the strong commitment of the Semporna community in upholding their cultural heritage. 'With the inclusion of the festival in the tourism calendar, it is hoped this event will reach a new level and be able to attract more tourists to come and experience its vibrancy. 'Through the Regatta Lepa, we can showcase the beauty of the Bajau culture and the community's efforts to preserve its seafaring heritage to tourists from around the world,' he said at the closing of the Regatta Lepa Semporna at the Padang Bandaran here last night. The text of Hajiji's speech was read out by the State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew. The chief minister said this year's Regatta Lepa featured a variety of exciting content, such as the traditional Lepa parade, Sambulayang flag hoisting, crowning of the Lepa Queen and the awarding of the Tokoh Regatta Lepa. He also congratulated the organisers of the Igathon event, which featured a continuous one-hour performance of the traditional Bajau dance, Igal-Igal, involving dancers from various cultural groups and communities. The event has been entered into the Malaysia Book of Records as the longest Igal-Igal dance performance on June 21.
The Sun
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Lepa Regatta in Sabah tourism calendar boosts Bajau culture promotion
SEMPORNA: The Lepa Regatta, a celebrated festival of Sabah's Bajau community, has gained significant traction after being listed in the state's official tourism calendar. The event has successfully drawn more visitors, offering them a firsthand experience of the dazzling display of traditional boats and cultural performances. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor highlighted the festival's dual role in preserving Bajau heritage while promoting Sabah's maritime legacy globally. 'This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Regatta Lepa Semporna, reflecting the community's dedication to safeguarding their traditions. Its inclusion in the tourism calendar aims to elevate the event's profile and attract even more tourists,' he said. His speech was delivered by State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew during the closing ceremony at Padang Bandaran. This year's festivities featured highlights such as the Lepa boat parade, Sambulayang flag-raising, the crowning of the Lepa Queen, and the Tokoh Regatta Lepa awards. Another standout was the Igathon, a record-breaking one-hour Igal-Igal dance performance, now recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records. Hajiji emphasized Sabah's cultural diversity as a key tourism draw, noting the state's 35 ethnic groups, each with distinct traditions. 'Preserving these cultural treasures enhances Sabah's appeal as a top destination for local and international travelers,' he added.
