The Regatta Lepa, a vibrant water festival held annually in Semporna, celebrates the rich customs and traditions of the Bajau Laut (Sea Gypsies).
Held in Semporna around mid- to end April each year, the Regatta Lepa is a 2-3 day water festival showcasing the customs and traditions of the Bajau Laut (Sea Gypsies).
The following table contains the dates of most Regatta Lepa celebrations that have taken place since the festival’s inception in 1994.
If the dates for the next Regatta Lepa have not been announced, the table below may be used to estimate when the festival may next be held.
Most Semporna hotels are packed during the week leading up to the festival, so do make a reservation beforehand if you will be travelling here during this period of time.
| Annual Regatta Lepa Festival Dates | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Date | Notes |
| 2024 | 22 – 24 Nov 2024 | |
| 2023 | 17 – 19 Nov 2023 | |
| 2022 | 15 – 17 Jul 2022 | |
| 2021 | 16 – 18 Dec 2021 | For the first time, the event was held at the end of the year, instead of in the middle. |
| 2020 | – | Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2019 | 26 – 28 Apr 2019 | |
| 2018 | 20 – 22 Apr 2018 | Seaweed Splash 2018 event was also held from 30 Mar – 01 Apr 2018 in conjunction with Regatta Lepa’s 25th anniversary (Silver Jubilee) celebrations |
| 2017 | 21 – 23 Apr 2017 | |
| 2016 | 22 – 24 Apr 2016 | |
| 2015 | 24 – 26 Apr 2015 | |
| 2014 | 25 – 27 Apr 2014 | |
| 2013 | 26 – 28 Apr 2013 | 20th anniversary |
| 2012 | 20 – 21 Apr 2012 | |
| 2011 | 22 – 23 Apr 2011 | |
| 2010 | 23 – 25 Apr 2010 | |
| 2009 | 18 – 19 Apr 2009 | |
| 2008 | 18 – 20 Apr 2008 | 15th anniversary |
| 2007 | 20 – 22 Apr 2007 | |
| 2006 | 14 – 16 Apr 2006 | |
| 2005 | 16 – 17 Apr 2005 | |
| 2004 | 10 – 11 Apr 2004 | |
| 2003 | 14 Apr 2003 | 10th anniversary – Regatta Lepa is declared a national festival |
| 2002 | 14 Apr 2002 | |
| 2001 | 08 Apr 2001 | |
| 2000 | 09 Apr 2000 | |
| 1999 | Unknown | |
| 1998 | 29 Mar 1998 | 5th anniversary |
| 1997 | Unknown | |
| 1996 | Unknown | |
| 1995 | Unknown | |
| 1994 | Unknown | |