Semporna is the gateway for tourists, before
proceeding offshore by boats, to some of the country’s finest diving sites
including the world-knowned Sipadan and Mabul Island. The town is located in
Tawau Division, in the east of
Sabah, Malaysia on the island of Borneo. The population is mainly Bajau, many of whom live in
sprawling stilt villages over the water on the outskirts of town. Semporna is
located on a pretty bay with good beaches. Pure white sandy beaches, coconut
palms and tranquil waters lapping over colourful reefs in the beautiful
turquoise waters of the Sulu Sea.
For many years these people (the Bajau)have lived in the ocean on
their make-shift house boats.
Probably only in recent years, that they have made settlements into the
coastal area, with their houses built on stilts.
The ocean is still their main source of living - fishing, collecting
clams and mussels.
Their unique "lepa boat" resembles the modern-day's catamaran vessels,
with two adjoining legs for added stability when roughing the wild
Pacific ocean.
In the evening, one could witness dozens of "lepa boats" coming home
with their day catch.
In the Bajau and Malay language, "semporna"
literally means, "perfect".
Semporna was founded soon after the British North Borneo Company
established Sandakan.
Chinese traders played an
important role in building up the economy of this isolated town off the
south-east coast of Sabah. Marine products are still the main source of
livelihood for the local inhabitants.
The Kaya Pearl Farm started in 1963 covers
thousands of hectares, and produces a wide range of pearls for local and
international market.
Every
year in the month of April, Semporna celebrates
with a Regatta Lepa. This is organized by the Bajau Community. It's a
celebration
of its seafaring or perahu heritage,
culture and traditions.
Thousands sail into town in all kinds of boats including
the gaily-decorated lepa and jungkong, their traditional colourful boats, to compete for
prizes.
