fascinating to note that these people of the
sea had a unique way of rowing: tucking
the oar behind one ankle and paddling
with the aligned arm, while the other
side of the body held onto the boat for
stabilisation. The morning ended with the
many beautiful Bajau Lepa boats we’d seen
the evening before sail into the harbor,
displaying their colours spectacularly.
The bigger boats helming the parade,
adorned with more glittering decor and
had locals performing in full festive garb,
was also noted to be a festival special,
utilised to signify grand ceremonies like
weddings and other large-scale events.
With Semporna having so many natural
attractions, we of course had to pay a visit
to Bukit Tengkorak. But, it so happens
that we had to leave for this hiking
adventure right after our Regatta Lepa
officiating ceremony, which meant I was
headed to a 500-ft-high climb in sandals
and a dress. Intimidating, but the climb
was simply up a long series of staircases,
and a relatively flat walk to the gorgeous
peak overlooking the coastline. The hill
itself had a fantastic history being a
survivor of volcanic eruption, as well as
being the biggest preserved pottery farm
that dates back to the Neolithic age!
Prehistoric traders as far as the Majapahit
kingdom came to barter for the special
volcanic clay products.
Prior to the hike, we squeezed in a
short visit to the Tun Sakaran Museum,
honoring the local man who made
Semporna history by becoming a member
of the Malaysian government. A selection
of ancient native tools and religious
artefacts were also on display.Leaving Semporna for Tawau that night
was an experience, to put it simply. Our
van was at a standstill for an hour, as
whole villages of people visiting the
harbour for the Regatta made a sea
of human traffic. Our driver expertly
navigated a way as soon as the crowds
permitted, and we were off, the Regatta
Lepa a fond and solid memory of our trip.The next and last day saw us going for
yet another hike. Our meager, city-spoiled
bodies were slightly jolted with the sudden
influx of physical activity in real sunshine,
but we were assured that this hike on the
Tawau Hills Park wasn’t as uphill as the
one at Bukit Tengkorak. What awaited was
the fifth tallest tropical tree in the world.
The Seraya Kuning Siput, standing at a
whopping 88.4 meters, was a real giant in
the rainforest of humongous fauna. We
couldn’t even see its lowest branches! For
the more adventurous, Tawau Hill Park has
mountains that take three days to hike
up to, and where many endemic wildlife
such as the sun bear, pygmy elephant, and
clouded leopard reside.It is undeniable that much of Tawau and
Semporna have been fiercely preserved
with the exception of certain parts of the
land gazetted for oil palm plantations to
fund the state income. Trails designated
as hiking paths were pristine, and the
culture of its people undisturbed and
celebrated. It was such a shame to leave
the state, as I had fallen in love with the
natural jungle, the open seas, and the
people who inhabited them, something
grossly devoid in the concrete city. For
lovers of traditional culture, protected
natural reserves, and a good communal
experience, visiting Semporna during
the Regatta Lepa would be a guaranteed
unforgettable experience.