Malaysia: Lepa Lepa in Semporna                    The lepa (which means ‘boat' in the dialect of the Bajau community of Semporna) is a single-mast vessel, commonly made from red seraya wood or ubar suluk. The lepa is believed to have its origins in the coastal communities of Semporna. The competition for most beautiful or outstanding lepa is a criteria that includes assessing the lepa's decoration (with sails, banners and flags), its structure and the performances staged. The lepa vessel comprises of pointed tujjah (bow), lepa (its main body part), tapi (the walled-house structure) and kajang (the sago palm leaves roofing). Lepa uses two types of sails - the bigger sail, ‘lamak bua'an', has its name derived from the bebang fish, because of its resemblance to the fish's mouth. The smaller-sized sail, the lamak kapis is rectangular in shape. A typical lepa is five metres long and one-and-a-half metres wide, with sizes varying during competition.