The age-old craft of building these ornate boats is now only centered in only a few islands in Sabah.

The Lepa generally measures 25 feet in length and 6 feet wide. The Lepa’s design resembles a fish and the shape allows the boat to glide smoothly over the waves. It has been said that no Lepa has ever sunk, a testimony of its innovative design.

Nowadays, as most Bajaus live on land, Lepa is only taken out to sea on occasions and painted in striking colours with only the bow elaborately carved.

The art of making a Lepa is slowly fading as the men who use to make them now have ventured into eco-tourism industry.

  The art of building and carving a Lepa-Lepa is extraordinary. It requires a great deal of attention to detail and a skillful hand at work. The carvings on the boat are specific and must be translated accurately following the Quran, but in keeping with its individual intricate beauty. There are only few who possess the qualities required to complete an authentic Lepa-Lepa.

An important section of a traditional Lepa is the tujjah, a block of wood in the front and back of the boat that functions as a stool on which fishermen can stand on to look out into the sea. This innovation aids them in avoiding shallow coral and spotting schools of fish.