Lion Dance On Ro-ro Ferries of Labuan

    1st February 2023, Labuan - The celebration of the Chinese New Year is still on-going and lively than ever before in Labuan. With Chinese community that run businesses across the island invite lion dance performers to perform at their premises and even large events that was held in Labuan.

    The roll-on and roll-off ferry was also no exception, with the public announcement on Facebook by one of the two main roro ferry companies that owns Galaxy and Blue Ocean ferries for the past few days, I took the opportunity together with my local mentors and fellow photographers to make a few pictures, documenting the event that took place on-board those ferries. It was a very exciting experience to be able to finally witness and make some pictures of this event as I was before didn't pay much attention and appreciate the importance of a photograph in our life.

Passengers of the Galaxy ferry are seen watching the lion dance performance done at the main vehicle deck before departure from Labuan to Menumbok, Sabah

After the performers were done dancing at the vehicle deck, they went to the upper decks, circling around for three times before proceeding into another deck.

A lion circling around the captain's cabin located at the top of the ferry.

After done circling, the lion dance performers slowly descend the stairs in a reverse manner.

A crew member of the Blue Ocean ferry seen talking through a walkie-talkie with two lions standing besides him.

The lions pose for a formal photoshoot with the flag of Federal Territory and Labuan seen in the background, as a sign that Labuan is also celebrating Federal Territory Day during Chinese New Year.

The lions performing on the main deck of the Blue Ocean Ferry with the background of the Labuan Shipyard and Engineering's repairing dock. One of the main industries that runs the economy of Labuan besides Oil and Gas.

Using the common street photography technique of scale comparison.

The Blue Ocean Ferry was 'parked' for maintenance and cleanup before boarding time, so the ferry was empty of passengers during that time. Allowing us to focus only on the lion dance performers.