Langkawi, Malaysia

So Langkawi was a city I had heard of a few times prior to reporting to Japan. I could not remember what I had heard about it but it is a name that seems to stick. The obvious facts were that this would be a tropical beach port, perhaps the best port I would have the fortune to visit over my entire tour in Asia. Some sailors might prefer a livelier port like Manila or Hong Kong but I prefer the laid back ones with a little more culture. Upon arriving we joined a multinational fleet of ships numbering somewhere around two dozen, each one representing their particular country. They ranged from larger industrialized countries like Singapore, India, Pakistan South Korea and Australia to smaller ones like the Philippines and Indonesia. I thought it was interesting that even Saudi Arabia was represented. Most ships were anchored out with the exception of two ships at any one time. Those ships would host a large reception for ambassadors from all other countries represented and then leave to be replaced by a new host the next day. As it was not our turn to host a reception on the first day of arrival, we anchored out. That was probably for the best since we arrived later in the day and were actually going to spend most of the afternoon prepping for our reception the next morning. Any food that could be prepared and left overnight was made, our agent pierside was contacted and final numbers and guests were set. The Supply Officer had arrived in Langkawi ahead of the ship to make arrangements beforehand.