Langkawi is the biggest place in a small set of islands west of Malaysia that is something like Hawaii. Lots of small undeveloped islands and inlets, rough shorelines, natural sand beaches and amazing sunsets. Took a 20 minutes flight on a full 737-800 from Penang.
The predominant influence in Penang (George Town) just to the south is UK and Chinese immigrants. When I arrived on Friday in Langkawi, I was reminded that Malaysia is a Muslim country. In the Islam calendar Friday is the weekend. The shopping street and beach across from my hotel were packed with women in hijabs and happy families.
After arriving in the afternoon and doing my laundry, I went to a 7-11 and bought couple of beers to discreetly enjoy on the beach during sunset.
It was a wonderful sunset.
Saturday was much quieter, the main languages I heard were Basaha (local) and German – must be a holiday in northern Europe (by the way, Langkawi is closer to Munich than Seattle).
