The best way to move around Langkawi is to rent a car or a motorbike. Petrol is cheap and the roads are good, too.

There are many villages where you can stop and have something to eat in a traditional "warung" — a rustic shack/stall serving cheap, tasty, local food.

Remember this is a Muslim country, so dressing fairly modestly — especially away from the beach areas — will be highly appreciated by the locals.

The whole island is a duty free zone. There are bargains on perfume, chocolates and other wares to be had, especially in the jetty area and on the shopping strip at Pantai Cenang.

If you are into natural medicine, you will notice there are many outlets selling "gamat." This is a sea cucumber extract believed to be good for many ailments

Try to keep public displays of affection to a minimum, as these are generally frowned upon

Do take your shoes off when entering somebody's house or a place of worship, as a sign of respect. Some places also require additional covering up

Be wary of monkeys when visiting certain areas of Langkawi. Some are placid and harmless, while others are aggressive and won’t hesitate to steal your food and other belongings

Jellyfish can cause problems for swimmers for a large part of the year in Langkawi. Stings are more common in the high season, so wear a stinger suit to be on the safe side

There’s no public transport on Langkawi so you’ll need to take taxis to get around. It’s also easy and affordable to hire a moped or bicycle

The locals are very welcoming, and Langkawi is a kid-friendly place

Most hotels have good facilities for kids of all ages, and some even have kids' clubs