Be careful driving around Langkawi at night. Although main roads are well-lit, some of the more minor roads are not very well lit and may pass through Kampungs traditional Malay villages or rural areas where the locals seem to take a very casual approach to road safety. Drive slow and watch out for erratically piloted motorbikes, pedestrians and livestock. Inside Kuah Town, watch out for errors in the road arrows - they may lead you into wrong lanes or into barricades. at night, watch out for water buffalo sleeping in the road.
Crime is generally not a problem on Langkawi, especially compared to the larger cities in Malaysia. In theory, you don't even have to lock your car, because it cannot get off the island without customs knowing about it!
Beware of smart wild monkeys. Those at Tengkorak beach attack humans who have food. If attacked, pick up stones or just pretend to do so and throw them at the monkeys, this will scare them away. Also, do not carry plastic bags as the monkeys associate these with food.
Jelly fishes are also becoming increasingly prevalent and have caused at least one death - a Swedish tourist in early 2010. Do not swim at night or when you have been drinking.
Please read up on rip tides before you go; learn to recognise and to avoid them.
Langkawi can have a lot of mosquitoes depending on the time of year and location ie Mangrove areas, so don't forget to use mosquito repellent.
"Off" spray and various citronella or DEET based products are available in most supermarkets.
Also, average temperatures are hot or hotter; it's the tropics.
Be sure to stay hydrated. You will need to drink about 3 litres a day and don't wait till you are thirsty to drink. Room temprature water preferably.
De-hydration accounts for a large percentage of dodgy tummy holiday illnesses.
If you are worried about catching anything check out The World Health Organisation website. (http://www.who.int/countr...)
post
The main post office in located in Kuah Town. Mini post offices can be found in Padang Mat Sirat and in the Padi Complex in Pantai Cenang. Courier service, Poslaju shop can be found at Taman Berlian, Kuah.
internet
Broadband is available and many Internet cafés can be found along Pantai Tengah, Pantai Cenang and Kuah. In addition, many of the upscale hotels and resorts provide free wi-fi. Red Tomato Garden Cafe provides free WiFi.
respect
Langkawi is a Geopark but still needs to improve its environmental friendliness. Don't participate in certain activities such as eagle feeding and monkey feeding as this harms the animals by encouranging them to become reliant on tourists and you may give them the wrong food.