In short
A jungle-covered archipelago, with a cable car, waterfalls and quiet beaches. Langkawi is a duty-free zone, which makes some purchases markedly cheaper.
The island is large and covered by car or scooter.
What it really costs
Housing is cheap off season, and the absence of local taxes brings several budget lines down.
The distances require a vehicle: without one you depend on expensive, scarce taxis.
When to go
December to March, dry and sunny. The monsoon from August to October brings daily storms and a rough sea.
Boat trips to the neighbouring islands are suspended when a storm warning is issued.
What nobody tells you
The island is quiet, sometimes too quiet: little happens in the evening outside the two tourist zones.
Jellyfish are present in certain months on the northern beaches, without systematic signage.