Island hopping around Langkawi is both a relaxing and an enjoyable way of spending a day outdoors. Apart from taking in the charming seascape, visitors can partake in picnics, barbecues and sunbathing on some of the uninhibited islands.

One can take a boat trip to explore neaby islands of Pulau Pasir, Pulau Gasing, Pulau Dangil and Pulau Langgun, off the northeastern coast.

For a truly breathtaking view of Langkawi, you can hire a boat for a cruise around the neighbouring islands. A round trip to Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Beras Basah and Pulau SInga Besar takes about four hours. Special itineraries with a barbecue, snorkelling or trips to other islands can also be arranged upon request.

Off shore from Pantai Cenang lies Pulau Rebak Besar, a resort with a marina. Pulau Beras Basah (Isle of Wet Rice), further to the south, is a harbour to fishermen. Approximately 17 km from the Kuah jetty, Pulau Beras Basah is also an excellent spot for scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing. Chalets are available on this hilly island.

The neighbouring island of Pulau Singa Besar is about 16 km south of Kauh and is easily accessible by boat. The island has tropical forests, mangrove swamps, amd rocky coastlines which have been left undisturbed.  Common mammals such as wild boar, mousedeer, porcupines, scaly anteaters, civets, bats and many species of birds roam freely on this island, which is a Wildlife Sanctuary. There are no hotels on Pulau Singa Besar but camping is permitted.

Pulau Dayang Bunting east of Pulau Singa, is abother island worth visiting. It is renowned for its fresh water lake, Tasik Dayang Bunting (lake of the Pregnant Maiden) According to local folk lore, its water is said to work miracles for childless couples.

Pulau Payar to the south of Langkawi is another alluring island getaway, especially for diving enthusiasts. Gazetted as a Marine Park in 1985, it encompasses the neighbouring islands of Pulau Segantang, Pulau Kaca and Pulau Lembu. Reputed to support the largest number of coral species in the country, Pulau Payar's crystal clear waters make it suitable for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and underwater photography.

Pualu Payar is accessinble from Langkawi and Kuala Kuah by speedboat and catamaran. It takes approximately an hour to reach the island. No hotels are available in the island although camping is permitted with prior approval from the Department of Fisheries.