A stay at the Ambong Ambong Langkawi Rainforest Retreat will bring you closer to nature, writes Hanna Hussein
LOOKING out from the veranda, I can’t help but admire the view of the calm blue Andaman sea surrounded by nature.
I have just checked into one of Langkawi’s exclusive boutique lodgings — the Ambong Ambong Langkawi Rainforest Retreat which is tucked on the hillside of Pantai Tengah, a serene hideout enclosed in a lush tropical setting.
Yet, the resort is not isolated at all as it is located less than 10 minutes from the bustling Cenang Beach.
The resort is an adult-only getaway which makes it ideal for lovebirds who want some peace and quiet.
TROPICAL SETTING
A loud whooshing sound from the trees distracts me. Trying to find where it is coming from, I observe the tall trees at the side of the balcony where I spot a family of adorable white eyed monkeys.
Also known as the dusky leaf monkey, these are some of the exotic animals you can find here in the rainforest including red giant squirrels, noisy cicadas and many more.
The resort was built with respect to Mother Nature where no major trees were cut down and earthworks were kept to a minimum, so that the wild can still live in their natural habitat.
Named after a tree known as Merambong, Ambong-Ambong is a native tree which can be found in the seashore area and commonly used as traditional medicine.
There’s one near the pool area, and if you’re interested to know more, the resort also offers free herbal garden guided tours which will take you on a walk to see some of the plants and herbs on the resort ground.
The family-owned resort was built in 2011, with only two units, as a place for the family to retreat during the weekends as they are living in Penang. They then started to rent it out to promote Langkawi as a destination for sustainable low-impact tourism.
To date, they have 11 units at Ambong Ambong Langkawi Rainforest Retreat, and nine units at Ambong Ambong Pool Villas Langkawi (which is a slightly luxurious choice built in 2016).
The resort is small, but every room is spacious including the Canopy Rainforest Studio that I am staying in.
My room has a king-sized bed, en-suite bathroom with separate heated shower, and a kitchenette complete with a refrigerator, microwave oven, electric kettle as well as coffee and tea-making facilities.
However, since the cottage and villas are located on the hill-side, guests will have to hike up a really steep hill or stairs.
On the plus side, it’s always fun to go on a nature walk but if you’re too tired, a driver can send you back to your lodgings.
DINING CHOICES
Ambong Ambong Langkawi Rainforest Retreat only has one F&B outlet, The Good Earth cafe which is located at the lobby and it only serves breakfast.
Cereal, fruits, pastries and juices are served on the buffet line, but main dishes are prepared upon request at no extra charge.
The menu includes delicious eggs benedict served with smoked salmon or beef bacon, scrambled eggs or sunny side up, mini pancakes with maple syrup, French toast and local delights such as roti canai.
For lunch and dinner, guests can opt to dine at Rimba Restaurant which is located at the Ambong Ambong Pool Villas Langkawi just 300 metres away.
Rimba Restaurant offers both local and international cuisines influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian and Thai cuisines.
I recommend the Gado Gado with Andaman Prawn for starters, followed by a few selections of the signature dishes including the Ambong Signature Skewers with Five Sauces, Whole Fish Bakar and Air Asam and the must-try Squid Ink Sambal Spaghetti which is freshly made.
For dessert, go for the golden banana fritter served with coconut gelato.
Rimba is also a perfect place to catch the sunset, grab a mocktail and just enjoy the view before dinner.
If you like the food and want to learn how to cook like the chef, you can request for a cooking class where Chef Aimi will teach you how to cook a few dishes including one of her signature dishes — Udang Masak Lemak with Blackened Pineapple.
PAMPERING TIME
An island getaway at a luxury retreat is not complete without a spa treatment to relax and revitalise your mind.
At Ishan Malaysian Spa, located within the grounds, you can opt for a treatment that suits you.
Only the freshest ingredients, traditional herbs and spices are used by the trained therapist.
I opt for the Langkawi Classic Massage, an hour-long treatment to relax the body using specially formulated aromatheraphy oils.
There are four types of oil that you can choose from, with catchy names such as mum-to-be, calming, stress and romance.
Treatment begins with a five-minute foot massage using sea salt, followed by a deep massage that will help relieve stress, tension and tiredness.
The aromatherapy oil will help remove toxins, repair tissues, relax muscles and stimulate blood flow. Prices start from as low as RM108 per session!
YOGA RETREAT
On my last day at Ambong Ambong Langkawi Rainforest Retreat, I join the yoga class which is available on certain days and taught by a qualified yoga instructor, Dorothy Ang.
At first, I am afraid that I will not be able to cope with the lesson as some of the students are frequent participants of the class which is held three times a week.
To my surprise, the class is enjoyable and perfect even for beginners.
Ang helps us with some of the hard yoga postures but most of the moves are very relaxing and easy to follow.
FAST FACTS
AMBONG AMBONG LANGKAWI RAINFOREST RETREAT
Jalan Teluk Baru Pantai Tengah 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
TEL 04 955 8428
FAX 04 955 8429
EMAIL reservations@ambong-ambong.com
WEBSITE www.ambong-ambong.com
STAY The boutique resort has two 2-bedroom cottages, three large rainforest suites and six individual rainforest studios. For a more luxurious choice, the Ambong Ambong Pool Villas, which is located a few blocks away, offers eight villas complete with private pool.
EAT Breakfast is served at The Good Earth Cafe. Rimba Restaurant, located at Ambong Ambong Pool Villas, serves all-day dining options.
DO Join a yoga class, cooking class or guided herb garden walk. Or, go on a pampering spa treatment.
GO Want to spend the day by the beach? Just request for a driver.
HIGH Secluded but not isolated. Very romantic, ideal for honeymooners.
LOW Really steep hilly walkway and stairs to the lodging. However, shuttle transport is just a call away.