At rainforest retreat, Ambong-Ambong, acting sustainably is more than just a box ticking exercise, it is an ingrained philosophy that underpins decision making at every level.

The family run business has been built on a passion for Langkawi, the island where the family have been visiting since the 1970s.  In the early 2000s, there was a debate about what to do with some family-owned land and a sale was quickly ruled out. Ahmad and Joan were both committed long- standing conservationists and felt very strongly that if development was to take place, it would need to be under their protective guardianship.

Built on the values of sustainability and honouring the surrounding natural environment, both Ambong Pool Villas and Ambong Rainforest Retreat have become established low density, boutique resorts with Ambong Rainforest Retreat focusing on holistic wellness programs. Both properties are proud to have eliminated single-use plastic, optimised resort operations, and are currently working on reducing food imports from mainland peninsular Malaysia by prioritising locally-grown and locally-sourced produce.

Most of the dishes at Ambong-Ambong include fresh, organic ingredients sourced from its own organic farm, Buluh & Tebing,  which comprises a fish pond, fruit orchard, vegetable farm, flower and orchid nursery, and bamboo grove.  The farm also has some animals, including free range chickens that supplies eggs to Ambong-Ambong, and three cows that provide natural fertilisers for the farm. The flower and orchid nursery supplies flowers and orchids to the resort and spa.

Commenting on Ambong-Ambong's sustainable operations, Amran Ahmed, Owner and Managing Director said:

“We know that we want our own operations to be locally sustainable, especially when it comes to food supplies, but we are now working towards expanding the scope of our organic farm so we are able to supply others on the island with local organic produce. It's a personal goal of mine to be able to  make the island more self-sufficient, as currently over 70% of vegetables on Langkawi are imported.”

“The farm's bamboo grove is being developed to showcase bamboo as one of the most sustainable plants on the planet. We are building a bamboo café at the farm to highlight bamboo's natural properties and multiple uses, especially as a green building material. Bamboo is known for being one of the fastest-growing plants, a huge carbon sink for the planet, and producing up to 35% more oxygen than trees while absorbing up to five times more carbon dioxide than the rainforest. I hope we can promote bamboo as a sustainable material and further demonstrate its multiple uses to support our sustainability efforts in tourism.”

While staying at Ambong-Ambong, guests are invited to make pre-arranged visits to the farm which is located 45 mins drive away in the foothills of Gunung Raya, Langkawi's tallest mountain. During the visit, guests they will also learn how the produce is grown and partake in a traditional cooking class. It is an immersive experience for anyone interesting in cultivating organic produce and Malaysian cuisine.

To raise awareness about bamboo and its benefits, Ambong-Ambong is offering guests the opportunity to plant a bamboo tree during visits to Buluh & Tebing, while learning about its sustainability credentials.

For more information visit www.ambong-ambong.com

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About Ambong-Ambong

Set on a hillside within a lush tropical enclave spread over 9.5 acres of land, overlooking the pristinely blue Andaman Sea on Langkawi's Pantai Tengah, this family-forged resort has been created with respect for its verdant tropical rainforest, combined with a vision to deliver an unparalleled experience of self-discovery to every unique visitor. 

Offering two distinctively designed resorts consisting of Ambong Rainforest Retreat, a collection of 11 suites, studios, and cottages and Ambong Pool Villas, the first all-villa resort in Langkawi with 9 pool villas, each with its own picturesque view of the Andaman Sea. Both resorts share common access to two restaurants, a rooftop bar and a holistic spa facility with a yoga and meditation pavilion and an outdoor pool. Visit www.ambong-ambong.com