In the Beginning

Joan and Ahmad first visited Langkawi in the early 1970s. Langkawi then was very undeveloped, had an island-of-the-lotus-eaters feel, little known even to most Malaysians who considered it remote and difficult to get to. Nevertheless, Joan and Ahmad fell in love with the island and its inhabitants and visited as often as they could.

Even when they started a family, many holidays were spent in these waters swimming, camping or just exploring. As a result, both their sons - Amran and Adam, developed very strong attachments to Langkawi and formed strong friendships with the island. Even when they were overseas, like the mythological Sirens it draws them back.

In the early 2000s, there was a debate about what to do with some family properties which had been left fallow. A sale was quickly ruled out as none wanted to see the trees fall and the hills razed by developers. Ahmad and Joan were both committed long- standing conservationists and felt very strongly that if development is to take place, it must be minimally destructive and maximally protective of the environment.

The work on the first hotel, Ambong-Ambong Rainforest Resort, started in 2010. In the face of much scepticism mixed with a great deal of difficulties, the first phase of six studios and two cottages was completed after three years - a year behind schedule and 30% over the initial budget.

Ambong Pool Villas

By 2016, when it was felt that Langkawi was ready for very high-end private pool villas, Amran left his job with a bank and returned to help set up the second hotel.

In December 2017, Ambong Pool Villas was launched. The first luxury, all-villa resort in Langkawi with nine villas, each with its own private pool and beautiful sea views.

Built on the same values of sustainability and honoring the surrounding natural environment, both Ambong Pool Villas and Ambong-Ambong Rainforest Retreat continued to gain much success as new low-density, boutique resorts with Ambong-Ambong Rainforest Retreat focusing on holistic wellness programs.

In 2019, Ambong-Ambong Rainforest won three accolades from Tripadvisor.com - the best small hotel in Malaysia, second place for best service in Malaysia and fifth most romantic resort in Malaysia.

Ambong Pool Villas Langkawi is a TripAdvisor 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 Travelers' Choice winner "Best of the Best" as well as Top 25 Small hotels & Hotels for Romance in Asia.