The perfect vegan vacation in Langkawi

Langkawi is the Malaysian holiday island that continues to call us back. We’ve been lucky enough to visit many times, staying in everything from luxury hotels to boutique hideaways and budget friendly guesthouses. There’s so much to love, past trips have seen us explore the island on a motorbike, chasing hidden beaches, soaking up breathtaking views, and always on the lookout for a fresh coconut, an oat milk latte, or something perfectly plant based for lunch. But this trip was different. This time, our only goal was to slow down, unwind, and savour a carefully curated vegan staycation, choosing a vegan friendly luxury resort that felt like home and restaurants that proudly fly the vegan flag.

Stay at Ambong Pool Villas

By choosing to stay at Ambong Pool Villas, we gifted ourselves a peaceful escape that felt both indulgent and deeply restorative. From the moment we arrived, the friendly team made us feel like family, offering the kind of warm hospitality that turns a hotel stay into something truly memorable.

Our villa, Kuang, came with a private pool that was not only huge but boasted the most incredible views over the jungle canopy and distant sea. We spotted dusky leaf monkeys, macaques, hornbills and black giant squirrels foraging in the surrounding trees, a reminder that we were sharing this tranquil retreat with the island’s native wildlife. Waking up to nature and dipping into our pool before vegan breakfast quickly became the perfect way to start each day.

Dine at Pegaga

Dining at Pegaga is a must when visiting Langkawi, this 100% vegan restaurant is nestled within Ambong Rainforest Retreat but welcomes guests from both resorts and the public too. We discovered it on a previous trip when searching for the best vegan options on the island and knew we had to return. This time, staying with Ambong away meant we could work our way through their creative menu at leisure. One of our dining highlights was surprisingly simple: hummus and falafels. The hummus was wonderfully creamy, topped with lightly fried falafels full of flavour, and sautéed peppers and onions that brought the whole dish together. The smoothie bowls offered a healthy start to the day, vibrant and nourishing. But we couldn’t resist the indulgent side of the menu either, the vegan carrot cake and French toast (served with homemade coconut ice cream) were utterly delicious.

The true standouts, though, were the veganised versions of classic Malay dishes. The jungle laksa was hearty and comforting, while the masak lemak combined rich coconut flavours with herbs picked from the onsite garden. The nasi lemak was so good we had it twice, a bold and beautifully balanced plate of sambal, rice, curry, and tempeh. The congee was another favourite, far surpassing other vegan versions we’ve tried elsewhere. Clearly, the menu at Pegaga has been developed with thought, creativity, and respect for traditional Malaysian flavours, all while keeping it plant based.

Stay at Ambong Rainforest Retreat

Consider Ambong Rainforest Retreat for your vegan vacation in Langkawi if you’re looking to disconnect and recharge in a truly special setting. This private estate, with only 11 suites, studios and cottages, offers a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by towering jungle trees and the sounds of nature. The shared pool is a refreshing oasis in itself, perfect for a post breakfast swim or simply to relax under the jungle canopy.

What makes this place truly special is the combination of adult only tranquillity, a fully vegan restaurant onsite, and a wellness programme that includes daily morning yoga with Ms Sugu and restorative treatments at Amaala Spa. It’s the kind of place that encourages you to slow down and breathe deeply, an ideal escape from the noise of everyday life.

Dine at The Fat Frog

Dine at The Fat Frog to enjoy their ”healthy and earthy dining in a stunning setting” including some of the most delicious vegan desserts we’ve ever had. Located about 15 minutes away from Ambong by taxi, this vegetarian restaurant offers sweeping views over a golf course and the lush surrounding hills.

We started our visit with drinks and snacks on the sunset terrace, a peaceful spot that set the tone for a memorable meal. From the remarkable vegan rendang to the wholesome falafel bowl and the rich spaghetti with homemade vegan meatballs, every dish was full of flavour and flair. But the desserts really stole the show. The key lime pie and pecan slice, both served with coconut ice cream, were so good we were already planning our return to eat them again before we’d even finished.

We loved our perfect vegan vacation in Langkawi. Feeling blessed to be based just a short flight away from this tropical paradise, we know we’ll be back again soon. This visit might be hard to beat though, the combination of luxurious stays, inspiring jungle surroundings, kind hearted people and mouthwatering vegan food has set a new standard for future holidays. Whether you’re vegan, plant curious, or simply love good food and peaceful places, Langkawi is most certainly a destination that delivers.

Paul Eyers

Paul Eyers is co-founder of Vegan Food Quest who write about luxury hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia with a focus on sustainable travel, eco travel and vegan travel. Currently based in Malaysia, Paul also writes about sporting events and some of the finest golf courses throughout the region.