Visiting the Mangala Estate Boutique Resort, nestled in the quaint town of Gambang, Pahang, you would never guess that it was once a mining site and a desolate terrain. Thanks to the owner’s commitment to environmental rehabilitation and sustainability, the landscape has been transformed into an award-winning sanctuary, with lush greenery and serene lakes that invites guests of all ages to reconnect with nature.
After a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, we arrived at the gates of Mangala Estate, where the sight of the surrounding palm plantations immediately set a soothing tone. Upon reaching the reception, we were warmly welcomed and served refreshing pomelo juice, freshly picked from the resort’s orchard, along with cool towels to freshen up. After checking in, a buggy ride then took us to our villa, where along the way, we received a brief tour to help us get acquainted with the estate.
5 Villa Options at Mangala Estate
1. Sara Villa
Perched on the wetlands, the Sara Villa (from RM1,202/night*) is perfect if you and your partner are nature lovers looking for an immersive experience with the environment without compromising on comfort. Relax on the spacious verandah, soak in the natural beauty of your surroundings, and don’t forget to say hello to the occasional wildlife that may pop by!
Travel Tip: Ask the resort staff for a list of birds commonly found in the area and enjoy bird-spotting from the privacy of your room.
2. Jala Villa
The stilted Jala Villa (from RM1, 295/night) overlooks the larger lake at the heart of the estate. As with all the other villas, this villa is fully equipped with luxury modern amenities. If you are travelling in a group of more than 4 pax, they also have a two-bedroom option (from RM2,962/night).
3. Vana Villa
If you prefer a more private stay, the Vana Villa (from RM1,377/night) is more enclosed, with lush greenery surrounding you. Some of the units come with a private pool, so you won’t have to step out to enjoy a cooling dip. The villa also comes with an outdoor tub to soak under the stars. Two-bedroom options are also available for families (from RM1,850/night).
4. Amani Villa
Live like royalty in the Amani Villa (from RM1,943/night). Perfect for larger families who want more space, this elegant semi-detached villa comes with a private pool, as well as a saltwater plunge pool to relax and revitalise. What we like most are the interconnecting doors to allow for expanded privacy when you need it.
Travel Tip: Test your horticulture knowledge by naming the fruit trees around the compound.
5. Bungalow Villa
My family and I stayed at the Bungalow Villa (from RM10,288/night), which was an absolute treat! The villa holds a special place on the estate as it was the very first property built. Envisioned as a treasured holiday home, it is designed to comfortably accommodate twelve adults and five children (under 12 years old) and our family of six, together with our helper, were thoroughly spoiled with more than 1,208 square metres to rest and relax in. With six bedrooms over two levels, the villa comes with a private pool, a kitchen – and even a grand baby piano!
Travel Tip: My 10-year-old son insisted that makchic readers would want to know that you get access to YouTube and Netflix on the Smart TV.
Activities for all ages
We had plenty to do on our stay here, over three days and two nights. The kids (aged 10, 8, 5 and 2-and-a-half respectively) tried their hand at archery, lawn bowling, kayaking and enjoyed a relaxing paddle boat ride – relaxing for the kids, but the adults had to put in the hard work paddling!
The younger kids enjoyed doing the activities with their older siblings, but to be honest, they were quite content just swimming in the villa’s pool. There was also the option of the resort’s main pool, with a shallow section for young kids and a poolside bar adjacent to it, and guests were also free to roam around the estate’s expansive grounds.
Some of the activities available at Mangala Estate, such as paddle-boating, kayaking, archery and swimming.
And when I say expansive, they truly were! With over 70-acres, my family and I also spent time on bicycles and electric scooters to explore the compound, and I took the opportunity to point out the plentiful fruit trees and herb bushes to the kids.
When the day got hotter, the younger kids hung out in the playroom (do note that adult supervision is required for children below six), while the older ones chilled in the recreational room. The ‘abangs’ in the recreational room were lovely with my young family, entertaining the million questions they had, playing board games and also challenging them to a game of ping-pong.
A visit to Mangala Spa
The resort also hosts nature walks and guided educational tours, but we did not join in as we did not have the time (prioritising instead some Mum-and-Dad relaxation time at the spa!). We were relaxed the moment we stepped into Mangala Spa; mostly because the kids weren’t around, but also because of the tranquil views of the lake, the gentle scent of essential oils and the soothing music which instantly calmed the senses. My therapist’s strokes just melted away my muscle tension and the moment she started on my head, I was sent straight to la-la-land.
A much-needed time of rest and relaxation at Mangala Spa.
For the gym junkies
The resort also provides a fitness centre, which is fully equipped with equipment from Technogym, a world-leading Italian sports manufacturer. However, I did not make it in there as I was already filling up my exercise quota by walking, swimming and cycling.
Filling hungry tummies at Estate Dining
Breakfast, lunch and dinner were served at Estate Dining. The menu was a thoughtful mix of local delights and international classics, crafted with fresh herbs and vegetables sourced directly from the resort’s own gardens. The dishes were flavourful and I enjoyed every meal I had, my favourite being the Miso Soy Glaze Chilean Seabass (RM138).
The kids’ portions were generous – enough for my two younger kids to share. We also had a lovely array of local kuih served to us at the Villa for afternoon tea (just in time for our famished kids after their swim).
Our takeaways from Mangala Estate
What we liked: Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, and simply slowing down and enjoying the pleasure of each other’s company amid lush greenery and luxurious family-friendly amenities. We also found the “Stay and Savour Residential” package convenient as it is inclusive of breakfast, afternoon tea and a 3-course dinner, as well as access to all the recreational activities.
What could be improved: Because it was the dry season, the presence of flies were a bit of a problem. However, the resort staff were quick to note our concerns and brought out portable fans and lit tea lights to shoo them away.
Overall, the Mangala Estate Boutique Resort is a remarkable destination that offers a unique blend of luxury, nature, and sustainability. It stands as an example of how dedicated efforts can transform even the most unlikely places into a place of beauty and tranquility. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or to reconnect with nature with your family, Mangala Estate would be an excellent choice.
By Liyana Taff
makchic’s stay at Mangala Estate Boutique Resort, Pahang was sponsored. The writer’s opinions, however, are solely her own. For more information, please visit the website or check out their Instagram.
*Room rates vary according to season.
