Meet Christine, an entrepreneur who has seamlessly transitioned from a successful accounting career to owning a beautiful farm stay in Malacca. With a passion for nature and hospitality, she created a serene getaway that offers guests a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Combining her sharp business acumen from her accounting background with a deep love for sustainable farming, she has crafted a unique experience where visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature, indulge in fresh farm produce, and reconnect with the environment.

What inspired you to create a unique farm stay that combines the natural beauty of a coconut grove with upscale accommodation?

My dad, my sister, and I all grew up in Klebang Besar, Malacca, and we deeply cherish this area. When my dad turned 70, he wanted to retire where he was raised and decided to invest in the land. As kids, we spent time walking through coconut groves with him, and those moments of family bonding left a lasting impression.

Technology has distanced us from each other, with conversations often limited to WhatsApp or video calls. We wanted to create a space where people can have meaningful face-to-face interactions, surrounded by nature. This farm stay is our family’s dream come true—a place to share the joy of reconnecting with loved ones and rediscovering precious childhood memories in a natural setting.

Can you share the story behind how you transformed this space into a haven for weddings, team-building, and relaxation?

It was a steep learning curve because we come from an accounting background with no experience in farming. The land was initially a paddy field prone to flooding. After extensive research, we adopted a method inspired by Thailand, digging canals to manage water retention and elevating the planting areas.

This not only prevented the coconut roots from being waterlogged but also created opportunities for leisure boating and fishing. At first, it was just about farming coconuts, but visitors kept telling us how beautiful the place was and how perfect it would be for ecotourism.

That sparked the idea to turn it into a destination for relaxation and bonding. We started small, with a villa completed in late 2023. Then, we added six transparent domes and seven glamping tents by February 2024. Our shared facilities include a swimming pool, lookout tower, large grassy fields, and a leisure center.

The transformation has been a labor of love, from landscaping to integrating modern comforts into the natural beauty of the coconut grove. Today, it’s not just a farm but a place for weddings, team-building events, and personal retreats.

Sustainability is embedded in everything we do, ensuring we preserve the environment while inspiring guests to appreciate and protect nature.

What are some of the standout features or experiences guests can expect when they stay at your farm?

We provide a variety of accommodations, from air-conditioned transparent domes to luxurious villas, ensuring comfort without losing the charm of nature. Guests can enjoy a farm tour, cycling, fishing, boating, moonlight cinema, and team-building activities tailored to families, couples, or corporate groups.

Our farm’s landscape, with lush coconut trees and vibrant greenery, creates an unmatched serene environment. For weddings and intimate gatherings, the setting is both picturesque and peaceful, making every event unforgettable.

Garden weddings are a key offering at your venue. What makes your farm an ideal choice for couples seeking a memorable outdoor celebration?

Post-pandemic, outdoor weddings have become a popular choice, and we’re proud to offer the largest garden wedding venue in Malacca, accommodating up to 1,000 guests. Our farm is just 10 km from Malacca’s UNESCO site, yet it feels like a hidden paradise.

The lush greenery of the coconut grove provides a natural backdrop that exudes intimacy and tranquility. We understand how special a wedding is—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event. From personalised settings to seamless coordination, we ensure every couple has a magical experience that leaves lasting memories for them and their guests.

How do you cater to corporate clients looking for team-building experiences, and what makes your venue unique for such events?

We collaborate with professional trainers to offer customised team-building programs. Our venue provides privacy and a peaceful environment, essential for fostering team spirit without everyday distractions.

We also have a glass hall accommodating up to 70 people, complemented by shared facilities like the pool and leisure centre. Overnight retreats are comfortable, with a variety of accommodations ensuring teams are refreshed and recharged.

What were some of the challenges you faced while setting up this farm stay, and how did you overcome them as an entrepreneur?

The biggest challenge was balancing the natural environment with the modern accommodations guests expect. It required a deep understanding of how to preserve the maximum number of plants on the farm while integrating upscale features.

For instance, our transparent domes required sourcing specialised materials from China. Installation was difficult because these materials weren’t commonly used locally, and we needed to ensure the construction didn’t harm the coconut trees.

Additionally, our location is so secluded that even neighbours were unaware of our operations. We rely heavily on social media and word-of-mouth marketing, which have been instrumental in attracting guests. The challenges were tough, but seeing the joy on our guests’ faces has made it all worthwhile.

Sustainability is often linked to farm-based businesses. How do you incorporate eco-friendly practices into your operations?

We’re committed to sustainability. For example, we use natural traps to manage rhinoceros beetles that attack young coconut trees instead of using pesticides. Our farm is lit with hundreds of solar lights, and we provide biodegradable straws for coconut water. Sustainability is embedded in everything we do, ensuring we preserve the environment while inspiring guests to appreciate and protect nature.

What feedback or memorable moments from guests have reaffirmed your passion for this business?

Guest feedback keeps us motivated! – “The sweetest, most fragrant coconut water I’ve ever had.”

– “I opened a coconut myself for the first time!”

– “I can’t believe I’m enjoying lush greenery from an air-conditioned transparent dome.”

– “Your photos don’t do justice; this place is magical.”

One guest hugged his wife tightly after seeing the birthday room we decorated for her—an unforgettable moment for us. Another planned a treasure-hunt proposal here, and when she said, ‘yes’, we were in tears! These heartfelt moments remind us why we do what we do.

As an entrepreneur managing such a distinctive space, what are your future plans for the farm stay?

We’re constantly improving and plan to introduce overwater farm-to-table dining on our canals. Only 20% of our land has been developed, leaving ample room for future projects. We envision creating more unique accommodations and experiences while maintaining sustainability and our connection to nature.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

In five years, I envision The Coco Journey as a well-known destination, loved by both local and international guests for its unique, meaningful experiences. Our goal is to grow sustainably while continuously improving our offerings. Ultimately, we want every guest to leave with not just memories but a renewed appreciation for life’s simple joys.

Connect with Christine: TheCoCoJourney, Facebook and TikTok.