Our Story
A 20-acre forest retreat where art meets nature — built by a family who believes in generous hospitality.
Where Art Meets Nature
Founded in 2017 by Datuk Cai Wen Qing (Dato Alex Chai) and Datin Alice Chai, Mantin Forest Art Farmstay was born from a simple dream — to create a place where art, nature, and animals could live together in harmony.
The owners also run Draften Art Centre (蔡文清藝術館) in Kepong, KL — a gallery showcasing Dato Alex's original Chinese ink paintings. That love of art followed them to Mantin, where the "Art" in "Forest Art Farmstay" is literal.
Over 150 large sculptures — human to elephant-sized — line every road and the forest hiking trail. Buddhist, Confucian, Christian, Thai, and Chinese historical figures that guests encounter from the moment they drive in. A 3-storey indoor art gallery houses original Chinese ink paintings, antique furniture, and cultural artifacts. Even the chalets have original artwork hanging on their walls.
At the heart of it all is Emerald Lake — 2.47 acres of water, home to swans, fish, and kayakers. What started as a personal retreat became a place they wanted to share with the world.
Small Team, Big Heart
We're a team of about 11 — and everyone does a bit of everything. The person who checks you in might be the same one cooking your dinner or feeding the horses the next morning.
It's not a luxury hotel with uniformed staff. It's a family-run retreat where everyone knows your name by dinner. Dato Alex and Datin Alice personally greet group bookings, and our Muslim cook ensures every meal is halal-friendly with a strict no-pork policy.
Small team means a personal touch — not corporate service.
Our Values
Generous Hospitality
"Come as a guest, leave as family"
Honest Nature
"What you see is what you get — real forest, real animals, real food"
Art in Everything
"Original paintings in every room, beauty in every corner"
Family First
"Built for families, run by a family"
Living Nature
"Not a theme park — a living, breathing ecosystem"
Our Facilities
Cafeteria
Indoor and outdoor dining, reception and check-in counter
ExploreArt Gallery Building
3 storeys of original ink paintings, antique furniture, and KTV rooms
ExploreEmerald Hall
150-pax function hall for events, seminars, and celebrations
ExploreSwimming Pool
Open daily from 8am to 7pm for all guests
ExploreMini-Zoo
Home to 30 animal species including horses, deer, and swans
ExploreStables
Horse riding available for guests aged 4 and above
ExploreCycling Paths
Explore the 20-acre property on two wheels
Explore