Ipoh, 8 November 2025 — The Haven Lakeside Resort Residence, Ipoh’s tallest skyscraper and a hallmark of sustainable luxury, is gearing up to play a leading role in driving Perak’s tourism growth in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Leading this vision is the initiator and mover, Peter Chan, who believes that Perak’s time to shine as a premier destination has come. “Perak has been viewed as merely a transit point between Penang and Selangor. The state has so much more to offer, from its rich tin mining heritage to its tranquil natural beauty and unique geopark attractions,” said Chan.
In alignment with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and to put Ipoh on the global tourism map, The Haven is ramping up its marketing and promotional efforts to position Perak as a hub for both leisure and business travellers, particularly in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) segment. Chan envisions The Haven as both a symbol and a catalyst for Perak’s revival, attracting tourists, investors, and event organisers alike.
Chan’s optimism is echoed by Perak’s State Executive Councillor for Tourism, YB Loh Sze Yee, who recently announced that the state has recorded 8.4 million tourist arrivals this year, surpassing its initial target of eight million. In 2023, Perak received around seven million visitors, with tourism receipts reaching RM180 million. “We are continuing efforts to position Perak as a competitive, sustainable, and experience-rich tourism destination,” Loh affirmed.
Completed in 2014, The Haven comprises 516 luxury hotel-residence units across three towers and is managed in partnership with Europe’s largest hospitality operator, TUI Blue. Its exceptional location, adjacent to the Sunway City township in Ipoh, and its rare combination of nature, comfort, and exclusivity have established it as one of Malaysia’s most distinctive hospitality landmarks.
Reflecting on Ipoh’s resurgence after the decline of its tin mining era, Chan said The Haven’s growth mirrors the city’s own revival. He has also directed his team to intensify marketing efforts to promote Perak as a preferred tourism and investment hub. “We have welcomed over 150,000 foreign tourists from more than 120 countries over the past decade, and the potential for growth remains immense,” Chan noted.
He further added that recent KTM enhancements to the ETC express train services between Ipoh and KL Sentral could transform the state’s property and travel landscape, allowing more Malaysians to live in Perak while working in Selangor or Penang. “It’s already happening, and we want to accelerate that momentum,” Chan concluded.
As Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaches, The Haven Lakeside Resort Residence stands as a benchmark for redefining Perak’s identity, not as a stopover, but as a must-visit destination rich in heritage, hospitality, and hope.
