The Pride of Ipoh crowned as Jewel of Malaysian Ecotourism
The Haven Resorts and Residences has again done Ipoh proud again. Unknown to most, even to Ipoheans, The Haven development has captured another meaningful award of “Best Geopark Hotel + Residence Award”. It has cemented its status as a global leader in sustainable luxury and geotourism.
On the prestigious night of November 22, 2025, The Haven was the sole recipient from Ipoh to be honoured at the GREEN & GEOPARK EXCELLENCE AWARDS (GAGA) 2025, triumphantly securing the highly coveted “Best Geopark Hotel + Residence Award”.
This recognition, presented by the Minister of Housing and Local Government, YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming, is a resounding affirmation of The Haven as the Pride of Ipoh and Envy of the Nation. It is a masterpiece built on a foundation of over 200 million years of geological history, making its accolade as a Geopark Resort an elevation on the global stage. Lenggong Geopark was the only other recipient from Perak.
A Masterpiece in a Prehistoric Landscape.
The remarkable success of The Haven is inextricably linked to the innovative spirit and industrious effort of its CEO, Peter Chan. Perhaps as a foreigner with his international exposures, he could see the attractiveness of Ipoh beyond the local perspective. He had been able to accurately spotlight the unique, irresistible attributes of Ipoh to highlight and market. For more than a decade, this industrious leader has tirelessly championed Ipoh to the world.
Location, in terms of seclusion and nature on the one hand and close proximity and convenience to the city on the other hand, is one great attribute of the project. The resort is nestled against towering, ancient limestone karsts, offering a sense of untouched natural grandeur while maintaining close proximity to modern amenities.
The hybrid of hotel/ residence is another. With the hybrid, another unique attribute/ concept of use of lease return or residential use or vacation use has also been introduced. The hybrid model of hotel and residence, introducing a unique spectrum of use – from lease return and residential ownership to luxurious vacation stays. This innovation creates a truly flexible and attractive investment and lifestyle proposition. This has now evolved as a most attractive proposition in Singapore in recent years.
An ideal family resort with universal areas and gourmet food is yet another. Beyond this, The Haven is now celebrated as an ideal family resort, incorporated with children’s facilities, universal amenity areas and world-class gourmet dining.
Now, the exposure The Haven is on grounds of a geopark of over 200 million years is yet another outstanding feature highlighted. It is no wonder that The Haven has strategically placed a T-Rex dinosaur besides the flowing lake in the compound. The green and geopark award adds a captivating flair to the ancient landscape of the Resort history. This combination of numerous, unique set of attributes makes The Haven truly unique.
Global Recognition and Excellence as a Catalyst for Ipoh’s Revival
The Haven’s impact is undeniable, having successfully attracted over 160,000 foreign visitors from more than 120 countries to date. But its influence extends far beyond, serving as a powerful catalyst for regional economic growth.
According to the Perak State Executive Councillor for Tourism, YB Loh Sze Yee, Perak’s tourism sector is surging, with tourist arrivals reaching 8.4 million in 2025, significantly surpassing the 7 million visitors recorded just in 2023. This remarkable growth underscores the state’s momentum and the increased profile of Ipoh as a must-visit destination.
Furthermore, the increased confidence generated by a world-class development like The Haven has spurred boom in developments in Ipoh. Reports indicate that following The Haven’s pioneering success, more than 45 new high-rise developments have evolved in this hitherto quiet town, a powerful testament to The Haven’s contribution to the State of Perak.
This international appeal was powerfully validated last year when The Haven Resort secured a major collaboration with TUI Blue, a leading German tourist conglomerate. This partnership marked TUI Blue’s inaugural entry into Ipoh, serving as a launchpad for its subsequent expansion plans across Singapore and Malaysia. The brand, now known as TUI BLUE THE HAVEN IPOH, confirms the resort’s world-class standards.
With this recognition and the accolade of being a Geopark Resort, the desirability of the Resort is expected to increase exponentially.
A Sensurround Symphony for the Soul
The Haven is not merely a resort; it is a cultural and artistic venue that leverages its breathtaking geography. In 2022, the development embarked on a legendary event: The Musical Extravaganza. This immersive experience featured musicians strategically placed around the edge of the forest, on a stage floating in the lake, and even within random residential units. The resulting “Sensurround” music was so uniquely captivating that the audience immediately called for an encore.
This spectacular event is planned to return in May 2026, perfectly timed to coincide with the nation’s Visit Malaysia year. This is not just a concert; it is poised to be a serious contender in popularity to the iconic Sarawak Music Festival, holding immense international appeal.
It is hoped that MOTAC and the state EXCO recognize the unparalleled uniqueness of The Haven Development and its extraordinary efforts. Support for this visionary concept and its worldwide marketing will undoubtedly benefit Malaysia’s tourism profile enormously.
The Haven is more than an award-winner – it is a national treasure bridging history, desirability, luxury, and sustainability for the world to experience.
