Malaysia: Dusit Princess Ipoh to open in October - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Dusit Hotels and Resorts will open Dusit Princess Ipoh on 1 October 2026, expanding the Thai hospitality group’s presence in Malaysia. The established 268-room property, owned by Plenitude Berhad, will operate under Dusit’s upper-midscale Dusit Princess brand and become the group’s third branded hotel in the country.

Located next to the Perak Turf Club and less than five minutes by car from central Ipoh, the hotel is positioned as a base for exploring the capital of Perak state. Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is around ten minutes away and offers direct connections with Singapore, providing additional access for international visitors.

Gateway to Ipoh and the Kinta Valley

Around 200 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh developed rapidly during the tin-mining boom of the late 19th century. Its historic centre retains colonial-era shophouses, traditional kopitiams and independent businesses, while the surrounding Kinta Valley is known for limestone formations and cave temples.

Food has also become an important part of Ipoh’s visitor appeal. The city is particularly associated with dim sum and Ipoh white coffee, traditionally made with beans roasted with margarine.

Dusit sees further potential for international tourism in a destination already supported by a strong domestic market. Perak recorded 23.6 million domestic visitors in 2025, making it one of Malaysia’s three most visited states.

Chanin Donavanik, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dusit International, said Ipoh’s accessibility from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, combined with the strong existing demand for Perak, offered considerable potential to attract more international visitors. The partnership with Plenitude Berhad would build on the strengths of an established property while helping guests develop a closer connection with the destination.

268 rooms for short and extended stays

Dusit Princess Ipoh will offer five accommodation categories. They range from 25-square-metre Superior Rooms to 58-square-metre Family Suites, with views over either the Perak Turf Club or the city.

Rooms feature high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, workspaces and in-room safes. Family Rooms and Family Suites also include kitchenettes, making them suitable for longer stays.

Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, Kids Club, self-service laundry, prayer room and accessible accommodation. Guests will also have access to a 6,580-square-foot fitness centre.

The Atrium all-day dining restaurant overlooks Ipoh and its limestone hills. Breakfast will combine Malaysian dishes including nasi lemak, roti canai, kway teow goreng and dim sum with continental options. A lobby coffee shop will serve speciality teas and coffees, juices, pastries and desserts.

Almost 1,000 square metres for events

Business and MICE travel form another important part of the hotel's positioning. Three venues provide approximately 964 square metres of meeting and event space.

The largest is the 496.8-square-metre Kinta Ballroom, accommodating up to 400 guests in theatre configuration or 300 at round tables. It is equipped with an LED screen, sound system and adjustable lighting. The 383-square-metre Kampar Hall and 84-square-metre Gopeng Room provide additional space for smaller events.

Elsie Chua, Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman of Plenitude Berhad, described the conversion as a new chapter for both the established hotel and the company's hospitality portfolio. The aim was to combine the standards of an international brand with Ipoh's own culture, character and cuisine.

Local experiences beyond the hotel

Dusit Princess Ipoh is also introducing a programme designed to connect guests with the destination. “Discover the Soul of Ipoh” combines activities focusing on heritage, food, nature, well-being and family experiences.

Options include photography walks through the historic streets, visits to Tambun pomelo orchards and limestone cave temples, food trails featuring white coffee and traditional desserts, and workshops devoted to Labu Sayong pottery, a traditional craft of Perak. Family cooking classes and evening wildlife experiences will also be available.

Ipoh Old Town, Concubine Lane and the restored Kong Heng Square heritage district can be reached easily from the hotel.

To mark the opening, Dusit Princess Ipoh is offering rooms from RM 230, approximately USD 57, per night, including a daily RM 50 food and beverage credit. The introductory offer applies to stays between 1 October and 31 December 2026.

Image Cryedit: © AI generated illustration using material courtesy of Dusit