Since Ipoh was listed by Lonely Planet as the No. 6 place in Asia to visit for 2016, I have been inundated with enquiries from friends and readers on what to do, what to eat and where to stay while they plan their Ipoh destination.
It is no easy task for an Ipohite to list down ALL that one could see, eat and do in the city. A visitor needs to know the kind of experience he is looking for from his trip to Ipoh.
The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences
In this first of a series of articles, I am going to list down the top six reasons why The Haven should be your accommodation of choice while you are in Ipoh.
i) Geological wonder
The Haven is home to a 280-million-year-old 14-storey high rock that is a geological wonder. According to Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) Shell Chair in Petroleum Geosciences Prof Dr Bernard Pierson, who dated the rock, there are only four such formations in the world.
The other three are in Guilin (China), Halong Bay (Vietnam) and Phuket (Thailand). This one is known as Rockhaven, a name that was selected through a contest from five years ago.
Rockhaven
This Rockhaven from the Permian Period is an amazing sight at night when it is lighted. It makes an awesome backdrop for photography.
ii) Pristine, natural environment
The Haven is the place to be for anyone who seeks an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. While the resort hotel is located in Ipoh, it is on the fringe of the city – away from the hassle and noise and yet within reach from all the amenities and conveniences that a city offers.
Brazilian Fern Tree
Whether you opt to sit at the al fresco section of Cuisines (restaurant) by the 4-acre calming lake or to sit at your balcony and be surrounded by karst limestone hills rising from the valley floor, the priceless serenity is not something that is easy to find elsewhere.
butterfly
The Haven is like a “hidden” paradise of nature – more than 80% of the entire resort is natural, left untouched by development. The limestone hills will continue to be there for millions of years.
iii) 5-Star international-class resort hotel
Many people have the misconception that a resort hotel that is rated five stars would surely come with a matching price tag. Well, this is not the case, fortunately, for The Haven. Suites go for as low as RM560+ per night only – rates vary according to the size of the suites and, of course, the season.
The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences
While The Haven does not come with a matching price tag, it does, however, come with a matching hospitality service. Therefore, expect to enjoy the best service from the well-trained staff during your stay at The Haven.
iv) Healthy lifestyle
Staying at The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences, one naturally adopts a healthier lifestyle.
The Haven’s Clubhouse features a modern and fully-equipped gym with the latest gear for cardio workout, weight lifting or stretching exercise. There is also a comprehensive selection of training equipment, including exercise bikes, treadmills, running machines, leg press, abdominal bench press, fat grip bars and free weight.
the Clubhouse
With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, looking out to the surrounding lush greenery, you will be refreshed as though you are working out right in the middle of nature.
jogging track
Within the Clubhouse are facilities for a variety of racquet sports such as badminton, squash and table tennis. And of course, around the resort is a jogging track for those who prefer exercising in the great outdoors, while enjoying the scenic view that the property offers.
seahorse-shaped swimming pool
Also, let’s not forget the 60-metre long seahorse-shaped swimming pool that simply invites one to go for a swim, or at least, a dip. The setting of The Haven simply inspires one to keep healthy and enjoy the fresh air during one’s stay there.
The Haven is fringed by forested, hilly terrain. So, even if you do “nothing” here, the clean, fresh air alone promotes better health.
v) International award-winning restaurant
The Halal-certified Cuisines, one of the F&B outlets within The Haven, is well known for its wholesome, healthy menu, where food is prepared with the freshest of ingredients and without preservatives, monosodium glutamate (MSG) or artificial additives.
part of the menu from Cuisines
In addition to Asian, Western and Mediterranean cuisines, it serves the best of local favourites such as Ipoh Chicken Rice, Singapore Laksa, Cantonese-style Wat Tan Hor (noodles), Nasi Lemak and Seafood Char Kway Teow. The menu lists not fewer than eighty dishes.
Set in a pristine natural environment, the restaurant boasts an al fresco section which overlooks a calm lake ringed by untouched limestone hills and the 280 million-year-old beauty of a limestone rock named Rockhaven.
In short, the award-winning Cuisines (2016 Luxury Hotel Restaurant – Country Winner) offers an extraordinary natural ambience and a healthy exciting array of culinary favourites, a combination of experience unmatched by any other hotel venue or restaurant in Malaysia.
Do take note that Cuisines is only open to residents and guests of The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences, as well as guests of guests. So, this is another reason why this resort hotel is the MUST STAY place in Ipoh.
vi) Easy accessibility
If you are taking a flight or ETS (train) to Ipoh, it is easy to arrive at The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences. Just hail a cab / Uber or arrange for pickup service with The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences. This way, you save yourself the hassle of finding your way, lugging heavy luggage all over town.
The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences
The following are driving instructions from both Kuala Lumpur and Penang. As you can see, Ipoh is well-connected via the North-South Expressway.
Driving from Kuala Lumpur via North-South Expressway:
Drive past Ampang toll gate. After 0.5km, exit Tambun and turn left until you come to the traffic lights. Turn left again, drive straight for about 3 – 4km until you come to the junction to The Haven.
The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences is the third exit on your right after Lost World of Tambun and The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat.
The duration from the North-South Expressway would take approximately 3.5 hours.
Driving from Penang via North-South Expressway:
Take the Tambun exit and turn left. Drive for about 3km to arrive at the right junction that turns in to The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences.
This trip would take you about 2 hours, or less.
The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences
So, here are only six reasons why The Haven is the MUST STAY place in Ipoh should you visit this colonial-hipster café city. Obviously, there are way more reasons but that’s for you to discover why The Haven is one of the finest eco-resort of its class in Malaysia.
For further information or to make a reservation, contact:
The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences
Add: Jalan Haven (Persiaran Lembah Perpaduan), 31150 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
GPS Coordinates: N 04° 38.167′ E101° 9.684′Email: sales@bestwesternhaven.com.my
Web: The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences
Tel: +605 220 9000
Hotline: 1700 8 1700 0
Fax: +605 220 9011
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