By David Bowden
The 268-room Dusit Princess Ipoh is the third branded property in Malaysia for the Thai hospitality group.
Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies, opened Dusit Princess Ipoh on 1 October 2026, bringing its distinctive Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the city.
Located approximately 200km north of Kuala Lumpur and shaped by the late-19th-century tin-mining boom that transformed it into a strategic commercial hub, Ipoh is home to a historic centre where colonial-era shophouses, traditional kopitiams and local businesses preserve the city's heritage.
Its multicultural culinary traditions, from long-standing dim sum restaurants to celebrated Ipoh white coffee, draw food-focused travellers. Meanwhile, the dramatic limestone formations and cave temples of the surrounding Kinta Valley invite visitors to combine cultural discovery with nature excursions and outdoor exploration.
Under its new identity as Dusit Princess Ipoh, the property, owned by Plenitude Berhad, a Bursa Malaysia-listed group with interests in property development, property investment and hospitality, is perfectly positioned to enable travellers to discover the city's heritage, culinary scene and natural attractions, while offering the comfort and flexibility required for city breaks, extended stays, business travel and events.
Central Location
Set beside the Perak Turf Club, a long-established centre for thoroughbred racing, the hotel is less than five minutes by car from Ipoh city centre. Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is 10 minutes away and offers direct flights from Singapore and Johor Bahru.
Reflecting the practical, welcoming character of Dusit's upper-midscale Dusit Princess brand, accommodation spans five categories, ranging from 25 sqm Superior Rooms to 58 sqm Family Suites.
All rooms include views across the Perak Turf Club or city skyline and feature high-speed Wi-Fi, smart televisions, quality bedding, in-room safes and dedicated workspaces. To support longer stays and give families greater flexibility, Family Rooms and Family Suites also include kitchenettes.
Facilities include a swimming pool, Kids' Club, self-service laundry, accessible rooms and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Guests also have access to a fitness centre offering extensive workout facilities and extended opening hours.
The Atrium, the hotel's naturally lit all-day dining restaurant, offers sweeping views of Ipoh's limestone hills and cityscape. It serves a buffet breakfast featuring local and regional favourites such as nasi lemak, roti canai, char kway teow and dim sum, alongside continental options. Local and international dishes are available throughout the day. The lobby coffee shop serves speciality teas, coffees and juices, as well as a tempting selection of pastries and desserts.
For meetings, conferences, weddings and social occasions, the hotel offers three flexible venues providing approximately 964 sqm of event space. The principal venue, the 497 sqm Kinta Ballroom, accommodates up to 400 guests in theatre-style seating or 300 for round-table events. It features an LED screen, a dynamic sound system and adjustable lighting. The adjoining 383 sqm Kampar Hall and the 84 sqm Gopeng Room offer additional options for smaller events.
"With accommodation and facilities designed to meet the needs of leisure travellers, families, business guests, government delegations and event groups, Dusit Princess Ipoh represents a compelling opportunity to introduce the welcoming character of the Dusit Princess brand to a city with such a strong identity and well-established appeal," said Mr Chanin Donavanik, Group Chief Executive Officer, Dusit International. "Perak welcomed 23.6 million domestic visitors in 2025, making it one of Malaysia's three most visited states. This strong demand, together with Ipoh's convenient access from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, gives the city considerable potential to attract more international visitors."
Elsie Chua, Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman of Plenitude Berhad, commented, "Dusit Princess Ipoh marks a new chapter for this established property and for Plenitude's hospitality portfolio. Building on the property's longstanding presence in Ipoh, we are delighted to bring the distinctive warmth of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the city through a recognised international brand, while embracing the character, culture and local flavours that make Ipoh unique. We look forward to creating a welcoming gateway for guests to experience Ipoh, combining the qualities and standards associated with the Dusit Princess brand with the authentic spirit of the destination."
City Attractions
From the hotel, guests can easily reach Ipoh Old Town, including Concubine Lane, a lively historic alley lined with small shops and stalls, and Kong Heng Square, a restored heritage enclave housing independent businesses. Local dining districts and commercial areas are also within easy reach.
To help guests explore further, the hotel's Discover the Soul of Ipoh programme brings together locally led activities spanning heritage, food, nature, well-being and family experiences. Highlights include photographic walks through Ipoh's heritage streets, visits to Tambun pomelo orchards and limestone cave temples, food trails featuring Ipoh white coffee and traditional desserts, and workshops in Labu Sayong pottery, a traditional Perak craft. Family cooking classes and evening wildlife adventures are also available.
To celebrate its opening, Dusit Princess Ipoh is offering stays from RM230 (A$82) per room per night, including RM50 (A$18) in daily food and beverage credit. The offer is valid for stays from 1 October to 31 December 2026. Terms and conditions apply.
Getting There
There are direct flights from Australia (Sydney, Melbourne and Perth) to Singapore on low-cost carriers such as Scoot, with three daily onward flights to Ipoh. Alternatively, fly into Kuala Lumpur and take the train or coach to Ipoh. Ipoh is one of several stops for adventurous travellers who fly into Kuala Lumpur and then use the train to visit destinations such as Kuala Kangsar and Taiping on the journey northwards to Penang.
Contact: www.dusit.com/dusitprincess-ipoh





