Club Med opens reservations this month for its highly anticipated new Malaysian property, Club Med Borneo, set to welcome its first guests in November 2026.
Set on the shores of Kuala Penyu, the new beachfront resort will become Club Med’s second resort in Malaysia following the long-established Club Med Cherating and is designed to be the brand’s first large-scale, sustainably built BREEAM-certified beach resort in Asia Pacific.
Spanning 17ha of coastline and surrounded by rainforest and mangroves, the new resort aims to blend premium all-inclusive hospitality with the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Malaysian Borneo.
“The opening of Club Med Borneo represents a significant milestone in our global expansion strategy,” Club Med president and CEO Stéphane Maquaire said.
“This is our second resort in Malaysia and is nestled in a destination that continues to spark the imagination and curiosity of travellers across time and around the globe. With undeniable Club Med spirit, we have been able to create resorts that seamlessly blend into naturally beautiful locations. Club Med Borneo is a testament to our commitment to growth in Southeast Asia and our dedication to creating destinations that balance premium luxury with environmental stewardship.”
Located about 90 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the resort sits between Borneo’s ancient rainforests and the South China Sea. It is also accessible via a four-hour drive from Brunei International Airport, positioning it as a convenient getaway for travellers across Southeast Asia.
Reservations open on 24 March, with an opening offer including a complimentary upgrade to Deluxe rooms for stays between 16 November 2026 and 3 January 2027.
Inspired by Borneo’s heritage
Architecturally, Club Med Borneo draws heavily on local cultural influences. The resort’s central timber pavilion is inspired by traditional Rumah Rungus longhouses, reflecting indigenous architectural styles from the region.
Surrounded by cascading water features and dense tropical vegetation, the design integrates with the surrounding ecosystem while creating a dramatic arrival experience. As the sun sets, the timber structures are illuminated in warm amber tones designed to echo Borneo’s famed sunsets.
The resort will feature 400 guest rooms, including 39 Exclusive Collection Suites designed for travellers seeking additional privacy and elevated amenities. Guests staying in the Mutiara Exclusive Collection space will have access to a dedicated “resort within a resort” area with its own private lounge, swimming pool and the Bayu Bar.
Facilities across the wider property include a main infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a family-focused splash park and a range of sports and wellness offerings typical of the brand’s all-inclusive model.
Dining will be anchored by several culinary venues, including The Alam, a main buffet restaurant featuring four dining zones showcasing international and regional cuisine. For a more refined experience, The Laut will offer an upscale gourmet restaurant paired with its own bar, while The Pasir will serve as the resort’s main social hub with cocktails crafted by expert mixologists.
Family-focused experiences
As with other Club Med resorts, families are expected to be a core market for the property. The resort will offer Kids’ Club programs catering to children aged four months through to 17 years, alongside evening entertainment in a purpose-built theatre featuring circus performances and musical shows.
Corporate and group travel will also be targeted, with four meeting rooms designed for retreats, workshops and private events.
A forest-set spa is another highlight. Tucked within tropical greenery, the wellness space will feature treatment chalets connected by sheltered walkways and courtyards, offering a tranquil retreat away from the main resort hub.
Exploring Sabah’s wild side
Positioned next to a protected mangrove reserve, the resort will also offer nature-based activities designed to connect guests with Sabah’s unique ecosystems.
Experiences include pottery workshops with local artisans, regional cooking classes and traditional dance performances that showcase Borneo’s cultural heritage.
Beyond the resort, excursions will introduce guests to some of Sabah’s most iconic attractions. Cultural tours will visit the Mari-Mari Cultural Village, where travellers can learn about the traditions of five indigenous ethnic groups, as well as local temples and markets in Kota Kinabalu.
Adventure-focused excursions include snorkelling trips to Pulau Tiga, followed by treks to the island’s natural mud volcanoes, while river cruises through Sabah’s wetlands offer opportunities to spot wildlife such as hornbills and the distinctive proboscis monkey.
“We envisioned Club Med Borneo as a sanctuary where our unique hospitality meets the wild, untouched beauty of Sabah”, shared Rachael Harding, CEO – East, South Asia and Pacific of Club Med. “Whether guests are seeking the tranquillity of our Exclusive Collection Space or the high-energy excitement of our signature sports and shows, every detail celebrates the vibrancy of local culture and the natural habitat. We look forward to welcoming you to this remarkable destination, where you will also find one of the most breathtaking sunsets on Earth.”
Sustainability and community focus
Club Med says the development will also bring significant economic benefits to the region. The resort is expected to generate more than 350 direct and indirect jobs once operational, while 681 local workers have already been employed during the construction phase.
The project is being developed in partnership with Golden Sands Beach Resort City Sdn Bhd and is targeting BREEAM certification, one of the world’s leading sustainability assessment frameworks for buildings.
Sustainability initiatives include a low-density site design that protects surrounding mangroves and coastal forests, energy-efficient systems and water-saving technologies. The resort will also follow Club Med’s global Bye-Bye Plastics initiative, replacing single-use plastic items across operations and introducing an on-site water bottling facility.
The company also plans to pursue Green Globe certification once the resort opens, alongside partnerships with local conservation organisations and educational programs designed to raise awareness of Sabah’s biodiversity.
