12 Mar 2026
Club Med Borneo Opens Reservations for Its Highly Anticipated Sun-Drenched Escape in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Tags: , , , , ,


Club Med

Club Med, the pioneer of premium all-inclusive holidays, is proud to announce that reservations for the highly anticipated debut in Malaysia, Club Med Borneo, will officially open on 24 March 2026.

Nestled on the pristine shores of Kuala Penyu, this iconic resort is set to welcome its first guests this November 2026. As Club Med's second Malaysian property following the success of Club Med Cherating, this new destination is poised to be the brand's first large-scale, sustainably built BREEAM-certified beach resort in Asia Pacific.

Stéphane Maquaire, President and CEO of Club Med highlighted, "The opening of Club Med Borneo represents a significant milestone in our global expansion strategy. 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."

Between lush rainforests and tropical seas

Located just 90 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, in the pristine enclave of Kuala Penyu, Club Med Borneo offers an enchanting escape where ancient rainforests meet the sparkling blues of the South China Sea. It is also easily accessible as a drive-to destination from Brunei International Airport (approximately four hours).

A love letter to Borneo's heritage, the resort's architecture welcomes guests into a magnificent timber pavilion inspired by the traditional Rumah Rungus longhouses, unique to the region. Surrounded by cascading waterfalls and a verdant canopy, the structure seamlessly integrates with the surrounding ecosystem.

As evening falls, the weathered timber is softly illuminated by warm amber hues, echoing the legendary Bornean sunset and casting a golden glow over a clay-tiled feature wall to create a serene, welcoming embrace.

Beyond its striking architecture, Club Med Borneo offers a collection of experiences and facilities:

  • Thoughtfully appointed accommodation: The resort features 400 elegantly designed guest rooms, including 39 Exclusive Collection Suites. These premier sanctuaries offer enhanced privacy and elevated aesthetics for the discerning travellers.
  • The Mutiara Exclusive Collection space: For a more intimate and secluded stay, this dedicated oasis offers a "resort within a resort" experience. Guests enjoy a private lounge, an exclusive swimming pool, and the Bayu Bar, an intimate setting designed for quiet, upscale sophistication.
  • Aquatic wonders: From a sprawling Main Infinity Pool that merges seamlessly with the horizon to a high-energy Splash Park for families, there is a water experience for every mood.
  • Culinary experiences:
    • The Alam: A vibrant main buffet restaurant featuring four distinct dining atmospheres, serving a global tapestry of international and local flavours.
    • The Laut: An upscale gourmet destination paired with its own refined bar for a more intimate dining experience.
    • The Pasir: The resort's social heart, where expert mixologists craft tropical cocktails in a stunning main bar setting.
  • A family paradise: Club Med's signature, comprehensive Kids' Club facilities cater to ages 4 months to 17 years. Evenings come alive in our integrated entertainment space in the Main Theatre, showcasing iconic signature circus acts and musical performances.
  • Meetings and events: Sophisticated infrastructure meets natural inspiration with four versatile meeting rooms, perfect for impactful corporate retreats, creative workshops or private celebrations.
  • The Spa: A "secret" retreat comprised of individual tropical chalets tucked deep within the tranquil forest. Guests wander through sheltered walkways and peaceful courtyards to reach sunlit treatment rooms enveloped in lush greenery, a true rejuvenating escape into the wild.

Adventure and heritage

Nestled alongside a pristine mangrove reserve, Club Med Borneo invites guests to become active guardians of this unique ecosystem. The resort offers a curated selection of activities designed to protect and celebrate the location's natural beauty, allowing one to connect deeply with the land.

Step into the heart of Sabah's rich heritage through authentic, hands-on experiences. Guests can join local pottery workshops, master the flavors of the region in interactive culinary classes, and enjoy vibrant traditional dance performances that bring the stories of Borneo to life under the evening stars.

Beyond the resort, discover the "hidden gems" of the region through its signature excursions:

  • Cultural discovery: Journey into the heart of Sabah's history with a guided tour of the Mari-Mari Cultural Village, where one will encounter the traditions of five indigenous ethnic groups. The exploration continues with a visit to a local Chinese temple and a sensory trip through the Central Market, Kota Kinabalu's largest and most authentic market hub.
  • Island adventure: Embark on an adrenaline-pumping snorkeling expedition in the crystal waters of Pulau Tiga. Afterward, trek through the jungle to a natural mud volcano and indulge in a mineral-rich mud mask before rinsing off in the warm sea, leaving the skin feeling extraordinarily soft and rejuvenated.
  • River safari: Drift along Sabah's diverse wetlands on a gentle river cruise. This rare wildlife encounter offers the chance to witness Borneo's most iconic inhabitants in their natural habitat—from the elegant hornbill to the rare, endemic 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."

Preserving the Beauty of Borneo: A Commitment to Community and Conservation

The dawn of Club Med Borneo marks a transformative chapter for the Kuala Penyu region, blending premium hospitality with a deep-rooted responsibility to the land and its people.

Spanning 17 hectares of pristine beachfront, this resort is a milestone collaboration between Club Med and Golden Sands Beach Resort City Sdn Bhd, designed to be a cornerstone for sustainable social and economic growth.

Empowering Local Communities

The development of Club Med Borneo is a powerful engine for regional economic growth. The resort is expected to generate over 350 direct and indirect jobs. Even before welcoming its first guests, the project has already integrated the local workforce with 681 construction workers employed from neighbouring communities.

Pioneering Sustainable Luxury

In alignment with Club Med's global Happy to Care programme, sustainability is thoughtfully integrated into the vision of the resort. Developed with the ambition of meeting the stringent BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) standards, Club Med Borneo reflects the brand's commitment to responsible construction and environmental awareness. The resort also aims to pursue Green Globe certification to guide its operational practices once open. This commitment is expressed through four core pillars:

  • Eco-Conscious Infrastructure: The resort has been designed with a low-density footprint that integrates carefully with the surrounding landscape, respecting the mangroves and coastal forests that characterise the natural setting of Kuala Penyu.
  • Reducing Single-Use Plastics: As part of Club Med's global Bye-Bye Plastics initiative, the resort progressively replaces single-use plastic items across its operations. An on-site water bottling facility provides filtered drinking water throughout the property, helping to reduce reliance on disposable bottles.
  • Intelligent Resource Management: Energy-efficient systems, water-saving technologies and architectural design that maximises natural ventilation contribute to a more responsible approach to guest comfort and resource use.
  • Biodiversity Awareness and Partnerships: Through collaborations with local conservation organisations and educational programmes led by the resort's Green G.O. team, guests and staff are invited to discover and better understand Sabah's rich ecosystems and wildlife.

Designed as a multi-generational sanctuary, Club Med Borneo intertwines culture, creativity, and comfort with playful, nature-inspired details, including artistic interpretations of local flora and fauna. Here, everyone can reconnect with nature, discovering the rich cultural stories of Borneo in a retreat that is as thoughtful as it is breathtaking.

Olivier Monceau, General Manager for Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia at Club Med added, “We are seeing a growing appetite among Singapore travellers for destinations that combine nature, discovery and authentic cultural experiences. Borneo is one of Southeast Asia's last great frontiers for exploration, where ancient rainforests, extraordinary wildlife and vibrant local traditions create a truly immersive escape. At the same time, the premium all-inclusive model continues to resonate strongly with today's travellers, as it removes friction from the holiday experience and allows guests to focus entirely on enjoying the destination.”

 Be the first to find wonder

The journey to Borneo's most anticipated destination begins soon. Bookings for Club Med Borneo will officially open 24 March 2026, offering a first look at the effortless luxury and pristine nature that awaits. Secure your place in this exceptional paradise by visiting Club Med website or connecting with our dedicated travel specialists:

  • Call Center: 18002582633
  • Opening special:

Complimentary upgrade to Deluxe rooms* for stays from 16 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. 

*Terms and conditions apply. Upgrade will be automatically applied, subject to room availability.

  • How to book:

Simply select Deluxe room for your stay between 16 November 2026 to 3 January 2027