SINGAPORE, 6 August 2026: Club Med has officially announced a comprehensive renovation of its iconic resort in Malaysia, Club Med Cherating, which will close on 11 October 2026.
This extensive transformation will take Club Med Cherating into a new era of all-inclusive hospitality, anchoring it as a resort sanctuary deeply integrated into the lush, tropical surrounds. The date of completion has yet to be announced.
However, promotional and informational materials suggest the resort’s transformation could take two years to complete.
Originally opened in 1979 as the very first Club Med resort in Asia, Cherating was chosen by Gilbert Trigano, the co-founder of Club Med, for its prime, untouched forest and sweeping beachfront. Decades later, this transformation honours that original pioneering spirit, seamlessly blending modern upscale luxury with the resort’s natural assets.
Club Med Cherating remains the only resort in Asia boasting a completely self-contained, in-resort jungle. Rather than serving as a distant backdrop, the preservation of this 80-hectare lush ecosystem ensures that nature is fully embedded into the guest experience.
“Club Med Cherating holds a special place in our history as our first home in Asia,” said Club Med CEO for Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rachael Harding. This transformation will open a new chapter for this iconic destination.”
Signature curated experiences
Once Club Med Cherating reopens, it will introduce five signature experiences that allow guests to connect with the vibrant environment fully:
Hop on the Jungle Express: A signature transit experience that beautifully journeys through the dense, 80-hectare preserved jungle, revealing a stunning, hidden Pantai beach on the other side of the resort.
The Cliffside Challenge: An exhilarating eco-adventure where guests climb real, natural rock cliffs that rise dramatically above the sea on Pantai beach. At the summit, climbers are rewarded with panoramic ocean views.
Jungle Discovery Trails (Developed with a Local NGO): Led by an expert Green G.O (Gentle Organiser), guests can step into the jungle to uncover a hidden world through a new series of guided trails. These include specialised sunrise hikes, which reward guests with opportunities for wild animal spotting and birdwatching during the day, and mysterious fluorescent hikes as night falls.
Farm-to-Fork in the Jungle: Guests can take the Jungle Express to the Rembulan gourmet club to taste fresh, sustainably sourced local produce before finishing the evening with specially crafted cocktails at the lively, social heart of the resort.
Firefly Mangrove Cruise: As darkness falls, nature presents its most magical side. Guests glide along the calm mangrove river as fireflies beautifully illuminate the surrounding trees.
(Source: Club Med)
