A first look at Club Med Borneo

• The brand new property will be ready to welcome guests from November this year

• Accommodation includes Exclusive Collection Suites with an exclusive pool and private lounge access

• The environmentally-friendly resort has an action-packed kids' club for youngsters aged from four months

Read more: Great reasons to make Sabah your next getaway

A first look at Club Med Borneo - the property will open to guests this autumn

Club Med has announced it will opening a second Malaysian property. Club Med Borneo will be ready to welcome guests from November and will be open for bookings at the end of this month

The environmentally-friendly resort is located on the Kuala Penyu coastline alongside a pristine mangrove reserve. It's set to be the brand’s first large-scale, sustainably built, BREEAM-certified (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) beach resort in Asia Pacific. Club Med Borneo is around 90 minutes from Kota Kinabalu’s international airport.

“The opening of Club Med Borneo represents a significant milestone in our global expansion strategy,” said Stéphanie Maquaire, president of Club Med. “It is testament to our commitment to growth in Southeast Asia and our dedication to creating destinations that balance premium luxury with environmental stewardship.”

Family accommodation and elevated stays

Accommodation at Club Med Borneo runs from standard guest rooms to Exclusive Collection Suites within the Mutiara Exclusive Collection space, a ‘resort within a resort’ experience for a more elevated stay; attractions include a private lounge and exclusive swimming pool.

Family‑friendly fun & cultural experiences

All guests have access to the main resort infinity pool and a family-friendly Splash Park. The kids’ club caters for children from four months to 17 years and includes an entertainment space in the resort’s theatre hosting circus acts and music performances. 

Weary parents will also be able to take advantage of a ‘secret’ sunlit spa, tucked within the surrounding forest and reached via shaded walkways.

Dining with Malaysian flair

Food lovers will find plenty to tempt them. Dining spots at the resort include:

  *   The Alam for international buffet dining;

  *   The Laut, an upscale restaurant with its own bar;

  *   The Pasir serving signature cocktails

Menus feature fresh local produce alongside global flavours, perfect for travellers seeking authentic Sabah cuisine.

Why Club Med Borneo should be on your travel list

Kota Kinabalu has long been a popular sunshine destination for holidaying families, with its mix of golden beaches, marine reserves and rolling rainforest. Club Med Borneo will offer a range of activities designed to embrace its location and Sabah’s rich culture. Guests can join local pottery workshops, take part in cookery classes and enjoy traditional dance performances. Beyond the resort, there are guided tours of local villages, snorkelling adventures to Pulau Tiga, jungle trekking and river safaris.

“We envisioned Club Med Borneo as a sanctuary where our unique hospitality meets the wild, untouched beauty of Sabah,” said chief executive officer, East, South Asia and Pacific Club Med, Rachael Harding. “We look forward to welcoming you to this remarkable destination, where you will also find one of the most breathtaking sunsets on earth.”

Our take

From golden beaches and marine reserves to rolling rainforest, Kota Kinabalu is a much‑loved destination for families. Club Med Borneo elevates that experience with an all‑inclusive luxury stay that prioritises sustainability without compromising on comfort. Plenty of family-welcoming facilities including a dedicated children's Splash Park and kids' club make this a great destination with kids. The resort promises not just a holiday, but an immersive journey into Sabah’s natural beauty.

Bookings open on March 24, complimentary upgrades to deluxe rooms are available for stays from November 16 to January 3, 2027. More details can be found online.