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On an unspoiled stretch of Sabah’s coastline in Malaysian Borneo, Club Med is preparing to open a new all-inclusive resort that pairs high-end comfort with rainforest and reef adventures, positioning the property as one of Southeast Asia’s most closely watched luxury openings for 2026.
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A Major New Arrival on Sabah’s Quiet Kuala Penyu Coast
According to publicly available information from Club Med, the new resort is set along the white-sand shores of Kuala Penyu, about a 90-minute to two-hour drive southwest of Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The site sits where dense coastal forest meets the South China Sea, a setting that is frequently described in travel coverage as one of Malaysia’s most scenic and least developed beach regions.
Booking information on Club Med’s regional sites indicates that reservations for Club Med Borneo are scheduled to open to the general public in late March 2026, ahead of a planned first guest arrival date of 16 November 2026. The rollout follows a tiered sales calendar for loyalty members, reflecting strong advance interest in the brand’s first resort in Borneo.
Regional business reports highlight the resort as part of a broader push to raise Sabah’s profile among international travelers seeking nature-based, upmarket experiences. The development is expected to benefit from improving air links into Kota Kinabalu and growing recognition of Borneo’s biodiversity and Indigenous cultures.
Unlike some of Sabah’s small island dive lodges and forest ecolodges, Club Med Borneo is designed as a large-scale, premium all-inclusive property. The combination of expansive facilities, family-friendly programming and easy access to both jungle and sea is being framed by industry observers as a new anchor product for the state’s coastal tourism.
Eco-Certified Design and a Focus on Sustainable Luxury
Corporate communications and hospitality trade coverage indicate that Club Med Borneo is slated to become the first resort in the Asia-Pacific region to be built with BREEAM sustainability certification in mind. BREEAM is one of the world’s more established green-building assessment standards, and its use suggests an emphasis on energy efficiency, responsible construction and long-term environmental management.
Descriptions of the project point to low-rise architecture and a layout that seeks to preserve existing vegetation across roughly 17 hectares of land. Renderings and marketing text highlight pale woods, woven textures and open-air spaces that aim to echo local materials and traditional craft, while maintaining a contemporary, upscale feel.
The resort is also being promoted as “eco-chic,” with messaging focused on reduced-impact operations and closer contact with nature. This aligns with a broader shift in the all-inclusive sector, where large brands are increasingly foregrounding sustainability credentials and conservation partnerships to appeal to environmentally conscious travelers.
Observers note that applying a formal green-building framework at the construction stage could help differentiate Club Med Borneo from competing beach developments in the region. How those commitments translate into on-the-ground practices, from waste management to habitat protection, is likely to draw interest from both travelers and local stakeholders once the property opens.
Adventure on Land and Sea for Active Travelers
Club Med’s preview materials describe the resort as a “nature’s playground,” outlining a mix of activities that tap into Borneo’s landscapes. Guests can expect signature Club Med sports such as sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding set against the South China Sea, alongside snorkeling and diving excursions on nearby reefs.
On land, publicly available descriptions suggest guided jungle walks, nature trails and visits to waterfalls in the wider Kuala Penyu and Kota Kinabalu region. The location offers access to mangroves, lowland forest and coastal viewpoints, with the possibility of spotting birdlife and marine species that have made Sabah a long-standing favorite among wildlife enthusiasts.
Adventure-seekers are also being targeted with references to off-the-beaten-path experiences and day trips deeper into Sabah. From river cruises to visits to conservation areas further inland, the resort’s excursion program is expected to connect guests with some of Borneo’s better-known attractions while keeping the main property oriented around relaxation and soft adventure.
Industry watchers point out that this blend of structured sports, easy-to-book excursions and entry-level nature experiences is likely to appeal to travelers who want a taste of Borneo’s wild side without committing to more rugged itineraries. For many, Club Med Borneo may function as a comfortable base from which to sample the island’s outdoors.
High-End Comfort and Exclusive Collection Spaces
Within the resort itself, Club Med is positioning Borneo as a premium all-inclusive with a dedicated Exclusive Collection area, the brand’s higher-end offering. Public information describes suites and private spaces designed as a “refined retreat,” with dedicated services that sit a step above the broader room inventory.
Standard rooms are shown opening onto either tropical greenery or sea views, with design cues that reference Sabah’s cultural motifs and natural palette. The aesthetic leans toward light woods, handcrafted details and a subdued color scheme intended to keep the focus on the surrounding landscape.
Food and beverage options are expected to follow Club Med’s established format of buffet and specialty restaurants, with marketing materials promising local Malaysian flavors alongside international cuisine. Bars and lounge areas are depicted as breezy, open spaces overlooking pools and the shoreline, designed to capture sunsets over the South China Sea.
The resort is also planned to include multiple pools, wellness facilities and quiet zones, giving guests a choice between activity hubs and more tranquil corners. For luxury-focused travelers who still want an all-inclusive, family-capable environment, this tiered approach to space and service is seen as a key part of the appeal.
Family-Friendly Programming and a Boost for Sabah Tourism
Consistent with Club Med’s broader portfolio, Borneo is being developed with families and multigenerational groups in mind. Early outlines of the resort’s offer reference dedicated kids’ clubs, age-specific activities and family rooms, aiming to make Borneo accessible to travelers who might otherwise gravitate to more established beach markets in Thailand or Bali.
For parents, the promise of supervised activities, watersports and cultural workshops on-site may ease the logistics of exploring a destination still perceived by some as remote. At the same time, the setting in Sabah allows the resort to promote education around local ecosystems and cultures through programming tailored to younger guests.
On the regional economic front, local media coverage has underscored the resort’s potential to create hundreds of jobs and stimulate related investment around Kuala Penyu. Observers in Malaysia’s tourism and real estate sectors frame the project as part of a wave of coastal and nature-based developments intended to disperse visitor traffic beyond established urban centers.
As Club Med Borneo moves toward its scheduled November 2026 opening, the project is emerging as a test case for how large-scale, all-inclusive resorts can integrate sustainability frameworks, high-end comfort and soft adventure in one of Southeast Asia’s most ecologically rich regions. For travelers weighing their next long-haul trip, it places Sabah firmly on the map as both a luxury and adventure destination.