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This new all-inclusive resort is just a 90-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu, set between rainforest and sea in Kuala Penyu

Borneo has long been one of Southeast Asia’s last great frontiers. Now, there’s a new reason to have it on your radar. Club Med Borneo is set to open in November 2026, with bookings launching on March 24, 2026. This marks the brand’s second resort in Malaysia and a major expansion in the region.
It’s set in Kuala Penyu, just 90 minutes from Kota Kinabalu, a destination that’s already gaining traction on lists like our guide to the best destinations in Asia for 2026.
Club Med Borneo is a new premium all-inclusive beach resort, marking the brand’s second property in Malaysia following the success of Club Med Cherating. It’s positioned as one of Club Med’s most ambitious projects in the region, bringing its signature all-inclusive concept–spanning accommodation, dining, activities and entertainment–to the wild, largely untouched landscapes of Sabah.
What sets it apart is its focus on sustainable luxury. Club Med Borneo is designed to be the brand’s first large-scale BREEAM-certified beach resort in the Asia Pacific, with eco-conscious infrastructure and low-density development that blends into its natural surroundings.
Club Med Borneo is set along the quiet coastline of Kuala Penyu in Sabah. Framed by lush rainforest on one side and the South China Sea on the other, the resort sits in a part of Borneo that still feels largely untouched – a far cry from the region’s more developed beach destinations. It’s also accessible by road from Brunei, making it a convenient cross-border getaway for travellers in the region.
Kuala Penyu itself is a low-key coastal district in southwest Sabah, known more for its natural landscapes than tourism crowds. The area takes its name from rock formations at the mouth of the Sitompok River that resemble a turtle (“penyu” in Malay), and was once largely covered in mangrove forests. Today, it remains a peaceful, under-the-radar destination.
There’s plenty to keep you occupied without ever leaving the resort. On-site, expect a mix of wellness, culture and outdoor experiences, from spa treatments in secluded forest chalets to sports and fitness activities set against tropical surroundings. You can also dive into hands-on cultural workshops, including local pottery, cooking and traditional dance, or explore nearby mangroves through eco-focused activities.
In addition, curated excursions take things further: visit the Mari-Mari Cultural Village to learn about Sabah’s indigenous heritage, snorkel in the clear waters of Pulau Tiga before trying its famous mud volcano, or set out on a river safari where you might spot hornbills and the distinctive proboscis monkey in the wild.
Bookings for Club Med Borneo officially open on March 24, 2026, ahead of its grand debut in November 2026. To mark the launch, guests can enjoy a complimentary upgrade to Deluxe rooms for selected stays between mid-November 2026 and early January 2027, subject to availability.
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