Club Med Cherating, the first Club Med resort in Asia, has closed after 47 years. The resort marked the end of an era with a three-day celebration from 7 to 9 October 2026. Located on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, it officially ceased operations on 11 October to begin a major transformation.
Club Med opened Cherating in 1979 with support from local business leader Tan Sri Philip Kuok. The resort adopted the style of a traditional Malay kampung. Over the decades, it became known for its distinctive holiday experience. Guests paid for drinks with necklaces of coloured beads and shared meals with Gentle Organisers (G.Os).
The farewell event, titled “Endings & New Horizons,” featured a Bohemian-themed dinner, a flying trapeze performance and a Lion Dance. An auction of resort memorabilia also raised funds for Rapha Children's Home in Kuantan.
Club Med now plans to transform the resort, refreshing every guestroom and public space while preserving 80 hectares of jungle. New attractions will include the Jungle Express ride, Jungle Discovery Trails and a farm-to-table restaurant. The resort is expected to reopen at the end of 2027.
Meanwhile, Club Med will redeploy staff across its network. Some employees will join the new Club Med Borneo in Sabah, which is scheduled to open on 16 November 2026.
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