We Returned to Club Med Cherating Before Its Major Transformation & Here's What We'll Miss Most

For many Malaysians, Club Med Cherating was more than just a beach resort. It was where families returned year after year, friendships were formed over communal dinners, and countless holiday memories were made against the backdrop of rainforest and sea.

We recently had the chance to visit Club Med Cherating one last time before it officially closed its doors on 11 October 2026 and, having also experienced the resort last year, it was impossible not to feel a sense of nostalgia walking through a destination that has played such a significant role in Malaysia's tourism landscape for nearly five decades.

Image Credit: Club Med

The end of an era

Club Med Cherating isn't just another beachfront resort. Opened in 1979, it was Club Med's very first resort in Asia, built on an 80-hectare stretch of rainforest and coastline in Pahang. Designed with traditional Malay kampung influences and surrounded by nature, it quickly became one of the brand's most iconic destinations.

Image Credit: Club Med

Over the years, it developed a character that regular guests knew and loved. There were the colourful bead necklaces used in place of cash, communal dining tables that encouraged strangers to become friends, and the signature Club Med atmosphere created by its energetic G.Os (Gentle Organisers).

For many returning guests, Cherating became a tradition. Some came back every few years, while others returned annually with new generations of their families.

A final visit filled with memories

During our most recent stay before the closure, there was a noticeably emotional atmosphere throughout the resort. While guests continued enjoying the familiar activities, meals and performances that made Cherating famous, there was also an understanding that everyone was experiencing something special for the final time.

Having visited the resort in 2024 as well, it was interesting to see how much affection guests and staff still had for the property. Conversations often drifted towards favourite memories, whether it was learning the flying trapeze, spotting wildlife along the boardwalk or simply unwinding by the beach with friends and family.

Image Credit: Club Med

Those nostalgic feelings were reflected in Club Med's three-day "Endings & New Horizons" celebration, which brought together media and industry partners to commemorate the resort's 47-year legacy.

The farewell event featured themed dinners, cultural performances, the resort's beloved Moon & Sea Show and even an auction of memorabilia and furnishings from the property, with proceeds benefiting Rapha Children's Home in Kuantan.

Image Credit: Club Med

What made Club Med Cherating so special?

One of Cherating's biggest strengths has always been its unique location.

Unlike many beach resorts that focus solely on sand and sea, Club Med Cherating offered something rarer, which is a holiday surrounded by both rainforest and coastline. Guests could spend the morning kayaking or sailing, explore jungle trails in the afternoon and end the day watching the sunset over the South China Sea.

Image Credit: Club Med

The resort's elevated wooden walkways winding through the jungle became one of its most recognisable features, often leading visitors to encounters with macaques, monitor lizards and a variety of birdlife. Nearby conservation efforts, including turtle protection programmes along the Cherating coastline, further reinforced its connection with nature.

Image Credit: Club Med

It was this combination of adventure, wildlife and laid-back resort living that kept visitors returning year after year.

A new chapter begins

While the closure marks the end of a historic chapter, Club Med says it is only temporary.

The resort is now undergoing a complete transformation and is expected to reopen at the end of 2027 with a renewed focus on nature, sustainability and immersive experiences. The redevelopment will see every guest room and public space fully refurbished, bringing a more contemporary look and upgraded amenities while preserving the resort's unique connection to the surrounding rainforest.

Image Credit: Club Med

Among the upcoming additions are the Jungle Express, a new ride through the preserved rainforest, guided wildlife and birdwatching trails, a cliffside climbing experience overlooking the ocean, an upgraded farm-to-table dining concept, and low-impact firefly cruises through nearby mangroves.

Importantly, the redevelopment will maintain the resort's low-density approach and keep its vast rainforest surroundings at the heart of the experience.

Looking ahead

As we left Club Med Cherating for what is currently the final time, it was clear why so many people have remained loyal to the resort for decades. Few destinations manage to create the kind of emotional connection that Cherating has with its guests.

While it is sad to see this chapter come to a close, the planned transformation suggests that Club Med is not trying to replace what made Cherating special. Instead, it's attempting to build on that legacy and introduce it to a new generation of travellers.

Image Credit: Club Med

For those who have visited before, the closure may feel like saying goodbye to an old friend. But if all goes according to plan, the Cherating many Malaysians grew up with will return in a new form, ready to create another generation of unforgettable holiday memories.

While Club Med Cherating begins its transformation, travellers won't have to wait long to experience the brand's next chapter in Malaysia. Club Med Borneo is set to welcome its first guests on 16 November 2026 in Kuala Penyu, Sabah. Inspired by the traditional Rungus longhouse and built with sustainability in mind, the new beachfront resort will bring Club Med's all-inclusive experience to East Malaysia while serving as a temporary home for some of Cherating's former G.Os and team members. For loyal Club Med fans, it's a chance to continue the journey while waiting for Cherating's highly anticipated return in 2027.

Featured Image Credit: Club Med