They say there’s always a first time for everything. When I embarked on this trip, I wasn’t expecting to tick off items from my bucket list. I simply thought it would be like any other beach getaway—a relaxing escape with some waves and sun.
But a 3D2N stay at Club Med Cherating—which starts from RM800+ per night—turned out to be so much more than just another resort stay.
For those who don’t know, Club Med Cherating is a premium all-inclusive resort established in 1979 that caters to both leisure activity aficionados and those looking for outdoor adventures.
A three-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, the resort spans an impressive 80 hectares, nestled between the lush tropical jungle of Pahang and the calming waves of the South China Sea.
The moment we arrived, we were greeted by golden sands and an azure ocean that stretched as far as the eye could see, a sign of good times on the horizon.
What really made the trip stand out, though, were the GOs (Gentil Organisateurs), or staff. Enthusiastic, smiling, and eager to welcome us, their warm energy set the tone for the trip.
Rustic charm meets village vibes
Club Med Cherating isn’t just a resort; they call it a “village.” And true to its name, everything here is designed to give guests a homey, communal feel.
The accommodations, built mostly of teak wood, reminded me of traditional kampung houses.
Each lodging block is named after an animal; mine was “Landak” (hedgehog). My room was spacious, with a view of the jungle on one side and the ocean on the other. As someone who’s from the city, falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the shore was just chef’s kiss.
New refreshed nature activities
Club Med has recently added new nature-related activities to its itinerary, here are some highlights:
1. Wildlife discovery trail
Hiking at Club Med Cherating is a trek through nature that brings you up close to the beauty and wildlife of Cherating’s lush rainforest.
Our adventure began with the GO, who was also our guide for the hike, handing out essentials like mosquito spray and binoculars. He even carried flashcards to show and explain the native plants and animals we might encounter along the way.
This thoughtful preparation set the tone for what turned out to be a moderately challenging yet deeply rewarding trail, ideal for families with kids over 8 or anyone eager for a more active rainforest experience.
Along the hike, we spotted monkeys swinging from tree to tree, and even a snake camouflaged in dried leaves.
Unlike the crowded hiking spots in Klang Valley, this <2km trail felt intimate and serene, with the soothing sound of ocean waves in the background.
By the midpoint, my legs started to feel the burn, but the surroundings kept me motivated. I even caught glimpses of the ocean waves through the lookout points.
Towards the end of the trail, hikers are given a choice: take the more challenging path or opt for an easier route (which we did). I appreciated the flexibility the trail offers for all kinds of adventurers.
2. Turtle scavenger hunt
Inspired by the vital work of local turtle rangers, the turtle scavenger hunt gives kids (and adults) a hands-on experience simulating the search and rescue of turtle eggs with ping-pong balls.
The GOs did an excellent job patiently explaining how turtle rangers locate eggs on the shore and why protecting these eggs is so crucial, especially to the children. Their dedication to ensuring the kids understood the importance of conservation was heartwarming to witness.
Though we visited in December and missed the turtle nesting season, the GOs shared that from March to September, guests might have the chance to witness turtles laying their eggs on the shore.
3. The botanical walk
Malaysia’s rainforests, home to over 3,000 plant species, are a true treasure trove of botanical wonders.
Staying at Club Med, which is nestled in the heart of nature, means you’re surrounded by an abundance of flora waiting to be discovered.
On our last day there, we joined a guided nature walk led by one of the resort’s GOs, who shared interesting insights into the medicinal and ecological importance of the local plants. It felt like seeing the jungle through the eyes of a passionate botanist, someone who truly knew their flora and fauna inside out.
The walk was so immersive that we occasionally found ourselves getting distracted by the stunning surroundings—perhaps a little too often. We hope the GO wasn’t too annoyed at us for lagging behind with our slow pace.
Still, the experience was both educational and inspiring, making it perfect for children and adults alike.
4. The Insect Hotel
Ever heard of a hotel for insects? This interactive hub lets guests build “bug hotels” using natural, sustainable materials like twigs and leaves.
Guided by the resort’s knowledgeable GO, guests can learn to identify the various insects that call Malaysia’s jungles home.
The Insect Hotel is designed to attract a variety of insects, including butterflies, moths, crickets, and bees.
However, we didn’t spot any of these expected guests during our visit. Our GO explained that the compartments were still being modified to better accommodate the insects they hoped to attract.
While the lack of bugs may have been a slight letdown, seeing them implement such a project shows how much Club Med values nature in everything they do.
Adventure galore for thrill seekers
Club Med is a paradise for adrenaline junkies. From rock climbing and flying trapeze to stand-up paddleboarding and jet skiing, there’s plenty to keep you active.
Unfortunately, the rain put a damper on some of our plans, but I still managed to try sailing and kayaking for the first time.
The water where all the activities take place isn’t too deep, and everyone is provided with a life jacket, ensuring safety is a priority.
Kayaking was fun as you’re free to paddle at your own pace and spend as much time as you like on the water. However, there is a limit to how far you can go, so be sure to stay within the designated area.
One thing to note: the GOs sometimes assume you already know how to kayak, so if you’re a beginner like me, make sure to let them know. They’ll walk you through the basics and give you the confidence to enjoy the experience.
Sailing was a different adventure altogether. Each boat accommodates a maximum of three people, and a GO takes charge of steering it.
According to Club Med Cherating’s website, all of Club Med’s GOs hold qualifications recognised by the French Sailing Federation or have equivalent experience and certifications from other countries.
The GO also checked in with us to see if we were feeling motion sickness and explained how long the journey would last during our ride. Despite the rain pelting down on us, our GO made the experience unforgettable and safe.
All the watersports activities happen at Pantai Beach (one of the two beaches at the resort). Getting to Pantai Beach from the main buildings is a breeze with their train service that runs every 45 minutes.
If you prefer something quicker, a buggy ride takes just five to 10 minutes. Feeling adventurous? You can walk the scenic 20-minute forest trail to get there instead.
Relaxation done right
Not into extreme sports? No problem. Club Med Cherating also has two pools and countless spots to kick back and unwind.
There’s a general pool with child-friendly areas and an adults-only Zen Pool.
Located near Pantai Beach, the Zen Pool overlooks the South China Sea, making it the perfect place to watch the sunset. If you’re looking for some peaceful “me-time,” you can leave your kids (aged 4 and above) at Mini Club Med and retreat to this serene oasis.
Picture yourself dozing off on the daybeds or getting lost in a good book by the shore. It’s incredibly soothing and therapeutic.
For those who want to pamper themselves, add yoga sessions and spa treatments to the relaxation options. However, do note that spa services aren’t part of the all-inclusive package and will cost extra.
When the sun sets, Club Med comes alive with cultural performances, Crazy Sign dance, workshops, and games. The vibe is contagious, and it’s hard not to have fun.
You’ll even spot the same GOs who guided you on the trails or accompanied you on the sails now performing in shows and hosting the evening games. Their ability to juggle so many roles makes them the backbone of the Club Med experience, creating a sense of community that draws you in.
Food for the soul
Being an all-inclusive resort, the dining options at Club Med Cherating are plentiful and free. Well, mostly…
You’re spoilt for choice with The Mutiara, their main restaurant, offering an international buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From Korean dishes to Italian cuisine, there’s something for everyone. Their variety of desserts and freshly baked bread is equally impressive.
For a more refined dining experience, you can head over to The Rembulan, where you can indulge in a full-course meal without any extra charge. The food here is fantastic, but for me, the real highlight was the desserts—light and not overly sweet. I couldn’t resist ordering seconds!
If you happen to miss the buffet, don’t worry—Enak has got you covered. This restaurant opens automatically after the buffet closes, serving up comforting options like noodles and sandwiches for anyone still feeling peckish. For this, you have to pay extra.
And it doesn’t stop there. The main lobby sometimes surprises guests with delightful finger food like pancakes and fresh-cut fruits. Trust me, staying hungry here is practically impossible.
To top it all off, the resort’s bars are open until midnight. Whether you’re craving a mocktail, cocktail, frappe, or something else entirely, you can order to your heart’s content.
The verdict: Worth RM800+?
While my overall experience at Club Med was amazing, I did have a couple of minor gripes. First, the Wi-Fi connection was a bit spotty, especially outside the rooms. Sure, the idea is to help guests disconnect from the real world and immerse themselves in nature, which they’ve done successfully.
But for those of us on a work trip, it was a little inconvenient—we couldn’t get much done online. If you really need a stable connection, they do offer a premium Wi-Fi upgrade for an extra fee.
Another issue was the laundry situation. Club Med doesn’t provide room service for laundry, so if you need to iron your clothes, you’ll have to head to the laundry room yourself. While it was conveniently located right under our block, walking there at night felt a bit eerie because the surrounding area wasn’t well-lit.
Minor inconveniences aside, I would say these little quirks hardly overshadow the memorable experience Club Med offers. Just a bit of planning ahead, and you’ll be all set for a carefree stay.
So, is staying here worth the starting price of RM800+ per night? Without a doubt. Do note that the price varies every day depending on the season (peak and non-peak seasons).
While the cost may initially seem steep, the value of an all-inclusive experience—from delicious dining options to an endless array of activities—is undeniable.
You can hike, sail, indulge in international cuisines, or simply bask in nature, just as you might in other similar resorts. But what truly sets Club Med Cherating apart are the GOs. These exceptional individuals are the heart and soul of the experience.
Their warmth, dedication, and genuine hospitality transform your stay from enjoyable to extraordinary. They don’t just guide you through activities—they make you feel welcomed, cared for, and, above all, at home.
For anyone seeking an escape from the hustle of daily life, this tropical retreat is more than just a vacation; it’s a rejuvenation of the soul. You’ll definitely leave with a treasure trove of heartfelt memories.
Between the beautiful surroundings, endless activities, and the people, this place left me not only recharged but also wanting more.
Club Med Cherating
Address: 29th miles Jalan Kuantan-Kemaman Pahang Darul Makmur, Jalan Kuantan Sungai Lembing, 26080 Kuantan, Pahang
Contact: 09-581 9133
Website: https://www.clubmed.com.my/r/cherating-beach/y
