Sabah’s tourism industry is set for a major boost with the upcoming launch of Club Med Borneo in Kuala Penyu, scheduled to open its doors in September 2026. The announcement came during a courtesy call between Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun and representatives from Club Med Asia and Golden Sands Beach Resort City at his office yesterday.
Club Med Asia CEO Rachael Harding and Golden Sands Resort City Managing Director Peter Wong Leong Siang briefed Masidi on the resort’s development plans, highlighting its potential to transform Kuala Penyu into a premier tourism destination.
Strategic Location with Natural Attractions
Located approximately 90 minutes from Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Penyu offers a unique blend of natural beauty and accessibility. The area is best known for its proximity to Pulau Tiga, the island famously featured in the first season of the reality TV series *Survivor*. The island’s volcanic mud pools, pristine beaches, and diverse marine life have long attracted adventurous travelers and nature enthusiasts.
The new Club Med Borneo resort aims to capitalize on this natural appeal while introducing international hospitality standards to the region.
300 Jobs and Certified Training for Sabahans
Masidi, who also serves as State Finance Minister, welcomed the development as a significant step toward strengthening Sabah’s tourism sector. He emphasized that the resort will create more than 300 employment opportunities specifically for Sabahans.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 development roadmap, which prioritizes sustainable economic growth, human capital development, and greater participation of local communities in strategic sectors,” Masidi said.
A key highlight of the project is the certified skills training that employees will receive, designed to enhance professionalism and improve the employability of the local workforce in tourism and hospitality.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
The state government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting quality investments that deliver long-term benefits to Sabahans. Masidi noted that developments like Club Med Borneo represent the kind of inclusive and sustainable economic growth that the state government seeks to promote.
“We welcome investments that not only create jobs but also contribute to the professional development of our people and the preservation of our natural heritage,” he added.
Putting Kuala Penyu on the Map
The arrival of an internationally recognized resort brand like Club Med is expected to raise Kuala Penyu’s profile as a tourism destination, potentially attracting visitors from across Asia and beyond. With Pulau Tiga’s unique attractions nearby and the region’s rich cultural heritage, the area is poised to become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authentic Bornean experiences.
As Sabah continues to diversify its economy and develop its tourism infrastructure, the Club Med Borneo resort represents a promising step toward a more prosperous and sustainable future for the region.
The resort is scheduled to begin operations in September 2026.