Club Med Cherating Arrival Guide: Closure and Future Planning

Club Med Cherating is currently closed for renovation. A partial reopening is expected in December 2027, with bookings expected to open from March 2027, subject to Club Med confirmation. Dates, opening-phase facilities, room categories and package terms may change. See our Cherating renovation and reopening updates before making travel arrangements. The arrival arrangements below do not operate during the closure.

Use these travel notes alongside our historical rooms and suites guide and pre-renovation itinerary. They help build a wish list, while the reopening hub is the place to check the latest planning status.

For the latest information, see our Club Med Cherating renovation and reopening updates and Club Med’s official resort notice. For a nearer holiday, compare Club Med Bintan or Club Med Phuket; confirm dates, availability and inclusions before booking.

This Club Med Cherating arrival guide preserves our pre-renovation travel notes, from drive times and packing ideas to the former check-in, dining and departure arrangements. It is a historical reference, not a current operating guide. For any stay after reopening, reconfirm every resort service, age rule, fee and timetable with your booking.

At a Glance: Pre-Renovation Arrival Reference

• Location: Cherating, Pahang, Malaysia.
• Check-in Time: 3:00 PM.
• Check-out Time: 10:00 AM.
• Nearest Airport: Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport (KUA), Kuantan (45 minutes drive).
• Drive from Kuala Lumpur: 3 to 3.5 hours via LPT1.
• Download “My Club Med” App: Learn how to sign in to the Club Med App using your registered account or your Club Med booking file number

1. Documents to Reconfirm Before a Future Stay

• Malaysian Citizens: MyKad for adults and MyKid for children under 12 years old
• International Guests: Passport
• Club Med Confirmation: Have your booking voucher (digital or printed) ready to show at the resort security gate for entry.
• Flight Details: Keep your airline e-ticket accessible for airport security and verification.

2. Health & Safety: Earlier Checklist

• Health Records for Infants: If you have booked the Baby Club Med service, please bring a copy of your child’s immunization record (showing vaccinations for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio).
• Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend a policy covering outpatient medical expenses and trip cancellations.

Travelution Specialist Tip: Malaysian guests may contact our team to purchase a travel insurance plan

3. The Club Med Cherating Packing List: Specialist Edition

Club Med Cherating is a certified eco-nature sanctuary where 80 hectares of dense, primary Malaysian rainforest meet the South China Sea. Because you are vacationing inside a thriving jungle environment alongside local wildlife, packing strategically ensures you stay both comfortable and secure.

• Nightly Theme Wear: Check the My Club Med app one week prior to your travel date to view the evening dress codes. Participation is entirely optional, joining in themes like All-White Night or 45/88 Tee Night is a major part of the resort fun.
• Activity-Specific Footwear: Pack sports shoes and socks, which are strictly mandatory for court activities like pickleball, tennis and the fitness center. Bring slippers or sandals separately for the swimming pool and beach.
• Breathable Activewear: Bring lightweight sportswear or yoga gear for the morning stretch and outdoor wellness sessions.
• Swimwear: Pack at least two sets. Due to the high humidity, wet garments take longer to air-dry on your balcony.
• Insect Repellent: With the jungle right on your doorstep, insect repellent is essential for evening shows and night walks.
• Power Bank: Charging outlets are unavailable at remote resort locations like Pantai Beach. International travelers will also need a Malaysian Type G (3-pin) travel adapter.
• Personal Apothecary: Pack prescription medications and personal essentials, as specialized items can be difficult to source outside Kuantan.

Monkey Safety

The resort grounds are famous for being the natural habitat of playful yet highly persistent Macaques and Dusky Leaf Monkeys. To keep your belongings safe from these clever foragers, memorize these three golden rules:

• Lockable Bags: Ensure your daypacks feature secure, heavy-duty zippers. Monkeys are experts at recognizing plastic grocery bags or open tote bags that might contain snacks.
• No Food in the Open: Never leave food, or snacks unattended.
• The “Window Rule”: Keep doors and balcony doors locked at all times, even when stepping out for a few minutes.

4. The Earlier Trip Countdown

These earlier road-trip notes may help with future planning. Do not travel to the resort during the closure; once stays resume, use the arrival arrangements in your confirmed booking.

24 Hours Before: The Logistics Check

• Highway & Toll Readiness: If driving from Kuala Lumpur, ensure your Touch ‘n Go card is loaded with sufficient balance for the LPT1 (East Coast Expressway) tolls. Expect to spend approximately MYR 30–40 each way in toll fees.
• Flight & Baggage: Please check your baggage allowance in advance.
  • Malaysia Airlines departs from KLIA Terminal 1.
  • Check in online or at the airport kiosk, and drop off your baggage at Row B.
  • Arrive at least 2 hours before departure on regular days, and 4 hours in advance during long weekends or peak holiday periods.
• The “Jungle Pack”: Pack insect repellent, swimwear and sunscreen are in an accessible part of your luggage. If you arrive early, you’ll want these on hand before your room is ready.

Departure Morning

• Waze / Google Maps Check: Check for real-time traffic updates on the Karak Highway. On long weekends or school holidays, an early departure (before 10:00 AM) is highly recommended to avoid the Genting Sempah bottleneck.
• Cash: Club Med is all inclusive and cashless, but it’s good to carry some Malaysian Ringgit for small purchases at rest stops and the Pahang State Sustainability Fee of MYR3.00 per room per night.
• Connectivity: Mobile coverage can be patchy in certain areas of the resort. WiFi is available within the resort, though connection speed may vary depending on the location.
• EV Charging Station: There are no EV charging facilities inside Club Med Cherating. The nearest EV charging station is 5-minute drive away.
  • Charging stops along the highway to Club Med Cherating
    • Petronas Genting Sempah
    • Kampung Bukit Tinggi
    • Shell Temerloh R&R
    • Petronas Gambang R&R
    • Detour into Kuantan to top up your charge before arriving at the resort.

5. Arrival at Kuantan Airport (KUA)

• Baggage: After landing at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport, collect your luggage and proceed to the arrival hall.
• Getting To Club Med Cherating:
  • By Club Med Transfers: Look for the representative holding the Club Med sign at the arrivals area. They will coordinate your shuttle or private car.
  • By Private Transfer: Your driver will be waiting at the designated meeting point with a personalized name board.
  • Travel Time: The scenic drive from Kuantan Airport to the resort takes approximately 45–60 minutes.

6. The Pre-Renovation Arrival Experience

Before the closure, the Club Med G.O. team welcomed arriving guests and guided them through check-in. The following describes that earlier process.

Check-In & Early Arrival Policy:

Before the renovation closure, check-in was from 3:00 PM. An early-arrival option previously allowed access to selected facilities and lunch while waiting for the room. This option is not available during the closure, and future terms have not been confirmed.

Historical Early-Arrival Fees (Not a Current Offer)

The table below records the earlier early-arrival fees and is retained for context only. Do not use it as a quote for the reopened resort.

Great Member Benefit: The earlier guide listed an early-arrival fee waiver for Silver, Gold and Platinum Great Members. Check the programme terms and resort arrangements again before any future stay.

The Signature Club Med Welcome

The welcome and orientation below describe the pre-renovation guest experience.

• Orientation Briefing: The G.O. team will guide you through an orientation briefing covering the resort’s dining venues, and activity schedules
• The Digital Wristband: This is your essential “all-access” accessory for the stay:
  • Room Key: A simple tap unlocks your room door.
  • Cashless Living: Open an account upon arrival and use your resort wristband for boutique purchases, spa treatments, and excursions.
  • Peace of Mind: Waterproof and secure. No need to carry a wallet to the beach or worry about losing a key card while rock climbing.
• Bedding Arrangement:
  • Superior rooms come with two single beds. Can be joined as a double or kept as two singles.
  • If the default bed arrangement isn’t what you prefer, just let the Club Med GO team know. They’ll be happy to arrange it according to your preference.
  • Suites come with one double bed that is fixed and cannot be separated.

Travelution Specialist Tip: Charge your purchases to your room and settle the bill upon check-out to earn Great Member points.

7. The Pre-Renovation Resort Layout

Before renovation, guests moved between two main resort areas. The reopened layout and transport arrangements may differ.

• Main Village: Home to the lobby, room blocks, main pool, Mutiara & Eank restaurant, and kids’ clubs.
• Pantai Beach: Located at the quiet side of the resort, this area is home to Pantai Beach for water sports and the Zen Pool, an “adults-only” sanctuary.
• The Shuttle: To reach this area, hop on the Jungle Train from the main village. It’s a 7-minute scenic ride through the rainforest where you can often spot macaques and monitor lizards along the way.

8. Dining and Services Before the Closure

Dining & Bars at Club Med Cherating

The following restaurant and bar timetable is a record of pre-closure operations. These venues are not serving resort guests during the renovation; future venues, menus, hours and inclusions must be reconfirmed.

Enak Restaurant – À La Carte Dinner

Before the wider resort closure, Rembulan was closed for maintenance and Enak provided its à la carte dinner service. The whole resort is now closed for renovation, so this temporary dining arrangement is historical too.

Located next to Mutiara Restaurant, Enak previously offered à la carte dinners featuring seafood and local Malaysian flavours. The hours and booking instructions below describe that former service.

• Dinner: 19:00 – 21:00
• Reservation Required: Reservations can be made through the “My Club Med” app from 9:00 AM daily

Travelution Specialist Tip: Reserve your Enak table as early as possible after arrival, as dinner slots fill up very quickly.

Dietary Requirements & Food Allergies

For a future stay after reopening, discuss dietary requirements and allergies with the resort before booking. The earlier arrangements below are not a guarantee of future menus or the ability to accommodate a particular allergy.

• Upon Arrival: Inform the Restaurant Manager or Head Chef at Mutiara Restaurant about your dietary requirements. They will be happy to guide you through the buffet and recommend suitable dishes.
• Kids & Allergies: For children with severe allergies, we recommend informing both the Mini Club G.O.s and restaurant team to help ensure extra care during meal times.
• Halal Friendly Dining: As the resort is located in Malaysia, all meats served are sourced from Halal certified suppliers, offering added assurance for Muslim guests.

9. Activities & Sports Before the Closure

These activity notes describe the resort before renovation. No listed session, coaching service, equipment or age policy is confirmed for reopening. Availability previously depended on the programme, weather, sea conditions and eligibility; check the new arrangements when they are announced.

The Flying Trapeze & Circus School

A signature Club Med experience and the ultimate “jungle-view” thrill!

• Age Requirement: Available for adults and children aged 4 years and above.
• What to Expect: Professional G.O.s guide you from basic swings to advanced “catches.” You’ll start with a safety briefing on the ground before climbing the ladder.

Nature & Eco-Adventures

Cherating is unique for its focus on the surrounding ecosystem.

• Rock Climbing: Challenge yourself on granite rocks with routes designed for both beginners and experienced climbers.
• Nature Walk: Join guided walks through the rainforest. It’s the best way to spot the resort’s dusky leaf monkeys and monitor lizards in their natural habitat.
• Turtle Encounter (Seasonal): Cherating is a famous nesting ground for sea turtles. Ask the G.O. team about the Turtle Sanctuary nearby. A must-visit educational experience for families.

Water Sports at Pantai Beach

Head over to the private Pantai Beach via the Jungle Train for wind-in-your-hair excitement.

• Sailing: Daily group lessons are available for catamaran sailing. If you’re experienced, you can take a boat out for “Free Access.”
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Kayaking: A peaceful way to explore the coastline. Best done in the early morning when the water is calm.

Travelution Tip: Check the tide table at the Water Sports Counter. Some water sports are subject to the tides, so it’s best to plan your beach session accordingly.

Land Sports & Cultural Fitness

• Archery: Group lessons held in a beautiful shaded range.
• Tennis: Daily group lessons and free-play sessions are available.
• Pickleball, badminton and futsal: Free-play sessions are available
• Yoga: Start your morning with a yoga session overlooking the South China Sea.

Kids Clubs: Expert Care for Every Age

The resort’s earlier family programme made use of its outdoor spaces and nature activities. The childcare categories and 8:30 AM registration time below are historical notes, not confirmed services for reopening. Reconfirm the service for your child’s age, any charge and required documents before booking.

• Baby Club (4–23 months) & Petit Club (2–3 years): Extra cost. Dedicated G.O.s provide a gentle introduction to nature. Vaccination records are required for Baby Club.
• Mini Club Med (4–10 years): Included. Includes the famous “Clean Art Planet” activities where kids learn about eco-conservation.
• Teens & Chill Pass (11–17 years): Included. A social hub where teens can engage in beach volleyball, evening shows, and dedicated nature walks.

10. The Former Departure & Check-Out Arrangements

The departure checklist below records the former room check-out time, meals and luggage arrangements. A future booking will have its own departure terms, so check those rather than relying on the old policy.

Timing & Logistics

• Check-Out Time: Vacate room by 10:00 AM
• The Club Med Bonus: Your all inclusive benefits continue until departure. You may enjoy lunch and use the facilities and pools until 3:00 PM, or until your transfer time for flight packages.
• Baggage Collection: For a smooth departure, leave your luggage in the room and inform reception for collection. The G.O. team will collect and store it at the lobby.

Travel Planning for the Return Journey

• Driving Back to KL: If you are heading back to Kuala Lumpur via the LPT1, aim to depart before 2:00 PM on Sundays or public holidays. The Karak Highway can get heavily congested during peak hours, so it is best to check Waze before leaving the resort.
• Flight Departures (KUA Airport): For flights from Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport, we recommend leaving the resort 3 hours before your flight, allowing time for the 45 to 60 minute drive and airport check-in.
• Shower Facilities: After check-out, you may use the late departure shower rooms located below the main bar to freshen up before your journey home.

Before You Leave Club Med Cherating

• Settle Your Account: Visit reception after breakfast to settle any extra charges such as spa treatments or boutique purchases to avoid the 10:00 AM check-out queue.
• Pahang Sustainability Fee: A MYR 3.00 per room per night state fee will be added to your final bill and collected at check-out. This supports local environmental conservation efforts.
• Balcony Check: Do a final check of your balcony for any swimwear or personal items, as items can sometimes fall due to the surrounding trees and wind.

11. Club Med Cherating Contact Information

Club Med Cherating
29th miles Jalan Kuantan -Kemaman Pahang Darul Makmur,
Jalan Kuantan Sungai Lembing,
26080 Kuantan,
Pahang
Phone: +609-581 9133

12. Ready for Your Cherating Escape?

Keep these notes as a look back at the former Cherating experience. Before planning a return, check our reopening updates and obtain confirmation of your dates, transport and resort arrangements.

For travel during the closure, ask Travelution Holidays about an operating alternative.

13. Historical Group Arrival Notes

The following records how group arrivals were coordinated before the closure. Meetings, events and group stays cannot take place at the resort during renovation. For a future event, confirm the reopening status and obtain an updated written proposal.

1. Coordinating Your Group Arrival

For earlier group stays booked through Travelution Holidays, these details were requested at least 7 days before arrival. Any new booking must use its current confirmation and deadlines:

• Estimated Arrival Time (ETA): To ensure a dedicated G.O. greeting party is ready.
• Manifest of Vehicles: Specify the number of cars, vans, or coaches.
• Vehicle Registration Numbers: This is mandatory for security clearance at the main gate.

Why this matters: Club Med Cherating is a secure eco-reserve. Pre-registering your vehicles helps speed up security clearance. As lobby space is limited, there may be a short wait at the security checkpoint during peak arrival times.

2. Booking Verification & Security Clearance

The former verification process differed by group size:

• Corporate & Large Groups: Club Med does not issue individual vouchers for large MICE groups. Instead, a Master Guest List (including MyKad/Passport details) is provided to security. Guests simply state their name and company/group for verification.
• Small Groups: If your group consists of several individual bookings, ensure each lead guest has a digital copy of their standard booking confirmation ready on their mobile device.

3. Meeting Facilities & Private Activities

• Meeting Spaces: Your assigned meeting room is allocated based on your confirmed contract. The on-site Meetings & Events G.O. team will assist with AV setup and technical requirements.
• Public vs. Private Activities: While groups are welcome to join daily resort activities (Archery, Trapeze, etc.) on a first-come, first-served basis. For groups of 20 or more, we recommend booking private sessions in advance. Please note that private sessions are subject to additional charges and availability.

4. Team Building: The Coconut Garden

The Coconut Garden previously hosted team-building sessions. The notes below describe that earlier arrangement.

• Punctuality: All participants should gather at the Coconut Garden at the scheduled start time.
• Logistics: The lush, outdoor setting is perfect for high-energy games, but ensure your team is wearing closed-toe sports shoes and has applied sunscreen and insect repellent before the session begins.

5. Group Dining & Seating Policy (Mutiara Restaurant)

These were the earlier group dining and seating arrangements; they do not apply during closure and are not confirmed for reopening.

• Breakfast (07:15 – 09:45): Free-seating applies. Guests can enjoy the morning at any available table.
• Lunch & Dinner: For groups of 20 or more, a designated seating area will be reserved in the Mutiara Main Restaurant.
• The 15-Minute Rule: Reserved tables are held for 15 minutes after the scheduled mealtime. After this grace period, the area is released to other resort guests to maintain a smooth dining flow.