Think outside the Xbox

CLUB Med dishes up a Malaysian treat for children and adults, writes Cathy Finch.

Club Med Cherating Beach

ON THE east coast of peninsular Malaysia, lush green jungles merge with lashings of white sands and deep blue sea.

We fly just an hour from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan and drive a further 50km north to reach the beaches of Cherating. Cherating town is a sleepy mix of cultural establishments, restaurants, handicraft shops and batik workshops. There isn't much else, and there doesn't need to be – the beaches are the main attraction. Cherating's beach was first popularised by backpackers charmed by the area but Club Med soon realised the potential and opened its first Asian venture here. Set amid 80ha of lush parkland and boasting 4km of beach frontage on the South China Sea, the resort is built to resemble a traditional Malay village on stilts. Accommodation is spread through 15 four-storey teak buildings and our suite looks over a field of green that runs down to sand and sea. Many couples, honeymooners and group travellers are about but families appear to float on the highest cloud. Endless activities are on offer for children of every age. There's baby club, pyjama club, petit club and even a whole new world for teenagers, Passworld. Imagine being a teen and having the opportunity to get together with your peers to make a movie. Or write a song to perform as a band. After all, every instrument is supplied. There are also lessons on how to be a DJ. I have never seen such a range of activities for older kids being offered alongside internet access, Ipod music sharing, Xbox and Playstation pods. Outside, some of the activities include swinging on a trapeze in circus school, taking on the rock climbing wall, or rollerblading on a rink. And the adults don't miss out either. Every imaginable land sport is on offer, plus aqua sport and fitness, sea sports such as kayaking and sailing, 1000sq m of swimming pool and a relaxing day spa. There is also a list of excursions outside the resort. But remember to nap because as the sun sets, an invigorating evening beat fills the forest floor. You might think you're not into this sort of stuff, but believe me, you will be converted. Dancing, singing and jiving are generally mandatory before the staff take centre stage and entertain you nightly with a mixture of well executed productions. Does it sound all too much for you? It doesn't need to be. I'm up at daybreak to admire the ocean's silver sheen splash against boats at anchor. As the first rays of sunlight fall delicately on to palm fronds, long-tailed macaque monkeys emerge from the jungle and hop cheekily along the red-tile rooftops. They know breakfast is being served in the restaurant, and there's always one guest who leaves a warm croissant unattended. I enjoy the lashings of a superb buffet and sink low into a poolside lounge chair. Throughout the morning I order everything I desire and for lunch and afternoon cocktails I relocate to the more private beach on the other side of the resort. Here I plant my feet beside the sand bar and kick back under thatched umbrellas. In the evening I head out of Club Med to discover Pasar Malam, a typical Malaysian night market at which the smell of satay sticks and deep-fried treats are in the air. This Malaysian holiday has everything. Much fun, hectares of quiet retreat within the resort grounds and a different culture to be experienced just outside your door. But the true key to relaxation is that feeling of tucking away your wallet knowing all culinary treats and bar adventure is included in the price. Sunday Mail (QLD)