Katsetiu Villas — Hotel in Terengganu

Easily the best homestay / vacation home rental in Terengganu. We chose this place after reading loads of reviews and comparing various other homestays in Terengganu (which is by the way filled with old chalets built in the 90s). And this is our honest review after being highly recommended by our diver friends.

Our family of four recently spent three nights at Katsetiu’s main villa, and the experience was nothing short of wonderful if you set your expectations right.

From the moment we arrived from Terengganu airport, we were struck by the serene atmosphere and the unlimited view of the ocean that greeted us. Yes, it was locatd in a slightly remote hidden beach stretch away from Kuala Terengganu town, but this is the perfect holiday to simply unwind and do nothing!

Waking up to the ocean view and watching sunrise from the balcony became the highlight of our stay in Katsetiu. You have to experience the tranquility of the place and this homestay has a brand new pool, being constructed, but we cant wait to try it in our future visits. The truth is, a lot of travelers think Katsetiu is a 5-star hotel or resort that comes with full suite of services, and we found some inexperienced travllers had the wrong expectations when booking for a place to stay in Terengganu. Katsetiu is built for a homestay / vacation rental with a touch of comfort. Yes, you pay for the awesome location with breathtaking views.

Cleanliness: 5/5

The villa itself was spotless and well maintained from the moment we arrived. We especially appreciated the attention to detail—freshly laundered bedsheets and clean, fluffy towels were ready for us upon arrival, making us feel immediately at home. Towels and bedsheets are cleaned daily using clean water that have been treated. The villa has an in-house laundry and dryer, so you can do you own laundry too. Every room was tidy and inviting, and the open layout allowed the sea breeze to flow naturally through the villa, enhancing that peaceful coastal charm.

Service: 5/5

The staff service was exceptional. The team went out of their way to ensure our comfort, always greeting us with warm smiles and quick responses to our requests. Whether it was arranging activities for the kids or preparing a late-night snack, nothing was too much trouble.

Food : 5/5

For a homestay, food was another highlight but don’t expect a range of buffet with endless options like a 5-star Four Season or Sheration which will cost you RM 1,500 per night. The villa’s kitchen service provided us with a range of local dishes, and each meal tasted homemade and authentic. We pre-ordered a BBQ night filled with fresh seafood sourced from local Terengganu fishermen. The BBQ set had all the fishes, prawns and squid – wildly caught, not harvested, so do expect various sizes unlike those served in a 5-star restaurants you get in KL. Considering this is just a vacation home rental in Terengganu, the option of having free breakfasts like nasi dagang were equally enjoyable, with a variety of options to satisfy both adults and children.

Activities: 5/5

We opted for a day trip snorkeling in Redang Island, which is not far away from the place. Took an early 10 minute drive to the jetty. During the remaining days, we enjoyed simple but meaningful activities by the beach – eg: morning and evening beach walks, looking for traces of turtles, reading our books and enjoying the splashing of waves right meters aways in front of the villa. There is a bicycle too, still not shabby if you don’t mind a quick tour on the empty coastal roads along the beach.

Wifi: 5/5

Fast enough and had no issues with connecting with my NetFlix, or watching Youtube. It may be troublesome if 7-10 people are connecting on the same wifi-router, which can be slightly slower than what you used to, but our family had no problems with the wifi or internet connectivity. Overall, Katsetiu’s main villa delivered the perfect family getaway: clean, comfortable, and filled with heartfelt service, all against the backdrop of a...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Unforgettable Paradise for Couples and Families

Our stay at Katsetiu Villas was nothing short of magical! This hidden gem in Terengganu exceeded all our expectations and provided us with one of the most unforgettable vacations we’ve ever had. Whether you’re traveling as a couple looking for romance or with family seeking relaxation and adventure, this place is absolutely perfect.

Stunning Location & Tranquil Atmosphere Nestled amidst the serene beauty of Setiu, the villas are surrounded by lush greenery, pristine beaches, and a calm, peaceful vibe that immediately made us feel at home. Waking up to the sound of waves and the scent of the sea was an experience we’ll never forget. The location is secluded enough to provide privacy yet close enough to explore local attractions.

Beautifully Designed Villas The villas are stunningly designed with a perfect blend of modern luxury and traditional Malaysian charm. The attention to detail in every corner is remarkable—from the comfortable beds and cozy interiors to the breathtaking views from our private balcony. The cleanliness and upkeep were impeccable, making it a perfect retreat for couples and families alike.

Perfect for Couples As a couple, we loved how intimate and romantic the experience felt. Walking hand-in-hand along the beach during sunset, enjoying candlelit dinners, and spending quiet mornings on our balcony with coffee made it the perfect getaway. Katsetiu Villas truly knows how to create moments of connection and romance.

Family-Friendly Activities While it’s romantic for couples, it’s also ideal for families! There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, from beach grounding and nature walks to wellness workshops that are both educational and fun. The staff also goes above and beyond to ensure families feel welcome, offering excellent service and kid-friendly options.

Amazing Food & Hospitality The food deserves a special mention! Every meal we had was fresh, delicious, and authentically Malaysian. The healthy whole food options were a highlight, ensuring we stayed nourished while indulging in local flavors. The staff at Katsetiu Villas was warm, friendly, and attentive, making us feel like VIPs throughout our stay.

Wellness & Relaxation For those seeking wellness, the breath-work sessions, beach grounding activities, and wellness workshops are a must-try. They are perfect for couples wanting to reconnect and for families seeking a wholesome, health-focused retreat.

Overall Experience Katsetiu Villas is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience that nourishes your soul. The beauty of the surroundings, the comfort of the villas, and the top-notch hospitality make it a destination we highly recommend. Whether you’re celebrating love as a couple or creating cherished memories with your family, this is the place to be.

We’re already planning our next visit and can’t wait to experience the magic of Katsetiu Villas again! If you’re looking for a peaceful, beautiful, and unforgettable escape in Terengganu,...

“Owner cakap dia tak suka customer bising-bising. Dia boleh refund kalau nak. Dia tak nak customer buat bad review.”

Found this place through an influencer’s suggestion and, thanks to their polished marketing, decided to spend a big sum of money here. What I can vouch for is this: their marketing team deserves an award — because the reality is worlds apart from the dreamy expectations they sell on their website.

I’m leaving this review so others won’t get baited by the picturesque photos like me and my friends, who ended up spending almost RM5K for 2 nights (learned it the hard way).

Here’s, why: Safety We arrived late after a 1-hour drive from Kuala Terengganu. The area was secluded (which we expected), but what we didn’t expect was zero staff presence after operating hours. Don’t expect hotel-level service where someone greets you, especially considering the price.

Cleanliness For the amount we paid, we expected a spotless, high-standard stay. Instead, we got: stained chairs and couches, marked bedsheets, and smelly towels (some with bleach spots!). Shower water reeked of chlorine. No conditioner provided — so bring your own if you value your hair. Bathroom drainage was poor, so be prepared for your “pool time” in the shower. One toilet bidet was broken. The electric kettle was rusty, though hey — they do provide free mineral water (I confirmed for you). So maybe rust is part of the package?

Facilities: First-world claims, third-world reality Bikes: Yes, they’re free — but many are rusty or broken (two didn’t even have pedals). Swimming pool: Located right by a palm oil farm (wildlife included?). Not that it matters, since the pool was… completely dry.

Meal The “delightful complimentary breakfast” as claimed on their website was decent, but don’t expect a free-flow. You only get one dish. Extra requests cost RM15 — something not stated upfront.

Reception Reception is bad (understandable in a private area). But the “complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi” claim? Laughable. It was so slow that even 144p on the TV wouldn’t load.

Service After we voiced our complaints, a staff member showed up and told us:
“Owner cakap dia tak suka customer bising-bising. Dia boleh refund kalau nak. Dia tak nak customer buat bad review.”
Translation: “The owner doesn’t like noisy customers. He’ll refund you if you want, but he doesn’t want bad reviews.” They also said: “Customer lain tak bising pun pasal dinding tu, semua ok je.” Meaning, “Other customers never complained, so it must be fine.” All of this happened after we raised issues via their WhatsApp hotline.

And here’s a final thought: If all of the above still makes you think this is a good facility, think again — unless your plan is to throw...