Tucked along Terengganu’s quieter northern coastline of Setiu, Pantai Penarik is the kind of place that rewards those willing to drive past the more obvious tourist spots. Stretching across the Setiu district – which hosts several jetties to Redang Island, this long, uncrowded coastal beach faces Redang, Perhentian and Lang Island of the South China Sea and sits flanked by the Setiu Wetlands — one of Malaysia’s most important estuarine ecosystems in Terengganu.
The road to Penarik beach located in Setiu is lined with casuarina trees, fishing villages, and the occasional turtle sanctuary, and the accommodation here reflects the area’s dual identity: ancient Malay heritage on one side, laid-back coastal modernism on the other.
Whether you are seeking a once-in-a-lifetime cultural stay or simply a reasonably priced beach house for a long weekend with family, Penarik and the surrounding Setiu coastline have more options than most travellers realise.
Our travel expert investigates the best places to stay at Penarik Beach, from the iconic luxury resort, homestay private villas to the affordable ones.
Terrapuri Heritage Village
Price: From approximately RM 600–750 per villa per night (roughly USD 125–170), with rates varying by season and villa type. Breakfast can be served in-villa.
Distance from Kuala Terengganu Airport (Sultan Mahmud Airport): Approximately 45–49 km, around 50–60 minutes by car.
There is simply nothing else quite like Terrapuri in Malaysia. Each of the classic Malay houses on the property is aged between 100 and 250 years, meticulously refurbished into luxurious residential villas. The structures use the traditional Pasak & Tanggam joinery — an interlocking wooden technique that requires no nails — and are decorated with intricate floral woodcarvings throughout.
The layout of the resort is inspired by the 17th-century Terengganu Palace, and the property functions as both a conservation and restoration project of classic Terengganu Malay architecture. There are around 15 to 20 villas in total, each one distinct, with some units offering views of the sea, others overlooking the pool or the surrounding gardens.
Inside, the villas feel ancient and intimate. Each is thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities like a minibar, air conditioning, and ceiling fans alongside antique furnishings. The bathrooms are a particular highlight, featuring wooden bathtubs and stone-wall showers. Private verandas — or selasar in Malay — extend the living space into the outdoors, where guests can sit and listen to the sea or watch fireflies drift through the gardens at night.
The resort offers an infinity pool with scenic views, a beachfront hut where guests can gaze upon the distant Redang and Perhentian Islands, bicycle rentals, and authentic Malay spa treatments. The on-site restaurant, Sesayap Courtyard, serves local cuisine and can arrange in-villa dining. A reading room and gallery filled with rare artefacts round out the cultural experience.
The ambience at Terrapuri is hushed and contemplative — this is not a resort for pool parties. It attracts heritage lovers, honeymooners, and international travellers seeking something genuinely irreplaceable. As one reviewer put it, it is a heritage village rather than a five-star hotel, but the beautifully restored houses and the stunning private beach make it a profoundly memorable experience.
Best for: Couples, heritage enthusiasts, cultural immersion, slow travel.
Katsetiu Villas
Price: From RM 350 per individual villa per night for smaller units (off-peak), up to RM 3,500 per night for all four villas combined (up to 20 people, or approximately RM 170 per person). Breakfast is included.
Distance from Kuala Terengganu Airport: Approximately 36–40 km, around 45–60 minutes by car.
Where Terrapuri is rooted in the past, Katsetiu Villas is firmly planted in a very considered version of the present. It is a modern mid-century inspired homestay enclave in Setiu, Terengganu, offering a perfect balance of comfort, privacy, and a touch of luxury. The architecture draws on the clean geometry of American mid-century 1960s modern minimalist design — dark grey boxy forms, flat roof, floor-to-ceiling windows designed to maximize the breathtaking view of the ocean, and a minimalist interior palette — set against a backdrop of casuarina trees, open beachfront, and unlimited view of the ocean.
The property sits on a 5km stretch of Pantai Chalok, about five minutes from Penarik Beach and Pantai Bari, with breathtaking views of Redang and Perhentian Islands. There are four separate detached villas on approximately one acre of land, totalling 4,695 square feet of living space, with a pool, WiFi, breakfast, café, and airport transfer available.
The main villa is the largest, spanning 2,709 square feet with a spacious open-plan living area, fully-equipped kitchen, and dining area under one roof, along with three large bedrooms. The side villas are more intimate — one of them is listed on Airbnb at 624 square feet, ideal for a couple or a small family. All units come with an en-suite bathroom featuring both indoor and outdoor showers, luxury beds, a sofa lounge, microwave, fridge, and other modern conveniences. Agoda rated Katsetiu Villas as exceptional at 91% rating score, and with Google reviews of 4.7 stars – making this amongst the top private luxury villas/ home vacation rental in Penarik area.
The property is located about 36km from the airport and only 12 minutes from Merang Jetty, making it an excellent base if you plan to take a boat out to Redang Island. The beach directly in front of the property is notably less crowded than Penarik itself, which many guests appreciate. Katsetiu also arranges snorkelling day trips, BBQ dinners by the beach, and cycling routes through the local villages.
The ambience here is chic but unhurried — modern luxury that does not feel sterile, surrounded by nature and filled with natural light.
Best for: Families, groups of friends, divers, couples seeking privacy, those island-hopping to Redang.
The Estate Setiu
Price: Rates are typically quoted on enquiry or through Airbnb, where the full property (7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms) accommodates 16 or more guests. Indicative rates are in the mid-to-upper range, broadly comparable with Katsetiu’s group pricing. Check Airbnb for current availability.
Distance from Kuala Terengganu Airport: Approximately 45–55 km, around 55–70 minutes by car.
The Estate Setiu is a newer entry to the Penarik area’s accommodation scene and has quickly developed a devoted following among those who prefer their beach stays unhurried and intentional. The property is a large private estate in Permaisuri, offering 7 bedrooms, 16 beds, and 8 bathrooms — one of the few places in the area with a private pool.
The villa blends minimal luxury with the rustic charm of coastal Terengganu, making it perfect for travellers craving a restful escape. Step onto the private balcony and the South China Sea stretches out in front of you. The Estate is designed around the philosophy of slow living — encouraging guests to unplug and be present, with days flowing gently from one moment to the next, whether spent reading by the sea or simply letting the morning light fill the room.
In terms of design, the property reflects the broader mid-century aesthetic that has become popular along this stretch of the Terengganu coast — clean lines, natural materials, and large openings that allow the breeze and light to move through the space freely. It sits directly adjacent to the untouched shores of Pantai Mangkuk, a quieter cove just south of Penarik proper, where the beach is rarely crowded.
The Estate is particularly well-suited to large family gatherings, corporate retreats, or groups of friends who want to take over an entire property and have the beach essentially to themselves. Its 5.0-star rating on Airbnb, based on early reviews, speaks to the care put into the guest experience.
Best for: Large families, multi-generational trips, group retreats, anyone who wants the whole place to themselves.
Budget & Midrange Homestays
Not everyone needs a heritage villa or a designer pool house. The Penarik area has a growing number of solid, well-priced homestays that offer comfort, good locations, and access to the same beaches. Here are the most reliable options.
Zaifaa Homestay Pantai Penarik
Price: From approximately RM 55–65 per night (full house). Distance from airport: Around 40 km (about 40–45 minutes).
This spacious vacation home in Kampong Ru Sepuloh is made up of 4 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and 2 bathrooms, with a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and a balcony. It is one of the best-value stays in the area, particularly for families or small groups who do not need a pool but want their own private space near the beach. The Penarik jetty, which connects to Merang for Redang Island boats, is a short drive away. It has received a perfect 10 score on Booking.com from recent guests.
Kamalia Villas
Price: From approximately RM 270–380 per night. Distance from airport: Around 50 km (about 55–65 minutes).
Located directly in Pantai Penarik, Kamalia Villas punches above its price point. The property has a private pool and has accumulated strong ratings (around 9.0 on major booking platforms from over 200 reviews), which is unusually consistent for a local homestay. It is a solid choice for families looking for a comfortable, no-frills-but-not-basic stay with direct access to the beach.
Sekepeng Penarek (I and II)
Price: From approximately RM 430–600 per night. Distance from airport: Around 47–52 km (about 55–65 minutes).
These oceanfront properties in Setiu include a private pool and breakfast, and have earned strong ratings among guests looking for a comfortable beachfront house with good services. Sekepeng Penarek consistently appears in recommended lists for the area and caters well to families who want a step above the basic homestay without paying boutique villa prices.
CC Homestay Private Pool, Kampung Mangkuk
Price: From approximately RM 325–500 per night. Distance from airport: Around 48 km (about 55 minutes).
This oceanfront homestay in Kampung Penarik comes with a private pool, balcony, and sea views, and has been well-reviewed for its friendly owner and value for money. Kampung Mangkuk sits right next to the quieter stretch of beach where The Estate and Terrapuri are also located, giving guests access to a more peaceful shoreline without the premium price tag.
Getting There
All of the properties above are accessed via Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu, the main gateway for the east coast. Note that Sultan Mahmud Airport serves this coastline, not Redang Airport (which is an island airstrip). The drive from the airport up to the Penarik and Setiu area takes between 45 minutes and just over an hour, depending on the exact property. Most properties offer airport transfers or can help arrange one. You will need your own transport once you arrive — there is no public bus service to these beaches, and ride-hailing coverage is unreliable this far north of Kuala Terengganu.
The best time to visit is between March and September, during the dry season, when the South China Sea is calm and the beaches are at their best. Avoid the northeast monsoon season (roughly November to February), when heavy rain and rough seas can limit access to the area and to the islands offshore.
Our recommendations
Terrapuri Heritage Village and Katsetiu villas is the standout in the Penarik beach area, well suited for family, couples or individual travellers – mainly if budget is not the primary concern — it offers an experience that genuinely does not exist anywhere else in Malaysia.
Katsetiu Villas is the best choice for large family groups or appeal to international travellers who want modern comfort, a pool, and easy access to Redang Island. While, the Estate Setiu suits large family groups looking for a private, slow-paced retreat on a quieter section of coastline. For those travelling on a tighter budget, Zaifaa Homestay and CC Homestay Kampung Mangkuk offer honest, well-reviewed stays at a fraction of the cost, without sacrificing the core appeal of this stretch of coast: uncrowded beaches, warm water, and the unhurried pace that makes Penarik such a worthwhile detour.