I was at Ri-Yaz 2 weekends ago and I must say the brochure told the truth. Ri-Yaz is a real positive point for Kuala Terengganu (KT). Effectively 5 km away from Pasar Payang (the hub of what a tourist would jump at, for KT), it brings the edge to what a holiday in KT could be.

A beautifully made out wooden resort atop Pulau Duyong, with its main building facing KT town, I would not tell you how cheap I got the rooms for. It is like daily light robbery, with me as robber!

I stayed at 904, directly facing the swimming pool. What I dislike about the swimming pool is the dark blue colour. It does not work for fear of depths. But it is great for hiding dirty pools. No, Ri-Yaz pool was not dirty.

We could jump in the pool as early as 7.45 am! gr8 isn't it? and the Pool chaps were ready for us by 8.

It is a 5 star facility, and if you are not picky, you would love this place.

This is a very nice place to relax and unwind. You wake up early in the morning looking at the sunrise and swift flying quietly and soon greated with soothing music which calms your mind. Good place to stay i can just relax on the balcony or soak in the pool for hours.

The hotel layout is well designed, with the chalets and other buildings surrounded by trees. But no birds or butterflies. Very curious, as it's just next to the river.

Staff are friendly and polite. I asked for a 2nd key to the room, but the receptionist apologised and said that the hotel was fully taken up for that day and they didn't have extra keys. But there's hardly enough people to make it a full house. Wonder where all the other guests when.

Swimming pool is rather small, and nothing at all like what is shown in the photos. Amenities supplied are - soap, shampoo, conditioner, disposable bag, shower cap and razor. No toothbrush or toothpaste. The bathroom had a HUGE bathtub, but just could not be filled with water. I suspect the water stopper was designed not to allow you to fill the bathtub. The shower area was fine with high pressure water.

We asked for an extra bed, and got only a mattress. A bit strange for a 5-star hotel.

This hotel is where the Monsoon Cup is hosted. Perhaps it would be more exciting during the race season, but during the time we were there, it was really boring.

Probably the best value you will get in KT. I had my share of bad service while staying there for 2 nites. We had a family reunion renting 3 chalets and 1 suite which
we used for family gathering. I only can hope they improve the service, maintain the place well and be profitable. It will be a shame to loose another great resort in malaysia due to the management. I would suggest would be guest to hire a car because it will cost rm10/person to town or rm20 per one way cab versus about rm80 per day car rental. KT and surrounding is easy and interesting to explore.