The cosy inland town of Sintok complements its well-known university with a collection of restaurants, coffee shops and student-oriented entertainment. You’ll also find an animal park within the township, along with national parks and coastal cities in the surrounding region.
Things to do in Sintok
If you’re hanging around Sintok, you’ll likely spend most of your time in or around the university campus. Here you’ll find the Varsity Mall, which has a range of clothing stores and coffee shops. Duck into Fandhaal International Café for a range of international cuisine or check out the nearby Cafe Petronas for a selection of delicious Malay dishes.
Are you a keen golfer? Head to the Universiti Utara Malaysia Golf Club and test your swing on a series of challenging and picturesque holes that are perfect for both novice and experienced players. If you prefer to spend life in the fast lane, then get behind the wheel of a go-kart at the university’s on-site go-karting track. There’s even an animal park nearby, where you can get up close to native and international species, such as ostriches and monkeys.
Speaking of nature, you can drive about 55 minutes west to Perlis State Park, which reveals beautiful and relatively untouched state forest. The park is intersected by a tranquil waterway, which provides plenty of kayaking opportunities. Alternatively, hang out in the covered shelters for a leisurely afternoon picnic.
Head to Kelam Cave to be transported into a world of fascinating rock formations illuminated in an eerie glow. Drive slightly further south to reach Empangan Timah, a tranquil lake surrounded by waterfront resorts with water sports and swimming areas.
Getting around Sintok
Sintok is about 50 minutes’ drive from the nearest major city of AlorSetar, which has domestic flights into Alor Setar Airport, located 20 minutes away. You can walk around the university campus, but will need a car to explore further.