Snake Temple

See venomous vipers up close and personal! Vipers coiled on a candle stand, live vipers around photo frames and vipers in touching distance! This one of a kind Snake Temple lets you see these fanged creatures slithering around the temple precinct. It also offers the opportunity to click pictures with a giant python wrapped around your neck! While the photography with pythons is monitored by trained handlers, the poisonous vipers are left to crawl on their own and you are advised to be careful not to touch them. For some strange, mystical reason the vipers remain among themselves and are not known to harm anyone. Some believe that the sacred smoke from the constantly burning incense sticks renders them harmless.
The mid-19th century Snake Temple was built in the memory of a Chinese Buddhist monk, who, during his lifetime, rescued and rehabilitated snakes. It is said that since the time the religious place was constructed in Penang, snakes from neighboring areas have made it their home.

Tips: Plan to visit this temple along with War Museum Penang’s museums trail in the southern part of Penang Island. Many families come to visit the temple—the only thing to note here is to not allow children to touch the snakes. Depending on your interest, estimate about an hour at this place of worship.