Snake Temple — Attraction in George Town

Today, I had an unforgettable experience visiting the Snake Temple in Penang, a place famous for its resident pit vipers. Nestled in Bayan Lepas, this temple is one of the most unique in Malaysia, blending spirituality with nature in an almost surreal way.

As I approached the temple, the scent of burning incense filled the air, creating a mystical atmosphere. The architecture was stunning, featuring intricate carvings, traditional Chinese motifs, and dragon sculptures guarding the entrance. The temple was built in honor of Chor Soo Kong, a Buddhist monk known for his healing powers, and legend has it that snakes mysteriously appeared at the temple after its construction.

Inside, I was both fascinated and slightly nervous to see the famous vipers resting on tree branches and temple altars. Despite their venomous nature, they seemed calm, likely due to the temple’s constant incense smoke, which is believed to make them more docile. Some visitors took photos with the snakes handled by temple caretakers, but I preferred to admire them from a safe distance.

Walking further, I explored the temple grounds, where I found a tranquil garden and a small pond with koi fish. The peaceful environment was a stark contrast to the eerie presence of the snakes inside. I took a moment to light some incense and observe the devotees praying, appreciating the deep spiritual significance of this place.

Before leaving, I visited the temple’s souvenir shop, where I found charms and keepsakes related to the temple’s history. I left feeling both amazed and intrigued by the blend of faith, folklore, and nature that makes the Snake Temple so special.

This visit was truly a one-of-a-kind experience—one that I will remember for...

The Penang Snake Temple has been around for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is my dad taking me there on his motorbike all the way from town — back when the journey felt like an adventure through rocky roads and hills, long before the area became the tourist-friendly spot it is today.

Though the place has evolved to accommodate visitors, it’s heartening to see the temple still preserving its original architecture and charm. The walls, the altar, the incense – all feel frozen in time, carrying the same calm and mystique from decades ago.

As for the snakes? Not as many as before, and mostly the same species now. I still remember there used to be this huge, anaconda-like snake that added a bit of thrill to the visit — that’s now just a memory, but one that sticks. Today, it’s more of a quiet symbolic presence than a live zoo.

It’s not about the number of snakes anymore. It’s about the nostalgia, the cultural roots, and the memories tied to simpler times. For me, this place isn’t just a tourist attraction – it’s a time capsule that brings back the scent of temple smoke, the sound of my dad’s old bike, and the feeling of being a...

I’d strongly advise every sane human being to never step even one foot into this hellhole of a temple. It actually isn’t really a temple, it’s trying to make as much dirty money by abusing animals in the most inhumane ways possible. What they call their temple is small and boring, the focus is all on the snakes. There’s a few green vipers that are apparently alive and poisonous (pretty stupid for such an organisation not to know that they’re venomous but no surprise) laying on branches and coat hanger like structures. Not a single one moved over a span of one hour. They’re either heavily sedated or just dead. The pythons are being forced on brainwashed tourists shoulders before they can finally escape back into their way too small naked glass container. The staff doesn’t know a thing about snakes and if confronted about why they break so many animal welfare laws just start insulting in Chinese. The turtles at the end didn’t even surprise me anymore which might just be the saddest part about all this.

Even for Asian animal rights standards this was shocking. Beautiful creatures being used and tortured for money is just disgusting. Shame on everyone...