Penang Island Snake Temple

Penang Island Snake Temple is located at Sungai Kluang, about 1.6km from the Penang Island Bayan Lepas Airport or about 10km south of Georgetown. This temple was built in 1850 in the memory of the renowned Buddhist priest and healer, Chor Soo Kong. Legend states that this man gave shelter to snakes of various sizes and colors from the jungle. That was why snakes appeared on their own accord to this temple after its completion.

Today, visitors can still see snakes slithering on the altars, coiling round the pillars, beams, plants and other parts of the temple. The population of the snake has become so much lesser as compared to last time because their natural habitats have been destroyed due to urbanization. When you visit the snake temple, you may have the feeling that these snakes are somehow “guarding” the temple. This is the sort of strange feeling where you won’t find anywhere else other than visiting to snake temple. Before entering the temple, you will pass a big incense burner. Inside the temple, in the main prayer hall it can be filled with smoke, which supposedly paralyzes the snakes. Although the vipers are believed to be rendered harmless by the sacred smoke, it’s still not advised to touch them. Today, due to safety precautions, the temple resident snakes are de-venomed.

Penang Island Snake Temple operates daily in the morning from 9.00am till late evening. Admission is free. However, donation is always welcome.

For easier recognition, Yellow bus No 66 and MiniBus No.32 travel from shopping mall Komtar in the direction of Nibong Bus terminal and Bayan Lepas Airport pass the snake temple.

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Islands & Beaches
Famed Beaches | Aman Island | Jerejak Island

Hills/Forest Parks
Teluk Bahang Recreational Forest | Penang Hill

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