As far as I remember, the last time I visited the snake temple in Penang was when I was on a primary school trip to Penang island. I guess I have not been to this place for more than 10 years. Although I am now living in Penang, I still haven’t taken any initiative to visit this once popular temple for over 2 years. The reason was simple; the snake temple is no longer an attractive place. It was once a signature icon of Penang island back then. I still remember anyone went on a trip to Penang would absolutely stop by the snake temple. But things changed now. The place is not having its charm anymore because there aren’t any snakes at this temple.

There is no one to blame for the predicament of the snake temple except on the development of the snake temple surrounding area. The surrounding area was used to be a forest where all the snakes loomed. Due to modernization, the surrounding forest was cleared and was replaced by housing area as well as factories. Currently there is really no trees and bushes except all the skyscrapers. I guess this is the main reason the snakes in the snake temple are gone.

Nevertheless, a few days before Chinese New Year, I decided to take a chance to visit the snake temple to see what this place has to offer. I am hoping that I can at least see one or two snakes.

Anyway, here is a little bit of history of the temple. The temple has got quite an amazing history. It was built around the 1850s. In other words, its age is over 100 years old. According to local folklore, the temple became inhabited by snakes that crawled out of the jungle during the night when the construction of the temple was completed. It became a sanctuary for numerous vipers which the devotees refer to as guards of the temple. I could still remember vividly during my primary school trip, i was seeing a lot of snakes coiled around candlesticks and pillars or hanging loose from beams and bells.

As soon as I arrived at the snake temple, the first thing i noticed was the snake temple had been given a new coat of paint. It was really eye catching. Besides, there was also some renovation work going on. I guess it ain’t too bad after all. At least there is something being done to restore its charm.

The front view of the Penang snake temple. It has been
given a new coat of paint and some renovation works are being carried out as
well.

I stepped inside the snake temple and walked around. Much to my disappointment, there is really no snake except the one which you need to pay RM30 to take a picture with. From the appearance, I believe it’s a python and there is also a green snake if I am not mistaken. Don’t get scared as these snakes had been tamed and they are put inside a cage. Unfortunately, I guess these are the only snakes at the entire snake temple. Apart from these snakes, there is really nothing much to explore.

Another thing you could do is if you practiced taoism, you may light up some joss stick and pray to the “Ching Sui” deity at the entrance as well as the “Kuan Yin” deity at the back of the temple.

Apart from this, you could also check out on the history of the temple. There are some interesting well-written articles for you to explore and I am sure you probably find it interesting as the temple has well over 100 yrs of history.

The “Ching Sui” deity is located right at the entrance
of the snake temple.

My verdict is if your purpose of going to visit the snake temple is not purely on seeing snake, then you probably won’t be disappointed much.

Location, Map and Driving Direction to Penang Snake Temple:

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