Also known as Temple of The Azure Clouds ☁️
It is the only one of it’s kind (for pit vipers and pythons), and is world famous.
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This Taoist temple was constructed in 1850, to venerate a deified monk (Chor Soo Kong) who was believed to be a healer.
Fun fact: Chor Soo Kong is from the “Tan” clan, and also originates from the Fujian Province.
The story, I was told, is that Chor Soo Kong had at the ability to summon rain at will, saving a dry village. Soon after consecration, local pit vipers from surrounding jungle found refuge on the temple grounds. Chor Soo Kong decided to let them remain, instead of have them removed.
Since that day, snakes have slithered their way in-and-out of the temple as they please.
Due to development and loss of habitat over the years, the snakes are dwindling in numbers. One of the groundskeepers said that some devotees ‘donate’ snakes on the birthday of Char Soo Kong; a mass celebration on temple grounds.
I have an affinity for snakes and with free admission, I couldn’t pass this up!
Join me as I discover Penang’s revered Snake Temple…
Souvenirs.
Stores just outside the temple doors have every type of knick knack you can think of. Great stop for souvenirs!
Proceed with Caution.
Be careful when walking under lush growth or overhead structures - snakes tend to seek higher levels.
My advice is be wary where you step, stand and place your hands - pit vipers are everywhere. Coiled on tree’s, carefully camouflaged and invisible to the naked eye, pending careful inspection.
Breeding Farm.
The temple has it’s own breeding farm. I’m not sure why these snakes are bred or where they go. I didn’t want to be outdoors longer than I had to, so I skipped on that part of the temple.
Found the most exquisite doors on the way to the altars!
Altars.
You can choose to light joysticks or buy lotus shaped candles/larger pineapple shaped candles as offering to the deities. The smoke from the incense is said to carry your wishes, hopes and dreams to a higher power.
🐲 Pit Vipers.
Pit vipers, usually aggressive are surprisingly docile within the temple!
In case you’re wondering (because I did) no one has ever been bitten but just in case, the snakes are developed. Although, the informative grounds keeper says that they aren’t de-fanged and still extremely poisonous.
There are signs that warn devotees/visitors against touching the snakes.
Verdict:
Snake Temple, Penang is a must visit. It is so different to any temple you’ve been and having highly venomous (maybe, maybe not, meh, who knows) pit vipers hovering above you and slithering around your person, is an emboldening experience.
Visitors are also able to take a professional photo with a python hanging off their body for RM30.