Snake Temple
Temple Penang temple famous for live venomous snakes
A Chinese temple in Penang noted for live pit vipers kept on the premises, the Snake Temple draws visitors curious about local religious practice, ornate altars and ritual offerings.
Snake Temple is a Chinese temple on Penang Island, Malaysia, noted for the presence of live snakes within its precincts. It functions as a place of worship and a tourist attraction due to the unusual association with snakes.
The temple houses several snakes, including species of pit viper and other local snakes, which are often seen resting on altars or in the building and are handled by temple caretakers. Visitors come to observe the animals, the temple architecture and the rituals practised there.
The site dates to the 19th century in origin as a Chinese religious foundation and remains an active temple in the local community. It combines traditional Chinese temple architecture with the local practice of keeping and caring for snakes as part of the site’s identity.
The Snake Temple is on Penang Island in the state of Penang; it is accessible by road from the city of George Town and other parts of the island.
- Snakes onsite: Many live snakes are present inside the temple complex and are commonly handled by caretakers; visitors should exercise caution and follow onsite guidance.
- Location and access: The temple is a Chinese religious site on Penang Island and attracts both worshippers and tourists; it is reachable by road from George Town and nearby towns.
How to Get to Snake Temple #
The temple is located on the mainland part of Penang near Bayan Lepas. From George Town take a taxi or local bus toward Bayan Lepas; it’s a short drive from the airport area.
Tips for Visiting Snake Temple #
- Visit early to see the temple in a quieter mood and to catch snake activity before midday heat sends them into shade.
- Be respectful of worship: the temple is an active religious site with living devotees and ritual timelines.
Best Time to Visit Snake Temple #
Year-round access; cooler and less humid months December-February are most comfortable for visiting.
Weather & Climate near Snake Temple #
Snake Temple's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2493 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (144 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (211 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (210 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (168 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (186 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (211 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (290 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (374 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (283 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (191 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
