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Malaysia/Things to Do in Penang, couple trip

Snake Temple (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Snake Temple?

71%Couple-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 71% Couple-Friendly: Couples can share incense rituals, pose together with a handled viper, and admire carvings, yet the site is small and offers limited quiet seating for extended romantic time.

Google
Reviews3.9/ 5
(from 1,722 reviews)
Malaysia’s Snake Temple – What Could Go Wrong
25 min
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Malaysia’s Snake Temple – What Could Go Wrong
4.1K views • 1 year ago
Penang's Snake Temple The MOST MISUNDERSTOOD Place in Malaysia | Episode 19
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Penang's Snake Temple The MOST MISUNDERSTOOD Place in Malaysia | Episode 19
2.4K views • 8 months ago
Snake 🐍Temple Featured In The Amazing Race - 🇲🇾 Malaysian Hawker Food 
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Snake 🐍Temple Featured In The Amazing Race - 🇲🇾 Malaysian Hawker Food 
5.8K views • 2 years ago
🤯இவ்வளவு விஷப்பாம்புகளை ஒரே இடத்தில் பார்த்தது இல்லை | Snake Temple in Malaysia Penang 4K Tamil⁉️
17 min
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🤯இவ்வளவு விஷப்பாம்புகளை ஒரே இடத்தில் பார்த்தது இல்லை | Snake Temple in Malaysia Penang 4K Tamil⁉️
3.3K views • 2 years ago

Positives:

  • Cultural immersion: Experience a living temple still active with daily worship and traditional rituals.
  • Unique wildlife encounter: Interact safely with de-venomed pit vipers for a one-of-a-kind couple’s adventure.

Challenges:

  • Incense smoke: Heavy incense smoke can irritate eyes and clothing; plan where you stand.
  • Uneven flooring: Stone floors and steep ramps may be slippery; wear flat, non-slip shoes.
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🏖️ Explore Snake Temple with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Snake Temple. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Snake Temple?

  • A Chinese Taoist temple founded in 1850 in Bayan Lepas, Penang, dedicated to the deity Chor Soo Kong (Master Qingshui)
  • A heritage shrine renowned for its live, de-venomed pit vipers that coil among incense-laden altars beneath ornate dragon carvings
  • An architectural ensemble of Fujian-style pavilions, carved stone lions, tiled roof ridges and a 600-pound bell imported from China, complemented by an adjoining serpentarium

What is so special about Snake Temple for couple trip?

  1. Hands-on rituals: light incense and learn temple history together.
  2. Memorable photo op with live snakes under expert supervision.
  3. Compact layout: complete your visit in a few hours.
  4. Off-the-beaten-path wildlife encounter in Penang.
  5. Free temple entry with optional paid experiences.

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can explore the temple halls, light incense, join a snake photo session, and visit the serpentarium without rushing.

(View Snake Temple on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Snake Temple

Explore the main prayer hall:

Walk among carved dragons, stone lions and view the 600-pound bell imported from China in 1886.

Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and capture soft morning light on the dragon motifs.

Light incense and make an offering:

Purchase incense sticks or joss paper (≈RM2–5) and place them at the altar for blessings.

Tip: Bring spare change and stand upwind to avoid heavy smoke.

Pose with temple snakes:

Drape de-venomed pit vipers under staff supervision for a memorable photo (RM40 per person).

Tip: Book your slot on arrival to secure your preferred time and avoid waits.

Visit the adjacent Snake Farm:

Enter the small serpentarium to see over 50 snake species and learn about local conservation.

Tip: Combine this visit with the photo session for a wildlife-themed date.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Snake Temple

  1. Combine visits: Pair your Snake Temple trip with nearby attractions like Penang Botanic Gardens for a full-day itinerary.
  2. Stay hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle; shaded spots are limited inside the compound.
🏖️ Tour Snake Temple like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Snake Temple. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Snake Temple

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Leia

Leia

Feb 2026

This temple has been around since 1805. It’s a small, simple temple. There were only a few snakes visible during my visit, mostly curled up and sleeping. Good for a quick look if you are in the Bayan Lepas area, but don't expect like Kek Lok Si. Admission is free.

SW

SW

Jan 2026

A bit far from the city but it was worth the trip. Snakes were inside the hall and outside in the trees. You can also pay to take photos with the python in the plastic box.

David Geraghty

David Geraghty

Jan 2026

Worth a visit if you have 10–15 minutes to spare. Inside the temple there are several snakes on display in the open. For a compulsory fee, you can have your photo taken with a very large snake if you wish. Outside, there is a small garden where you can try to spot snakes in the trees — they are extremely well camouflaged. Entry to the temple itself is free.

Elias Jungbeck

Elias Jungbeck

Oct 2025

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 ...

siauhwa tew

siauhwa tew

Aug 2025

It’s a historic temple famous for having many snakes. But it has changed a lot as the world evolving. Now no more snakes everywhere, but only on the trees and the quantity is like not even 1/10 of what my parents used to see during their young age. The temple is now a tourist attraction more than a worship place, all incense pot inside the temple were covered, only incense pot outside the temple c...

When is the best time to visit Snake Temple (Penang, Malaysia)?

Avoid the midday heat during Malaysia’s wet season (Sep–Nov) by visiting early in the morning. Expect larger crowds during Chinese New Year celebrations.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Penang on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Incense offeringMYR 5
Serpentarium entry (2 adults)MYR 10
Snake photo session (2×RM40)MYR 80
ParkingMYR 2
Total EstimatedMYR 97

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Snake Temple

Address: 10, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Bandar Bayan Baru, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

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About Snake Temple

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+60 4-643 7273

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