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Malaysia/Things to Do in Penang, with kids

Snake Temple (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Snake Temple?

58%Kids-Friendly
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What makes it 58% Kids-Friendly: Children gain a thrilling lesson seeing fenced snakes and cheap exhibits, but parents must closely guard them, there is no play zone, and toilets lack child-friendly fittings.

Google
Reviews3.9/ 5
(from 1,722 reviews)
Malaysia’s Snake Temple – What Could Go Wrong
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Malaysia’s Snake Temple – What Could Go Wrong
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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
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Snake 🐍Temple Featured In The Amazing Race - 🇲🇾 Malaysian Hawker Food 
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Snake 🐍Temple Featured In The Amazing Race - 🇲🇾 Malaysian Hawker Food 
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🤯இவ்வளவு விஷப்பாம்புகளை ஒரே இடத்தில் பார்த்தது இல்லை | Snake Temple in Malaysia Penang 4K Tamil⁉️
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🤯இவ்வளவு விஷப்பாம்புகளை ஒரே இடத்தில் பார்த்தது இல்லை | Snake Temple in Malaysia Penang 4K Tamil⁉️
3.3K views • 2 years ago

Positives:

  • Free temple entry: Temple grounds are free to enter and explore, making it easy on the family budget.
  • Hands-on learning: Kids can learn about snake biology and local folklore at the serpentarium and museum.

Challenges:

  • Uneven flooring: Some pathways have uneven stone floors; hold younger children’s hands to prevent trips.
  • Close to live snakes: Keep children behind barriers and supervise them closely near all snake areas.
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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 with kids?

  1. Free entry to explore a historic 1850 temple filled with de-venomed pit vipers.
  2. Secure viewing areas and a fenced breeding compound let kids see snakes safely.
  3. Paid photo sessions create memorable family pictures with temple pythons.
  4. Small serpentarium museum teaches children about local species and conservation.
  5. Incense offering offers a hands-on cultural ritual that engages older kids.

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: 2-3 hours lets you see temple halls, visit the serpentarium, join a snake photo session, and rest between activities for kids.

(View Snake Temple on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Snake Temple

Watch snakes from a safe distance:

See de-venomed pit vipers and green tree snakes resting on perches behind low fences.

Tip: Keep children behind the railings and point out unique patterns on each snake.

Explore the snake breeding area:

Walk to the rear compound to view juvenile snakes in secure, fenced enclosures.

Tip: Follow the directional signs and ask staff to guide you on the safest path.

Join a temple snake photo session:

Under staff supervision, pose with a temple python or viper for a memorable shot.

Tip: Book your slot early; children over 6 must be held by an adult during the session.

Visit the adjacent Snake Farm museum:

Learn about over 50 local snake species and conservation efforts in a small museum.

Tip: Purchase combined family tickets at the main booth to save time.

Perform an incense offering:

Light incense sticks at the outdoor altar to experience a local ritual.

Tip: Buy incense bundles (RM2 each) at the temple stall and show kids how to bow twice.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Snake Temple

  1. Visit early: Arrive by 9 AM to see snakes active, avoid crowds, and book photo sessions before midday.
  2. Use the audio guide: Download the free Explory app for fun snake stories and historical facts on the go.
🏖️ 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)?

April–October brings sudden afternoon showers; carry rain ponchos and plan the serpentarium visit for wet periods. During Chinese New Year, arrive early for lion dances and special ceremonies.

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

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
ParkingMYR 2
Serpentarium tickets (2 adults + 2 children)MYR 16
Incense bundle (4 sticks)MYR 8
Snake photo session (3 people)MYR 120
Total EstimatedMYR 146

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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Looking for other Things to Do besides Snake Temple (Penang)?

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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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