Penang Snake Temple

The Snake Temple is officially known as Hock Kin Keong or Cheng Hoon Giam was built in 1850 for the worship of the deity "Cheng Chooi Chor Soo" also widely known as Chor Soo Kong

It is located at Bayan Lepas, near Penang International Airport and reachable with Rapid Penang Bus 401 or 401E.

Chor Soo Kong, a Buddhist monk from Fujian, China was held in high esteem by the Chinese because of his great virtue, wisdom and invaluable services to the community during his lifetime.

Legend has it that Chor Soo Kong who also happened to be a healer, gave shelter to the snakes of jungle. After the completion of the temple, snakes appeared on their own accord and people began calling it "The Snake Temple".

However, the jungle has long gone and the temple surrounding has been "industrialized" and surrounded with factories.

The temple has evolved from an attap shrine to become this magnificent building today through major renovations.

The main attraction here is the opportunity to take photos with the snakes at RM30 for 2 shots.

There is also a snake farm just next to the temple with admission fee of RM 4 for Malaysian and RM 5 for foreigners.

There is a huge display of snakes and reptiles inside the farm.

This python is definitely the biggest species here. I wonder what they use to feed this python as I believe it is capable of swallowing a lamb.

Venturing further behind the temple, visitor can find a beautiful garden and pavilion to take a break after visiting the temple.

Souvenir shops are plenty just right outside of the temple. There are also a few nice Chinese restaurants to have lunch and some cold beers.