Snake Temple: Don't Touch the Venomous Vipers!

The kids snuggling an adorable Burmese python

The Temple of the Azure Cloud--or Snake Temple--is one of the most memorable Buddhist temples I've ever visited. Why? PIT VIPERS, just hanging around. People come from all over Asia to worship in this one-of-a-kind environment.

For weeks, Cosie (2) has been obsessed with snakes--her new favorite animal. Anything long and skinny merits a gleeful 2-year-old comment about it being a snake (pencils, wires coming out of the wall, a scratch on her knee...). So, we HAD to get this girl to the Snake Temple, ASAP.

According to legend, snakes sought refuge from the surrounding jungle soon after the temple was built in the 1800s. The head monk saw this as a sign of good luck and let them stay. Devotees believe that the snakes are spiritual protectors of the temple.

Is the Snake Temple Dangerous?
I don't think so--though I wouldn't poke the vipers. Thankfully, this species (Wagler's viper) is very lethargic throughout the day, lying completely motionless. Some say the thick smell of incense from the temple subdues them, though a worker told us they're just nocturnal. He said the snakes roam free at night. Every morning, the team walks around to collect any lose snakes, resting them on circular branch structures for the day. We asked: "How do you collect them?" He answered: "With a long stick" and mimed a shoveling motion.

After some questioning, we also learned that there is one snake that had its venom removed so you can handle it for pictures. They've marked this little guy's head with red paint. This way, workers can easily identify the de-venomed one after he has mingled with the other snakes at night. I get it--if you're going to handle a viper, you'd want to grab the one that can't kill you. Here's the pitiful little cutie below--notice the dot of red paint? ...I feel bad for him; he doesn't even have his own venom for comfort... And the other snakes probably make fun of his weird red head.

Out back there is a small courtyard area with some trees. At first glance, it looked like a normal small wooded grove, but we knew what was hiding. After a few minutes of searching, we found about a dozen vipers, some camouflaging better than others. Our excitement grew with each find. It was really fun, just like treasure hunting. The only difference was that the priceless treasure was actually poisonous serpents.

There is a Snake Farm next door to the temple, which apparently has a large collection of snakes (cobra shows, etc.) and other animals. We ran out of time and had to get Erik to piano lessons, so we'll report on the farm after next visit.

Overall, we highly recommend a visit to the Snake Temple--an experience you'll only get here in Penang.

P.S. My hawkering dream was crushed when I saw this sign in the parking lot: NOT ALLOWED! Don't even think about it... :(