Snake Temple of Penang - Fame vs Popularity

The famous snake temple has been refurbished. Even though it's supposed to be the peak tourist and holiday season, the only "crowd" were a group of students from interstate.

Unlike many years ago, visitors came close to the snakes which were allowed to roam freely, with larger snakes placed on the altar. It was said that the snakes had been made drowsy by the burning incense. While some make fear that snakes would harm them, it was more probable that humans injured these reptiles (accidentally or deliberately)?

Today, the snakes are kept away from the main shrine.  To have a close up view of these colourful creatures that come in all shapes and sizes, one has to either pay for taking photographers with the snakes hanging around the neck and shoulder or holding the larger ones.

At another section of the temple, entrance fee is charged to get into what we would call a snake zoo. There are more than 20 species on display. As the weather was warm, the snakes are having a restful nap, oblivious of being watched.

The following pictures may be disturbing to some readers. Please do not read further if you're unsure if you could take it.

Kek Lok Si - Extra Happy Temples of Penang highlands - Island of thousands of temples

Penang Hill hosts an Indian Temple. The other side of the hill is the more well-known Buddhist Chinese temples. Kek Lok Si has expanded from its humble beginnings to upmarket designed fittings with huge awe inspiring golden Buddha statues.

                                                     Thousand hands Bodisattva

Many shrine halls provide devotees serene environment to pray, make offerings or meditate.

Yet another temple, and to get in, you need to climb, symbolic of reaching for the heavens.

Smooth, shiny and cool granite flooring

Beautifully painted murals of divine beings, patterns and a chandelier centrepiece.

The tortoise pond with hundreds of long-life creatures. Though not overcrowded, the environment is not exactly comfortable and natural.

Most tourists would be encouraged to pass through thousands of stalls have been set up on the steps leading to the peak. Otherwise, you need to take a family car, a four wheel drive, van or mini-bus to bypass the crowded market. Coaches, however, have trouble negotiating the steep and narrow roads uphill.

There's really nothing much to excite an avid shopper. Except for religious gifts and charms, most of these goods can be bought from shops in town or night markets that line the streets in Penang. You do need to bargain hard.

Besides Buddhist and Taoist influenced temples, there are many Hindu temples on Penang Island which is steeped in religious rituals, culture, history and arts.