Penang Temple Tour

Watch out, snakes are about! The first temple we visited in Penang was probably the most exciting. I have a bit of a fear of snakes despite knowing that they won't hurt me - I explain it as my Philosophy 101 lecturer explained it - humans have an inborn instinct to fear snakes although they should perhaps be more afraid of dangerous electrical sockets instead.

The Snake Temple is home to various poisonous snakes including pit vipers, but they are not known to have bitten anyone to date. Some people believe that the incense drugs the snakes, but even those outside in the garden seem peaceful. The legend is that the Buddhist monk gave shelter to the snakes of the jungle, and after his temple was finished the snakes came to live there of their own accord.

My little sister stepped up to the challenge of posing with the pythons as I was too chicken! She was even given some Medusa hair.



Spotted this one living above a vintage photograph of the Temple.



Mind your fingers!





We also visited Kek Lok Si Temple on the hill, a lovely temple on Love Lane in Georgetown featuring lovely stone carving, and a cave temple in Ipoh on the way back to Seremban.