Also known as the Temple of the Azure Cloud, this interesting temple is dedicated to Buddhist priest and healer Chor Soo Kong. The temple was built in 1850 by one of the priest’s appreciative patients and has become the home of a number of Wagler’s pit-vipers. According to local legend Chor Soo Kong gave shelter to the snakes of the jungle and when the temple was completed the snakes set up residence there.

The snake Temple is worth visiting as it is probably the only one of its kind in the entire world. A good time to visit is on Chor Soo Kong’s birthday, which falls on the sixth day of the first lunar month. Followers from as far away as Singapore and Taiwan come to worship at the temple during this time and there are special celebrations.

The temple features a statue of the deified healer, which was brought to Penang from China by a monk. There is a enormous incense burning filled with incense, the smoke from which is believed by many to paralyze the numerous snakes that stay nearby.

The Snake Temple is located at Sungai Kluang near Bayan Lepas airport on Jalan Tokong Ular and the nearest bus stop is around the corner on the main road in front of Osram. Visitors can reach the Snake Temple by taking Rapid Penang bus 401 from the Weld Quay Bus Terminal.

Commanding spectacular views of the entire Island, Penang Hill is 830 meters above sea level. This was Malaysia’s first hill station, and makes a great place to retreat from the heat for George Town for a while.

Those who make it to the top of Penang Hill will discover a number of interesting attractions, such as lavishly decorated Hindu temple and a mosque. There is also a Canopy Walk, which is currently closed by due to reopen any day now.

Those who really want to stay in style can check into Penang Hill’s hotel, while casual visitors can sit and sip tea in the hotel’s garden while gazing at the spectacular view. There a a large number of monkeys at the top of Penang Hill and this is the perfect opportunity to take pictures of the animals as they pose for the camera.

Getting to Penang Hill is pretty simple as visitors can take Transit Link bus No 1 or No 101from George Town, while bus No 91 takes passengers from Lim Seng or No 21 from Lebuh Chulia. Built in 1923, there is a railway car available to take passengers from the foot of Penang Hill to the very top, which takes about half an hour and costs RM4.50 each way.