Penang Snake Farm

Mr Chew the owner of Penang Snake Farm (1 March 2009)


The Penang Snake Farm is a reptile menagerie located located within the compound of the Snake Temple in Sungai Keluang, Bayan Lepas. It was started by Mr Chew Poh Hoo and his sister, and contains over 50 species of snakes, including the rare Albino Cobra.

The Snake Farm opened around 2006. It provides its expertise in looking after the pit vipers of the Snake Temple in return for the opportunity to operate within its compound.

Iguana, Penang Snake Farm (1 March 2009)

Penang Heritage Trust Site Visit

I visited the Snake Farm during the PHT Site Visit to the Snake Temple on 1 March, 2009. I was greeted by the owner, Mr Chew, who showed me around the farm. He also gave an explanation on the snakes and Chinese beliefs. According to him, some Chinese believe that the skin of the snake, when placed in the wallet, helps a person keep his money - as though the snake offers protection to the cash.

Snakes shed their skin, and remnant of the skin is displayed in the farm. According to Mr Chew, snakes that are healthy shed their skin whole. On the other hand, the skin shedded by ailing snakes are brittle and breaks into many pieces.

Reticulated python, Penang Snake Farm (1 March 2009)


In addition to snakes, the farm also rears rabbits, macaques, guinea pigs, iguanas, and other animals. Mr Chew is a believer in yin and yang. Snakes are "yin" animals. The farm adds the presence of rabbits, which carry the "yang" force, for balance the forces.

At the farm, I had the opportunity to follow Mr Chew into the cage where he offered me the opportunity to touch the iguana. The skin has a strange feel to it, like touching your dog but instead of fur, it is a plastic-like skin. He also showed me the rare Albino Cobra. Then we were treated to a snake show. After members of PHT have taken their seats, Mr Chew took out the snakes. First out of the box were a couple of cobras. Next came the mangrove snake. And then lastly, the king cobra. It was a thoroughly enjoyable visit and all the members had a great time.

Snake show, Penang Snake Farm (1 March 2009)

Operating Hours

The Snake Farm is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. The admission fee is RM5.00 for adults and RM3.00 for children, with a discount of RM2.00 for persons holding MyKad. Snake shows are given on Saturdays and Sundays.

Getting there

See under Snake Temple.

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