Wagler's pit viper

While scrambling up a limestone slope, we had to hold on to the perfectly vertical scraggy trees to prevent us from falling backwards. As it happened, this nocturnal serpent was curled up resting on one of the skinny trunks that we so nearly grabbed.

That would have been painful.

This species is mild tempered during the day but more active at night. Many of them are utilised to adorn a rather famous tacky tourist temple in Penang.