Durian tours sold out in JB? Head to Penang instead

For Singaporeans, durian day trips have become a newly-beloved seasonal ritual. For one, Johor Bahru’s durian tours are so popular even Singapore MPs are booking en masse – but don’t worry, there’s definitely still fruit to go around. Just a short hop from the Lion City, Penang is emerging as Malaysia’s ultimate destination for durian, boasting an irresistible array of varieties and a vibrant, authentic local durian culture.

Why Penang?

Penang isn’t just a cultural and culinary haven – it’s also home to unique durian species native to the island, including the Hulu (Hor Lor) and Capri (also known as Kapri or Couple). These distinct varieties – the former rich and velvety, and the latter with a more bitter edge – add an exclusive twist to the usual Musang King and D24 favourites, giving durian lovers something new to explore.

Whether you’re craving the creamy flesh of the king of fruit or looking to dive deep into local durian traditions, Penang’s durian scene has it all – and then some.

Best ways to experience durian in Penang

Visit a durian farm

For a truly immersive experience, visiting a durian farm is a must – though short travel outside Georgetown is a given. Join third-party guided tours that arrange transport and visits to orchards in Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang, or plan a self-organised trip if you prefer flexibility – just note the drive can be long and winding.

See how the fruit is grown, handpicked, and sample straight-from-the-tree freshness that is near-impossible to beat. Many durian farms offer timed all-you-can-eat experiences, but be sure to arrive early or selections might be limited.

To Tour: Green Acres Orchard & Ecolodge

Set in the hills of Balik Pulau, Green Acres offers a two-hour durian tasting and farm walk (Thurs–Sun, 3–5pm, from 1 June to 31 July 2025) that’s as educational as it is delicious. Sample organically grown durians – including varieties from 80- to 100-year-old trees – along a guided walk through the orchard.

Tasting is done wine-style, moving from mild to bold flavours, all served in a breezy kampung-style hut with views of the orchard. Expect small groups, no crowds, and plenty of chances to smell, touch, taste, and learn.

Looking to linger longer? Green Acres has limited farmstay options – or go all in with these durian-themed retreats.

Enjoy a durian-themed farmstay

If a quick tasting isn’t enough, turn your trip into a full-blown durian retreat. Farms like Bao Sheng Durian Farm and Nature Fruit Farm Resort provide stays surrounded by lush orchards, giving you doorstep access to fresh durians and a true deep dive into durian country.

To Stay: Bao Sheng Durian Farm

A household name among durian aficionados, Bao Sheng is a third-generation farm with over 60 years of history nestled in the hills of Balik Pulau. Known for its organic farming methods and deep respect for both tree and terroir, the farm’s old-tree durians are prized for their complex flavours – thanks to the mineral-rich granite soil and cool ocean breeze unique to the region.

Visit during peak season (typically May to August) for guided tastings of durians picked at peak ripeness. To truly immerse yourself, book a farm stay: The package includes accommodation, a farm tour, dinner and breakfast, and unlimited organic durians – including two curated tasting sessions led by the farm owner himself.

For shorter visits, Bao Sheng also offers half-day passes for all-you-can-eat sessions via their website.

To Stay: Nature Fruit Farm Resort

Tucked deep in the hills of Balik Pulau, this laidback homestay resort offers chalet-style rooms amidst fruit orchards, durian included. Rooms are air-conditioned and range from RM200 to RM988 (approx. $61 to $303), set around a grassy lawn interspersed with Frangipanis and small fruit trees. The 20-acre organic durian farm lets you go from bed to buffet – and back again.

If you’ve already made the trek to Balik Pulau, why not maximise your serene getaway? Nearby, enjoy cycling, horseback rides, ATV adventures through paddy fields, nutmeg farm visits, and the Saanen Dairy Goat Farm for a fuller countryside experience.

All-you-can-eat hotel buffets

For those seeking indulgence paired with convenience, Penang’s durian buffets are a yearly highlight – with hotels hosting open-air stalls near their premises, offering air-conditioned dining alongside durians and local delicacies.

To Feast: JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La

Right in the heart of Georgetown, JEN Penang’s Stay & Eat Durian package makes feasting easy. Book a minimum two-night stay to enjoy an all-you-can-eat durian session for two, complete with a MYR20 Grab rebate to the durian stall.

The offer runs only until 31 July 2025. Durian tastings take place at a nearby local stall – just the right blend of street-side authenticity and hotel-level convenience. 

To Feast: Gurney Bay Hotel

Celebrate durian season with Gurney Bay Hotel’s 3 Days, 2 Nights Superior Stay Package, offered in partnership with the Penang Fruit Farmers Association. Fresh durians are brought directly to the hotel for guests to enjoy. 

The package includes one complimentary one-hour durian tasting session for two, as well as access to an on-site durian booth. 

Rates start from US$203 ($262.91) for two nights.

Streetside stalls

If casual, come-as-you-are durian snacking is more your style, head to Jalan Macalister – a roughly 1km stretch lined with stalls offering fresh durians by weight. Sampling from different vendors adds a dynamic, almost choose-your-own-adventure quality to the experience, where you can compare textures, ripeness, and varietals side by side.

Do note that durians in George Town may be priced higher than those found directly at the farms in Balik Pulau – but for many, the convenience of staying in town is worth the trade-off.

To Explore: Penang Ah Teik Durian

A longstanding favourite on Jalan Macalister, Ah Teik Durian attracts both locals and cross-border visitors with consistent quality and a fuss-free vibe. The selection varies with the harvest but often includes favourites like Red Prawn and XO.

To Explore: Dking Penang @ Macalister

From the team behind SS2’s well-known durian stall in Petaling Jaya comes Dking’s Durian Experience Centre – a more polished take on the regular streetside setup. Located on Jalan Macalister, it offers air-conditioned indoor seating, durian-flavoured treats, and a nearly 4m tall 3D Black Thorn sculpture that doubles as an unmistakable photo op.

On the menu: premium picks like Mao Shan Wang and Black Thorn, alongside Penang favourites like Red Prawn and Capri. Prices may lean higher than typical roadsite stalls, but the curated setting makes it a good option for those who want the durian experience with added ease and comfort.

What to know before you go

Durian season in Penang spans from June to August, making this the prime time to visit. Just 1.5 hours by flight from Singapore (or eight by road if you’re up for the drive), the island makes for an easy and rewarding getaway. Accommodation spans charming heritage homes to modern hotels, but Penang’s real allure lies in its rich cultural tapestry and status as a bona fide foodie capital.

Whether you’re after a quick streetside tasting or the full farm-to-flesh experience, now’s your chance to savour durian at its freshest. Just don’t let the season pass you by – after all, the king of fruits waits for no one.