Penang is bursting at the seams with tourists as durian season swings into high gear, drawing throngs of visitors to the island’s famed orchards in Balik Pulau and surrounding hotspots like Penang Hill, Padang Kota, and Batu Ferringhi.

The influx, which began last Thursday, surged further over the long weekend, according to national news agency Bernama. Among the durian enthusiasts is Siti Hasmuna Rohaimi, 38, who travelled with her family from another state to enjoy the Balik Pulau experience. “The texture is softer and the taste richer than what we get elsewhere,” she said. “Eating them fresh—sometimes right off the ground—is unbeatable.”

Datuk Tony Goh, chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (Penang Chapter), reported near-full occupancy in key tourism areas like George Town and Batu Ferringhi since Friday.

Penang’s State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, Wong Hon Wai, confirmed that tourist arrivals more than doubled over the weekend, with 8,183 visitors recorded on Saturday and 9,396 on Sunday—well above the typical daily average of 4,000.

The attraction? Premium durian varieties such as Black Thorn, Musang King, and Ang Heh (Red Prawn), now in season. Balik Pulau durian seller Ahmad Salim Suhaimi noted that although the peak harvest has yet to arrive, demand has already skyrocketed with the onset of school holidays. “I’m selling hundreds of high-grade durians daily,” he said.

To boost tourism and capitalize on the craze, the Penang state government launched Penang Durian 2025—a promotional campaign offering 36 special packages that pair hotel stays with unlimited durian buffets. “These curated deals can save tourists between RM80 and RM100,” said Goh.

An updated edition of Penang’s King of Fruits Durian Guide has also been released to help visitors navigate the wide array of durian types and their origins.

However, this year’s harvest may be affected by weather conditions. Due to heavy rain and strong winds during May’s flowering period, yields are expected to be around 30% lower than last year. The season, typically running through August, may end earlier if wet weather continues.

Wong urged durian fans to act quickly. “The early bird gets the best durian,” he reminded, during the campaign’s launch last month.

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