Hotels packed, roads jammed: Malaysia’s Penang sees tourist surge for durian season

Crowds began arriving last Thursday, heading to hotspots like Balik Pulau—famed for its durians—as well as Penang Hill, Padang Kota, and Batu Ferringhi, according to Malaysian news agency Bernama.

Siti Hasmuna Rohaimi, a 38-year-old durian enthusiast, traveled with her family from another state to Penang over the long weekend to savor Balik Pulau’s durians, which she said have a softer texture and richer taste compared to those from other states. Her three children are big fans of the fruit as well.

"Coming directly to Balik Pulau is more satisfying because you get to enjoy fresh durians — some just fallen from the trees," she said. "They’re cheaper and more authentic than those sold in other states."

Since last Friday, hotels across Penang have been nearly fully booked, especially in Batu Ferringhi and George Town, according to Datuk Tony Goh, chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (Penang Chapter).

Wong Hon Wai, Penang’s State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, said the influx of visitors continued steadily throughout the weekend.

"Visitor numbers have doubled — with 8,183 on Saturday and 9,396 yesterday (Sunday) — compared to around 4,000 on a typical day," he noted.

Durian season commences

Penang is known for orchards that produce some of Malaysia’s best-loved durians, such as Black Thorn, Musang King, and Ang Heh (Red Prawn).

With the main season now underway, Balik Pulau has become a top draw for visitors thanks to its long-standing reputation for producing premium-quality durians.

Ahmad Salim Suhaimi, a 45-year-old durian seller in the area, said the season began earlier in May and crowds have picked up since the school break started.

"Although the durian season is just beginning and the supply isn’t in full swing yet, it’s expected to increase in the next one to two weeks. Still, many are visiting now because of the long weekend and school holidays," he said, noting he has been able to sell hundreds of premium durians each day since last Thursday.

To help tourists make the most of the season, Penang had earlier rolled out a dedicated promotion campaign called Penang Durian 2025, offering 36 curated packages that combine accommodation with all-you-can-eat durian feasts, either on hotel grounds or at nearby orchards.

"Some hotels will partner with durian orchards that offer good packages so visitors who take up those packages will pay probably RM80 to RM100 (US$18.7-23.3) less compared to going to the orchards on their own," said Goh, as quoted by Malay Mail.

The state also published an updated edition of its King of Fruits Durian Guide, which helps visitors navigate the many varieties available across Malaysia and where to find them.

However, this season’s yield is expected to be about 30% lower than last year’s due to heavy rain and strong winds during the flowering stage last month. The season, which usually runs until August, may also end earlier than usual if rainy weather persists.

Given the forecast, Wong has encouraged durian lovers to act fast. "The early bird will get the best durian," he said at the launch of Penang Durian 2025 last month, as quoted by The Star.