Malaysia expects to earn $424,000 from durian tour packages

The 62 durian tour packages provide visitors the opportunity to explore durian orchards and eat the fresh fruit in 12 states including Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Kelantan, and Sabah, said Saidi Bundan, deputy director general of Tourism Malaysia, as quoted by The Star newspaper.

Tourists visiting durian orchards can pick and taste durian and other local fruits, make tempoyak (fermented durian paste), go rafting, experience train rides and play golf.

The packages start from RM70 per person to sample some fresh and ripe local during. Tourists can also pay up to RM4,450 for more inclusive three-day-two-night itineraries in the Bentong Bilut Hills of Pahang, Business Today reported,

The durian tour packages helped Malaysia earn RM1.6 million last year, a significant increase compared to RM107,000 the previous year.

Saidi said the tours do not only cater to local durian lovers. He emphasized that these unique experiences also attract foreign tourists, especially from China, Brunei, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Malaysia aims to welcome over 27 foreign tourists this year.

The peak durian season in Malaysia typically lasts from May until August.