Discover Penang's Finest Durians
Explore the popular durian varieties, find the best places to buy and eat durian,
and learn practical tips on Malaysia's king of fruits.
Featured Durians
Explore the durian varieties from across Penang, each with its own unique flavor and aroma.
Lipan
Probably named after its appearance with many short thorns resembling a centipede. The flesh is typically yellowish, though it can vary from a milky white with a slight yellow tint to a soft, clear pastel yellow. It's worth noting that there is also a red-fleshed variety of Lipan. However, the yellowish variety is the one most commonly encountered.
Black Gold (Empire King)
The Black Gold durian, also known as Empire King or Black Gold Musang King, is a highly prized and rare variety of durian. It is considered a premium grade of the popular Musang King (Mao Shan Wang) durian. The flavor is intensely complex with a sophisticated bitterness that reveals layers of deep sweetness. The texture is exceptionally creamy and buttery, offering a luxurious mouthfeel.
Kacang Hijau (Green Bean)
Kacang Hijau, meaning 'Green Bean', is a small durian variety celebrated for its smooth, creamy texture and flavor reminiscent of French vanilla ice cream. Also nicknamed as Green Apple, Qing Pi Zai or Cheh Puay Kia.
Little Red (Xiao Hong)
Also known as 'Xiao Hong', the Little Red durian has orangey-red flesh with small seeds and a bittersweet taste, sometimes with a tinge of sourness. It's sweet, creamy and shelf-stable, making it a good option to buy in a packet on special offer. It's the sibling of Khun Poh but offers different flavor notes.
The Reigning King: An Introduction to Penang's Durian Culture
World's Best Durians, Found in Penang
Penang is renowned for producing some of the world's finest durians, offering a sensory adventure that goes beyond mere fruits. The island's unique geographical features create perfect growing conditions for premium durian varieties.
With a tradition of durian cultivation dating back generations, local farmers have perfected the art of growing these prized fruits, resulting in exceptional quality and flavor profiles that cannot be matched elsewhere.
Penang's durians are known for their complex flavors due to the island's unique terroir - a combination of sea breezes, higher altitudes, and mineral-rich soil that creates the perfect growing conditions.
Did you know?
Many consider Penang to be the world's durian capital, with its Balik Pulau region most renowned. Some varieties can only be found in Penang, making it a must-visit destination for durian connoisseurs from around the world.
Durian Facts
Discover interesting facts about Malaysia's king of fruits
King of Fruits
Durian is widely known as the 'King of Fruits' in Southeast Asia for its distinctive taste and aroma.
Seasonal Delight
Major durian seasons in Malaysia typically occur from June to August, with a smaller season from December to February.
Nutritional Value
Durians are rich in nutrients, containing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants despite their high calorie content.
Unique Aroma
The fruit's distinctive smell comes from a combination of volatile compounds including esters, ketones, and sulfur compounds.
Featured Farms
Visit these durian farms / orchards / shops / stalls for a finger-licking good experience
Bao Sheng Durian Farm
Balik PulauOne of Penang's most famous durian farms, Bao Sheng offers an authentic farm-to-table experience wit...
Green Acres Durian Estate
Teluk KumbarGreen Acres offers a more modern durian farm experience with excellent facilities. They provide educ...
Nature Fruit Farm Resort
Kampung GentingNature Fruit Farm Resort is an organic 20-acre durian farm offering a serene environment for durian ...
Durian Valley 榴莲天下
George TownA fragrant durian stall nestled within the bustling popular tourist street of Gat Lebuh Armenian in ...
Why Penang Durians?
Premium Quality
Penang's unique soil and climate create the perfect conditions for growing the finest durians.
Rich Heritage
Generations of expertise passed down through families of dedicated durian farmers.
Diverse Varieties
From the famous Musang King to rare local varieties, Penang offers an unmatched selection.
Authentic Experience
Visit farms to enjoy freshly fallen durians in their natural environment.
Fascinating Durian Facts
The King of Fruits
Durian is known as the "King of Fruits" in Southeast Asia due to its large size, strong smell, and rich flavor. Its name comes from the Malay word "duri" meaning thorn, referring to its spiky exterior.
Distinctive Aroma
Durian's smell is so potent that it's banned in many hotels, public transportation, and public places in Southeast Asia. The aroma has been described as a mix of rotten onions, turpentine, and gym socks!
Nutritional Powerhouse
Despite its strong smell, durian is highly nutritious. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains more protein than most other fruits and is a good source of healthy fats.
Seasonal Delight
In Penang, the main durian season typically runs from May to August, with a smaller season from December to February. The best durians are often found during the peak of the season.
Ready for a Durian Adventure?
Discover the best durian farms in Penang and experience the king of fruits like never before!