Rising Popularity of Durian Buffet Tours in Malaysia
Durian buffet tours to Malaysia are gaining significant popularity, particularly among Singapore residents. These tours, led by at least seven Singapore Members of Parliament (MPs), have seen overwhelming demand as the durian fruit enters its peak harvest season. The experiences range from one to two days and offer a unique blend of culinary delights, shopping, and cultural exploration.
A Variety of Experiences for Durian Lovers
Each tour is designed to provide an immersive experience, with a focus on the beloved durian fruit. Participants can enjoy all-you-can-eat durian buffets, including the highly sought-after Musang King variety. Alongside these, the itineraries often include local dishes such as bee hoon, satay, and curry chicken. Additional activities like mall shopping and dining at Chinese restaurants add to the appeal of these trips.
For instance, MP Ng Chee Meng recently led a full-day culinary adventure to Johor Bahru. The trip began early in the morning, departing from Fernvale Community Club in Singapore. After breakfast, participants enjoyed an all-you-can-eat durian buffet, followed by shopping at Toppen, IKEA, and Aeon, and concluding with an eight-course Chinese restaurant dinner.
Inclusive and Highly Sought-After Trips
While these tours are open to all Singaporeans, certain events prioritize specific communities. For example, the trip led by MP Pritam Singh, leader of the Opposition, was aimed at bringing Singaporean residents to Malaysia’s Johor. This annual event resumed after a brief hiatus due to a climate resilience conference. The itinerary included an all-you-can-eat durian buffet lunch, alongside dishes like nasi briyani and satay. The trip also featured a stop at a brown rice shop, mall shopping, and a Chinese dinner to conclude the day.
Similarly, MP Gerald Giam organized a full-day food-focused trip to Malaysian town Yong Peng. The itinerary includes a durian buffet lunch with nasi briyani, satay, and more, plus stops at a brown rice shop, malls, and a Chinese dinner. While the durian variety isn’t specified, participants can enjoy unlimited Musang King durians for an additional SGD10 per person. All slots for this trip were fully booked at SGD95 per adult and SGD88 per child.
Expanding the Durian Experience
MP Jamus Lim will hold his first durian day trip, leading residents of Anchorvale neighborhood to Yong Peng on July 26. The slightly pricier itinerary mirrors Pritam’s but specifies that the durian lunch buffet includes premium Musang King durians. Unique additions include a visit to a confectionery shop and a tea break. This trip is also fully booked at SGD110 per adult and SGD95 per child.
MP Xie Yao Qua of Jurong Central is set to lead a 2-day durian trip on July 12 and 13. Beyond durians and shopping, the trip includes a city tour, river cruise, visits to the Baba Museum, St Paul’s Church, and temples, plus meals at Malaccan eateries. Day two begins with breakfast at the Malacca hotel, followed by a “Musang King durian feast with some light food” in Tangkak, Johor, shopping, and dinner at a local restaurant. Pricing is SGD300 for single rooms and SGD250 per person for twin or triple sharing. High demand has filled four buses for this trip.
Another two-day trip on July 26 and 27 will be led by MP Grace Fu, The People’s Action Party Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations. The itinerary, similar to Quan’s, includes a city tour, river cruise, and a Musang King durian feast, though other details remain sparse. Rates are SGD298 for single rooms and SGD248 per person for twin or triple sharing. All tickets are sold out.
Ongoing Interest and Future Opportunities
MP Sylvia Lim is crossing the border with residents for a durian adventure on 12 July. The itinerary includes a durian buffet lunch (featuring the premium Musang King variety), shopping stops, and a Chinese dinner. While the July trip is sold out, a second trip is set for August 2, with registrations open to all Singapore residents.
These tours not only highlight the cultural and culinary connections between Singapore and Malaysia but also reflect the growing interest in unique travel experiences centered around the exotic and flavorful durian fruit. With continued demand, it’s clear that these durian buffet tours are becoming a popular choice for those seeking a taste of Malaysia’s rich offerings.
