Penang Durian And Fruits Festival

Name: Penang Durian And Fruits Festival
Start: 2025-05-17
End: 2025-05-17
Location: Penang

A Lush Summer in the Kingdom of Fruits

2026/05/16 - 2026/08/01

Every year from mid-May to early August, Penang transforms into a paradise for fruit lovers during the Penang Durian & Fruits Festival. Especially in the hilly regions of Balik Pulau, as well as bustling markets and parks, this festival is a sensory adventure where locals, tourists, and families can indulge in the freshest durians and tropical fruits. Creamy Musang King, bittersweet Black Thorn, and many other varieties draw fans from all over the world, making Penang’s summer a true celebration of fruit.

The peak season is June and July, when the air is thick with the distinctive aroma of ripe durians and markets overflow with colorful mangosteens, rambutans, langsat, and more. Visitors from across Malaysia and abroad flock to Penang in search of the “King of Fruits,” making the island buzz with excitement and flavor.

Main Attractions

All-You-Can-Eat Durian Buffets, Orchard Tours, and Fruit Tastings

The highlight of the festival is the all-you-can-eat durian buffets, where you can sample freshly harvested Musang King, Red Prawn, D24, Hor Lor, Black Thorn, and more, comparing the unique flavors and aromas of each variety. Orchard tours are also popular, letting visitors chat with farmers under century-old trees and even pick fruit straight from the branch.

Beyond durian, the festival is a showcase of tropical abundance: mangosteen (the “Queen of Fruits”), rambutan, cempedak, langsat, bananas, jackfruit, and more. At stalls and orchards, you can try rare heritage varieties, learn how to open a mangosteen, and enjoy fruit-based desserts. Music, traditional performances, and the laughter of families add to the lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Besides fresh fruit, unique creations like durian ice cream, durian puffs, durian cendol, and even durian fried rice are on offer. Local drinks-coconut water, nutmeg juice, herbal teas-keep you cool, while the aromas of Penang specialties like char kway teow, laksa, and nasi lemak mingle with the rich scent of durian.

Cultural and Historical Background

The Penang Durian & Fruits Festival traces its roots to Penang’s reputation as Malaysia’s premier “King of Fruits” region. Especially in Balik Pulau, the fertile hills have supported family-run orchards for over a century, some with trees more than 100 years old producing rare, prized varieties.

The festival began as a way for local farmers to share their seasonal bounty with the public. As premium varieties like Musang King and Red Prawn gained fame, the event evolved into a major tourism draw, now attracting thousands of visitors each year. The state government and tourism board actively promote the “Penang Durian” brand worldwide.

More than just a sales event, the festival symbolizes Penang’s pride and community spirit. It’s a place for family reunions, where children learn the stories and wisdom behind local fruits, and visitors experience the region’s culture firsthand. The festival also plays a role in preserving heritage varieties and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Recently, new attractions like the Penang Tropical Fruit Farm (established in 1993) have broadened the festival’s reach, introducing over 200 fruit species from around the world. Blending tradition and innovation, the festival is a living symbol of Penang’s agricultural legacy and vibrant identity.

Participant Voices

I travel from Singapore every year for Penang’s durian season. Eating Musang King in the orchard, chatting with the farmers, is a feast for all the senses.

Festival Dates

The Penang Durian & Fruits Festival is held annually from mid-May to early August, with main events at Balik Pulau orchards, George Town markets, and Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park. For the latest updates, check with Penang Global Tourism and local event listings.