When most Malaysians hear the words “premium durian”, names like Musang King, Black Thorn and D24 are usually the first to spring to mind. That perception, however, began to change after my teammate and I joined the MARDI Kuala Kangsar Media Duriotourism Programme recently.
What I initially expected to be another orchard visit quickly turned into something much more insightful. Instead of simply enjoying a buffet of durians, we were invited to step behind the scenes and discover the science, research and innovation that have quietly shaped Malaysia's premium durian industry for decades. It was an experience that offered equal measures of agrotourism, education and appreciation for the country's "King of Fruits".
A Journey Into Malaysia's Durian Heartland
Our day began with registration before boarding an open-air trailer pulled by a tractor—a rustic yet enjoyable mode of transport that immediately set the tone for the programme. Rather than walking through the plantation under the tropical sun, visitors are taken on a leisurely ride across the expansive research estate while MARDI officers provide live explanations along the journey.
Passing rows of mature durian trees, tranquil ponds and lush greenery with the surrounding hills forming the backdrop, the ride felt less like a conventional orchard tour and more like a countryside safari dedicated to one of Malaysia's most iconic fruits.
What stood out most was how every stop became a learning opportunity.
Instead of merely pointing at trees, MARDI officers shared insights into orchard management, breeding programmes, pollination techniques, fruit development and the long-term research behind each cultivar. It was refreshing to see agriculture presented in such an accessible and engaging manner, especially for visitors with little prior knowledge of horticulture.
Looking Beyond Musang King
One topic that consistently surfaced throughout the programme was MARDI Super 88 (MS88).
According to MARDI Director-General Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani, approximately 25,000 MS88 durian trees have been planted nationwide over the past five years since 2021. Today, cultivation spans roughly 242 hectares, with much of the planting concentrated in Selangor and several East Coast states, while expansion into other regions is ongoing.
Those numbers immediately caught my attention.
Although MS88 has yet to enjoy the same level of public recognition as Musang King, it is hardly a newcomer. Also known as MDUR88, it is one of three premium durian cultivars successfully developed by MARDI since the early 2000s alongside MDUR78 and MDUR79.
Learning this while standing inside the research orchard gave the figures much greater meaning. Instead of reading statistics on paper, I was witnessing the environment where years of agricultural innovation continue to unfold.
Research Before Recognition
Perhaps the most fascinating revelation was that MARDI is already preparing for the future.
Researchers are currently evaluating three new hybrid durian varieties that may eventually become Malaysia's next premium cultivars. These hybrids remain under extensive assessment covering fruit quality, flavour profile, consumer acceptance and commercial suitability before they receive official names and enter wider cultivation.
Personally, I appreciated MARDI's measured approach.
Developing a premium durian is clearly not a race. Long before consumers enjoy the fruit, researchers spend years evaluating tree performance, yield consistency, disease resistance and eating quality. Only after sufficient planting materials and stable production are available will commercialisation begin.
Seeing that process firsthand made me realise just how much patience lies behind every premium durian variety available today.
An Orchard That Becomes a Classroom
Throughout the tour, visitors were encouraged to observe different cultivars directly from the trees.
Standing beneath mature durian trees while listening to explanations about fruit characteristics offers a completely different perspective from buying durians at roadside stalls. You begin to notice tree structures, fruit sizes and cultivation techniques that are often overlooked by ordinary consumers.
The programme also demonstrates how fruits are harvested, handled and prepared before reaching the tasting area. Watching experienced MARDI staff carefully inspect and open freshly harvested durians added another layer to the experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the expertise required beyond simply growing the fruit.
More Than Just a Tasting Session
Naturally, the durian tasting session became one of the day's highlights.
Instead of receiving pre-packed servings, visitors gathered around as freshly harvested fruits were opened one by one while MARDI officers introduced the characteristics of different cultivars. Depending on seasonal availability, guests may sample several premium varieties while comparing their aroma, texture, flesh colour and flavour profiles.
What made the tasting memorable wasn't simply the opportunity to eat premium durians—it was understanding the story behind each variety.
Knowing how years of breeding, field trials and scientific evaluation contributed to every fruit somehow made the experience feel even more rewarding.
A Different Side of Agro-Tourism
One aspect I genuinely appreciated was how the programme balanced education with recreation.
The tractor ride, scenic orchard landscapes, peaceful lakes, shaded plantation trails and informative briefings created an experience suitable not only for durian enthusiasts but also for families, students, photographers and travellers looking for something beyond the usual tourist attractions.
Rather than focusing solely on consumption, MARDI has transformed the orchard into a living classroom where visitors leave with a greater appreciation of Malaysian agriculture.
In an era where agro-tourism continues gaining popularity, experiences like these show that research institutions can play an equally important role in tourism by opening their doors to the public.
Why MS88 Matters
As global demand for Malaysian premium durians continues to grow, research and innovation will become increasingly important.
The nationwide planting of 25,000 MS88 trees reflects more than expansion—it represents confidence in years of scientific research and careful cultivar development. At the same time, MARDI's ongoing work on three additional hybrid varieties suggests that Malaysia's premium durian story is still evolving.
After spending the day at MARDI Kuala Kangsar, I left with one simple thought.
We often celebrate the final product—a delicious durian on our dining table—but rarely acknowledge the scientists, researchers and agricultural experts whose years of dedication make that moment possible.
Perhaps that's what makes the duriotourism programme different.
It doesn't just introduce visitors to durians. It introduces them to the journey behind them.
Planning Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to Kuala Kangsar during the durian season, the MARDI Kuala Kangsar Duriotourism is well worth considering in your itinerary.
Beyond sampling premium durians, visitors can enjoy a guided tractor ride through the orchard, learn about MARDI's durian research and breeding efforts, and gain a closer appreciation of how Malaysia's King of Fruits is cultivated.
Admission starts from RM50 for Malaysian adults (RM70 for non-Malaysian adults), with concession rates available for children, senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities (OKU).
The programme is held at MARDI Kuala Kangsar, Jalan Datin Halimah, 33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak. As activities are seasonal, it's advisable to check MARDI's latest announcements before planning your visit.
Sebastian srTheta (iubiquitous96@icloud.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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