Durian Varieties in Johor Bahru | LAGO Travel Durian Tours

The Ultimate Guide to Durian Varieties in Johor Bahru (Flavours, Textures & Tours!)

Durian. The King of Fruits. A pungent pleasure for some, a polarising powerhouse for others—but in Johor Bahru, durian isn't just food. It's a cultural experience, a seasonal celebration, and for many visitors from Singapore, a bucket-list-worthy tasting journey.

Whether you're a seasoned durian lover or an intrigued first-timer, this guide will walk you through the most sought-after durian cultivars in Johor Bahru, what they taste like, and when to go for the Muslim-friendly durian tours.

Let’s dig into the durian dreamscape.

Why Johor Bahru is a Durian Lover’s Paradise

Just across the causeway from Singapore, Johor Bahru (JB) offers easy access to top-tier durian farms, affordable prices, and a diverse range of varieties—some of which are hard to find elsewhere.

With rich, volcanic soil and tropical weather, Johor produces some of the best durians in Malaysia, including the world-famous Musang King.

When to Visit: Upcoming Durian Tour Dates with LAGO

Want the whole experience without the hassle of planning? Join LAGO Travel’s One-Day Premium Durian Tours—perfect for durian devotees and curious foodies alike.

05 July 2025 & 02 August 2025 – Premium Durian Buffet (Mixed Varieties)
16 August 2025 – Musang King Special + Premium Varieties

✅ Muslim-friendly

✅ Return transport from Singapore

✅ Group guide + curated durian experience

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A Breakdown of Johor Bahru’s Top Durian Varieties

Here’s your go-to guide for the top cultivars to try, what they taste like, and what makes each one so irresistible:

1. Musang King (Mao Shan Wang)

Also Known As: D197
Flavour Profile: Bold, bittersweet, creamy, slightly alcoholic
Texture: Thick, buttery, and ultra-smooth
Colour: Bright yellow, sometimes golden

The superstar of Malaysian durians. Loved for its potent aroma and perfect balance of bitter and sweet. Its flesh is rich and custard-like, with a lasting aftertaste that durian fans crave.

Best for: Hardcore durian lovers who want maximum flavour.

📍 Available in JB during peak season (June–August).

2. Golden Phoenix

Also Known As: Jin Feng
Flavour Profile: Pungent, slightly bitter, floral
Texture: Creamy with slight fibre
Colour: Pale yellow to ivory

Don’t let the paler flesh fool you—Golden Phoenix has a powerful aroma and a floral, almost medicinal note. It’s a favourite among older durian fans who enjoy more complex flavours.

Best for: Those who love bold, pungent varieties.

3. D13 (Sweet Orange Durian)

Also Known As: The “starter durian”
Flavour Profile: Sweet, mild, honey-like
Texture: Smooth and less fibrous
Colour: Vivid orange

D13 is ideal for beginners or those who prefer the sweet side of durian. It has almost no bitterness and a cheerful orange hue that makes it stand out.

Best for: First-time visitors and children.

Vegan-friendly & mild for sensitive palates

4. D24 (Sultan Durian)

Flavour Profile: Balanced, slightly bitter with a hint of sweetness
Texture: Smooth with a dense mouthfeel
Colour: Pale yellow

Often considered the affordable Musang King, D24 offers a well-rounded flavour that appeals to both seasoned and casual durian eaters. It’s widely available and popular for durian desserts too.

Best for: Budget-friendly durian experiences

📍 Common in JB roadside stalls and farms

5. Black Pearl

Also Known As: Zhu Zhu
Flavour Profile: Bitter, mild sweetness, slightly nutty
Texture: Soft, a bit drier than other varieties
Colour: Pale cream to greyish yellow

Smaller than most varieties, but it packs a punch in terms of bitterness. Black Pearl is for those who prefer their durian with complexity, rather than sweetness.

Best for: Adventurous palates💬 Rare but often included in LAGO’s premium tastings.

6. Lao Tai Po (Old Granny Durian)

Flavour Profile: Sweet, soft, mellow
Texture: Fluffy and light
Colour: Pale yellow

This durian has a more subtle scent and taste, making it a calm contender among durians. Lao Tai Po is appreciated by those who enjoy snacking without the overpowering punch.

Best for: Individuals who appreciate a gentle and relaxing durian experience.

7. Kampung Durian (Wild Durian)

Also Known As: Village durian
Flavour Profile: Varies—can be sweet, sour, nutty, or creamy
Texture: Unpredictable
Colour: Wide range—from pale to golden

These durians grow without hybrid grafting, offering the most natural durian experience. No two kampung durians taste the same. You might love one, dislike the next, and that’s the fun.

Best for: Curiosity and value-for-money. Often the cheapest but full of surprises

Are Durian Buffets Vegan & Muslim-Friendly?

Yes! LAGO Travel’s durian buffets are fruit-focused and alcohol-free, making them suitable for:

Muslim travellers
Vegans & vegetarians
Families with dietary preferences

Optional food stops during the tour also include halal-certified eateries or vegetarian restaurants, depending on the group's preference.

What’s Included in the LAGO Durian Day Tour?

Here’s why you’ll love our one-day JB durian trip:

✔️ Round-trip coach transfer from Singapore

✔️ Guided durian tasting with up to 8 varieties

✔️ All-you-can-eat durian buffet

✔️ Optional visits to a local market or fruit farm

✔️ Group insurance + Muslim friendly arrangements

✔️ Departure Dates: 05 July, 02 Aug, 16 Aug 2025

Perfect for individuals, couples, friend groups, and durian-curious travellers.

Tips for First-Time Durian Travellers

Bring wet wipes & tissue – it gets sticky fast
Apply hand sanitiser after handling the husk
Avoid mixing with coffee or alcohol
Wear comfy clothes – it’s a full-day food journey!
Don’t carry durians back across the border – enjoy them fresh on-site!

Final Thoughts: More Than a Fruit, It’s a Cultural Feast

In Johor Bahru, durian isn't just a seasonal snack—it's a shared joy, a cultural ritual, and a symbol of Malaysia’s deep food heritage. Each variety tells a story of place, soil, and tradition—and every bite takes you deeper into Southeast Asia’s culinary soul.

If you’ve ever been curious about durian, now is the time. Let LAGO Travel guide you through a budget-friendly, full-flavour experience that’s as informative as it is indulgent.

Ready to taste the best durians in Johor Bahru?

Book your One-Day JB Durian Tour with LAGO Travel today—slots for 05 July, 02 August, and 16 August 2025 are filling up fast!