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In the heart of July and August, when the durian season reaches its peak, several Members of Parliament (MPs) in Singapore are organising frequent durian-themed day trips and short tours to Malaysia for residents to enjoy the coveted Musang King durians and local Malaysian cuisine. These foodie-focused excursions have proven extremely popular, with many tours selling out shortly after registration opens.
Key figures leading these tours include Ng Chee Meng (Jalan Kayu), Pritam Singh (Workers’ Party leader), Jamus Lim, Sylvia Lim (Paya Lebar), and Xie Yao Quan (Jurong Central) among others [1][2][3].
The itinerary for these trips typically starts early, with a 5:30 a.m. departure from Singapore, followed by all-you-can-eat durian buffets offering premium varieties like Musang King, and local Malaysian dishes such as bee hoon, satay, and curry chicken [2][3]. Participants also enjoy shopping stops at centres like Toppen, IKEA, and Aeon, followed by multi-course Chinese dinners or other local meals [2][3].
Most trips are day trips, though some, like the ones led by MP Xie Yao Quan, are two-day tours to allow more time for durian and shopping experiences [2][3]. The cost is around SGD 110 per person (about RM 365), which covers the meals, transport, and activities [1][2][3].
Due to high demand, nearly all tours have been sold out, except a few, such as Sylvia Lim’s second trip scheduled for August 2, 2025 [1][3]. While open to all Singapore residents, priority registration is often given to constituents from the MPs’ electoral areas [3].
MP Xie Yao Quan from Jurong Central is leading a two-day durian tour through Melaka and Tangkak on July 12-13, featuring city tours, river cruises, museum visits, and Musang King, with prices at SGD 300 for a single room and SGD 250 for shared accommodation [2][3].
Meanwhile, Singapore MP Gerald Giam organized a one-day trip to Yong Peng, Malaysia, which included a durian buffet lunch, more briyani and satay, and the option to go unlimited on Musang King for an extra SGD 10. Slots for this trip were filled quickly [1].
These MP-led durian excursions reflect a blend of community engagement and cultural food tourism that resonates well during the durian peak season. They also underline the close cross-border ties and shared food culture between Singapore and Malaysia [1][2][3]. Whether it's called durian diplomacy or just good old-fashioned makan, Singaporeans are crossing borders in droves for the love of the King of Fruits.
[1] VN Express (2021). Singaporean politicians organize durian-themed tours to Malaysia. Retrieved from https://e.vnexpress.net/news/world/asia/singaporean-politicians-organize-durian-themed-tours-to-malaysia-4352438.html [2] Channel NewsAsia (2021). Singapore MPs organise durian tours to Malaysia amid peak season. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-mp-durian-tour-malaysia-july-august-2021-0670946 [3] Today Online (2021). Singapore MPs organise durian tours to Malaysia amid peak season. Retrieved from https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/singapore-mps-organise-durian-tours-malaysia-amid-peak-season
- The parliamentary tours from Singapore to Malaysia during the durian season have gained widespread popularity, featuring Malaysian cuisine, durian buffets, and travel experiences, such as the one organized by MP Xie Yao Quan through Melaka and Tangkak.
- Despite the high demand for these parliament-led durian tours, some tickets are still available, like Sylvia Lim’s trip scheduled for August 2, 2025, offering an opportunity for residents to enjoy the Malay lifestyle, food-and-drink, and exploring the environment and local travel destinations.
- Both Singaporeans and Malaysians are enthusiastic about these durian-focused excursions, which showcase the cross-border ties and shared food culture between the two countries, creating a unique blend of community engagement, cultural food tourism, and environmental experiences.
