Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that durian has become one of Malaysia’s biggest attractions, especially among international visitors.
Now, the King of Fruits has its very own attraction in the heart of Kuala Lumpur with the opening of the Kuala Lumpur Durian Experience Centre (KLDEX), believed to be the first durian experience centre of its kind in the world.
Located just a short walk from the Petronas Twin Towers, the 20,000-square-foot attraction is designed to let visitors experience everything about Malaysia’s most iconic fruit under one roof.
What you’ll find at KLDEX
From the moment visitors step inside, they’re greeted by the unmistakable aroma of fresh durian.
The ground floor features a retail area where visitors can purchase premium durians, freshly opened by staff and served on trays to enjoy on-site. Beyond fresh durian, the centre also offers a variety of durian-inspired treats, including creamy durian cendol, durian egg tarts and other local favourites.
There’s also a souvenir section filled with unique durian-themed gifts, from chocolates and snacks to locally made keepsakes, and even durian perfume.
Museum, theatre and Instagram-worthy photo spots
KLDEX isn’t just about eating durian. Visitors can also explore a museum showcasing the history, cultivation and cultural significance of durian in Malaysia.
The attraction also features interactive photo zones inspired by traditional Malaysian settings, allowing visitors to snap nostalgic pictures before ending their visit with a 10-minute durian-themed theatre show, held four times daily.
Aiming to put Malaysian durian on the world map
According to KLDEX co-founder Edison Ang, one of the centre’s main goals is to introduce more international visitors, particularly tourists from China to Malaysian durians. Mandarin is prominently featured throughout the attraction to cater to Chinese visitors, reflecting China’s growing appetite for the fruit.
China remains the world’s largest durian market, spending nearly US$7 billion (RM28.5 billion) on durian imports in 2024. However, only around 3% of the durians imported into China currently come from Malaysia, with Thailand and Vietnam supplying the majority.
Ang hopes more Chinese visitors will discover Malaysian durians during their trips and help spread the word back home.
“We have the best durian in the world,” he said.
KLDEX ticket prices & opening hours
The Kuala Lumpur Durian Experience Centre is open daily from 10.30am onwards.
Admission tickets range from RM31 to RM68, making it a new stop for both locals and tourists looking to experience Malaysia’s famous King of Fruits in a whole new way.
Follow Wah Piang for more.
