If you’ve walked past a durian stall recently, you’ve probably noticed that durian prices this season have dropped quite a bit. Durian farms are producing a lot more fruit than usual, which means there’s more supply going around and prices have come down. Even Musang King, which normally sits at the expensive end of the market, has been selling for much less at some stalls during peak periods.

That also makes this one of the better seasons to try something different. Most people already know the big names, but not every good durian comes with a premium price tag. Some varieties are sweeter, some are more bitter, and some are easier to enjoy if you don’t want an intensely rich durian experience. You might end up finding that your favourite isn’t necessarily the one with the highest price per kilo.

Budget-Friendly Varieties

Durian kampung refers to local, ungrafted varieties grown in villages rather than commercial plantations. The taste varies wildly from tree to tree, which is part of the appeal. Some are sweet, some are bitter, and the flesh tends to be smaller with larger seeds. Think of it as a lucky dip. You won’t always know what you’re getting, but the price makes experimentation painless.

Keep an eye out for durian kampung “kahwin” (literally “married”). These are kampung trees that have been grafted with a premium strain like Musang King or Black Thorn, so the fruit picks up some of the flavour characteristics of the premium parent at a fraction of the price.  

Typical price: RM5–RM12 per kg 

D101 is a Johor favourite that’s well-suited for people who prefer a milder durian experience. The flesh is orange-tinted and creamy, with a gentler sweetness and less bitterness than D24. It’s often the variety parents pick for younger children or older family members who want something easier on the palate. 

Typical price: RM10–RM18 per kg

Golden Phoenix has a completely different character from most varieties. The flesh is pale yellow and more watery than you’d expect, but the aroma is among the strongest of any durian. The taste is mild and layered, starting with a floral sweetness and finishing with a slight bitterness and a faint alcoholic note. Not everyone takes to it, but its low price and wide availability make it easy to try without much commitment.

Typical price: RM10–RM18 per kg 

Mid-Range Varieties

D24 (Sultan) was the top choice for durian lovers long before Musang King became the default premium pick. The flesh is a pale, creamy yellow with a pronounced bittersweet flavour and a slightly drier texture. D24 is one of the most consistent varieties around, which is partly why it remains a crowd favourite. It’s also a good starting point if you’re introducing someone to durian for the first time, since the aroma is milder and the flavour is less overwhelming.

Typical price: RM12–RM20 per kg

Red Prawn (D175) stands out the moment you crack it open. The flesh ranges from orange to reddish, and the flavour leans heavily towards sweet with almost no bitterness at all. If you have a sweet tooth and find Musang King or XO too intense, Red Prawn is your variety. It’s creamy, rich, and closer to a dessert than most other types.

Typical price: RM15–RM25 per kg

XO is named after the cognac. The flesh looks pale and almost watery, which can be off-putting at first glance, but the flavour is strong, distinctly bitter, and has an alcoholic aftertaste from natural fermentation during ripening. XO is polarising. You’ll either love the intensity or find it too much, but if you enjoy bold, complex flavours, XO is the variety to try.

Typical price: RM15–RM28 per kg

The Premium Picks

Musang King (D197) is the variety most people think of first. Its thick golden-yellow flesh, bittersweet flavour, and creamy texture have made it the most sought-after variety in the country and the main export to China. You can identify a genuine Musang King by the distinctive star-shaped pattern on the bottom of the fruit. Prices fluctuate daily depending on supply, but expect to pay more for Grade A fruit from older trees.

Typical price: RM30–RM65 per kg

Black Thorn (D200) has grown in popularity over the past few years and now rivals Musang King at the top of the price list. It’s denser and more custard-like than Musang King, with an intense sweetness that finishes with a slight caramel note. It’s also harder to find in large quantities, so expect to pay a premium when it’s available.

Typical price: RM40–RM70 per kg

Where To Find Durians In The Klang Valley

Most densely populated areas in the Klang Valley have at least one reliable durian cluster during peak season. Here are some of the main ones.

SS2, Petaling Jaya is the most popular durian stretch in the Klang Valley. Multiple stalls line the streets, and competition keeps prices reasonable. SS2 Durian House Stall and DurianMan SS2 are among the bigger names here, and some stalls offer all-you-can-eat D24 buffets during peak season for around RM50 per person. Sinnaco Durian Specialist in nearby Seksyen 19 is another long-running option with an air-conditioned setting.

Kota Damansara has Rizky Durian on Jalan Teknologi, which stocks a broad range including Musang King, Tekka, XO, D24, and durian kahwin. They also offer delivery across the Klang Valley.

TTDI has Durian King TTDI, a roadside stall next to the TTDI wet market that stocks Musang King, Black Thorn, and Udang Merah alongside its popular durian cendol. Open from late afternoon until late.

Subang Jaya has two main options. Say Heng Durian in USJ 14 is one of the more established names in the area. Durian Hub at Dataran Millennium in SS13, launched in 2025, clusters several durian stalls in one open space alongside food trucks and a weekend car boot sale.

Jalan Mergastua, Kepong is known locally as “durian street.” Several stalls line both sides of the road, and you can reach the area by taking the KTM Komuter to Kepong station. Chen Brothers Durian & Fruit is one of the more established names here.

Bukit Bintang caters to both locals and tourists. DurianBB Park on Jalan Kamuning offers an air-conditioned setting with parking and sampling platters. Durian Bros, also in the area, updates its prices daily.

Taman Gembira is home to 318 Durian Stall, which is known for affordable Musang King and XO. Open until late, it’s a common stop for after-dinner durian runs.

If you’d rather skip the stall visit, you can now purchase durian with same-day delivery across KL and Selangor from GrabFood. 

Getting More From Your Durian Spending

Most roadside stalls are cash-only, so don’t count on swiping your card at every stop. Larger stores and delivery services that accept online payment do process card and e-wallet transactions, so if your card earns cashback on dining or online food delivery, those purchases could qualify.

For stalls that accept e-wallet payments, paying through GrabPay or Touch ‘n Go eWallet means you can still earn points or take advantage of any active platform-level promotions. During durian season, some delivery platforms also run time-limited voucher codes that can shave a few ringgit off your order.

Peak season means lower prices across every variety, so if you’ve only ever had D24 or Musang King, now’s a good time to try something new. Let us know what your favourite durian varieties are in the comments. Happy durian hunting! 

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