There is something quietly compelling about eating durian with sea air drifting in. At Ferringhi Durian Station, set up at the former tennis courts opposite Shangri-La Rasa Sayang in Batu Feringgi, that is exactly the kind of afternoon on offer.
Among those who turned up at the venue was Dato Khoo Boo Lim, Vice President of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) National Board and Board of Director of the Penang Conventions and Events Bureau (PCEB). A longtime figure in Penang’s hospitality scene, he did not hold back his view. “Penang’s durians are the best!”.
Running daily through May to July 2026, the Eat All You Can Durian Buffet gives in-house guests of Shangri-La Rasa Sayang and Shangri-La Golden Sands a rare chance to sit with Penang’s seasonal harvest at RM88 nett per person. The spread reads like a primer on local durian culture: Horlor, Capri, Khun Poh, Lipan and Green Skin, alongside à la carte options for the coveted Musang King, Black Thorn and Tupai. Fresh coconut water, rambutan, mangosteen and cempedak round out each one-hour session.
But the story worth telling is not just what is on the table. It is where it all comes from.
The durians are sourced from Song Hai Durian, a 22-acre orchard tucked into Sungei Dua, Balik Pulau, on the quieter side of Penang island. Song Hai established the orchard in 1966 and today runs it alongside his four children. More than half of the 800 or so trees are over 50 years old, which means some of them were bearing fruit before many of their guests were born. The orchard carries over 30 homegrown varieties, from Red Prawn and Horlor to Black Thorn and Tupai, and backs its quality with proof: a Durian Champion award for Red Prawn and 1st Prize for Red Prawn / Udang Merah D175 at Pesta Durian Pulau Pinang 2025, both recognised by the Penang State Government.
“We are delighted to bring our fresh Penang durians to visiting guests at Ferringhi Durian Station. For us, durian farming is more than a business — it is a family legacy that began in 1966 and has been passed down through generations. With over 30 unique varieties grown at our orchard, we are proud to continue offering high-quality, healthy and safe durians in a warm and welcoming setting. We hope every guest will enjoy the rich taste of our durians and the natural goodness of Penang’s seasonal fruits and leave with a memorable experience that reflects our passion, care and commitment to excellence,” said Song Hai Durian.
Sessions are available three times daily at 11:30am, 2:30pm and 5:30pm, limited to 50 guests each. Vouchers are available at the hotel’s Front Desk. For group bookings, contact Cris at 014-616 0728 at least a day ahead. Parking is available for cars and tour buses.
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang is running a Penang Durian Experience which include exclusive stays bundled with 60-minute all-you-can-eat Penang local durian buffet at Ferringhi Durian Station. Indulge Penang’s finest durians while having your seaside holiday. Check out the offer here https://shorturl.at/oMmHE
