Asia’s First Durian Experience Centre Opens In Kuala Lumpur With Museum, Theatre And Tasting Sessions

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 – Asia’s first integrated durian experience centre has officially opened in Kuala Lumpur, giving locals and tourists a new cultural attraction built around Malaysia’s iconic “King of Fruits.” The Kuala Lumpur Durian Experience Centre, also known as KLDEX, was launched on July 4 in conjunction with the Malaysia Durian Festival 2026.

Located along Jalan Ampang, KLDEX was developed by MyBolehBoleh with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). The centre is designed to elevate Malaysia’s durian industry while strengthening the country’s image as a culinary and tourism destination.

Spanning 1,900 square metres, KLDEX brings together a durian museum, immersive theatre, food and beverage outlets, interactive workshops and cultural storytelling under one roof. The centre also offers durian tasting sessions, although visitors are required to register in advance.

The museum section gives visitors a deeper look into the history, cultivation, science and innovation behind durian. It is open daily from 10.30am to 10.30pm and operates on a ticketed basis.

One of the main highlights is the centre’s immersive theatre, which stages four performances daily. The original production follows the story of two rival durian traders whose competition eventually turns into friendship, combining rap, humour and references to Malaysia’s famous durian varieties.

KLDEX was co-founded by Ang Kean Wee and Edison Ang Wei Phang, with Enzo Sim serving as museum curator. The centre is positioned as a family-friendly destination that celebrates durian not only as a fruit, but also as part of Malaysia’s food heritage and cultural identity.

As an educational hub, the museum features historical manuscripts, interactive exhibits and a replica of a working durian plantation. These elements help visitors understand how durian became part of Malaysian daily life and how the country’s durian plantation industry evolved into an important contributor to agricultural exports.

Curator Enzo Sim said documenting Malaysia’s durian heritage is challenging because much of its history is based on oral accounts and limited written records. However, early references such as Admiral Zheng He’s encounter with durian during his 15th-century visit to Melaka and records from European explorers in the Malay Archipelago are documented in historical archives and manuscripts.

The centre also features a “durian orchard experience” zone that introduces visitors to orchard ecosystems and local cultivation methods. This section highlights the role of farmers, exporters and tourism stakeholders who have helped bring Malaysian durian to global attention.

Among the durian varieties highlighted at KLDEX are D24, Musang King and Black Thorn. According to Ang, the centre aims to preserve Malaysia’s durian cultural heritage and systematically document the stories behind these varieties, which have helped Malaysia gain international recognition.

Beyond history and education, KLDEX also uses paintings, sculptures and lifelike market stalls to show the emotional connection Malaysians have with durian. Combined with guided tasting sessions, these installations allow visitors to learn about different durian aromas, textures and flavours in a more interactive way.