Malaysia’s Tupai King Tops Prices Amid Durian Oversupply

By Danial Martinus • 09 Jul 2026 in News

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Tupai King has retained its crown as Malaysia’s most expensive durian variety amid a wider durian oversupply in the country, fetching up to RM120 per kilogramme.

While the name might sound unfamiliar to you if you’re not a durian connoisseur, Tupai King is actually pricier than the more well-known Black Thorn and Musang King varieties locally grown in the country.

First harvest already sold out despite hefty price tag and oversupply of other varieties

You might have noticed your friends and loved ones indulging a bit more in the King of Fruits lately, largely due to a nationwide oversupply, which has caused prices to dramatically plunge.

Musang King, for example, has recently been fetching as low as RM9 per kilogramme (a 90% decrease in value), despite export-standard allocations still commanding a respectable RM30-40 per kilogramme.

This writer’s house has been smelling like durian for the past two weeks because of said oversupply. You might be experiencing the same thing too.

Tupai King, on the other hand, can’t seem to keep up with demand despite being the most expensive Malaysian durian variety. The reason behind the under-supply makes a lot of sense when you take a closer look at the time that durian cultivation typically requires.

Priced at up to RM130 per kilogramme, Tupai King remains a rare but highly sought-after durian for its rich and creamy texture coupled with a bittersweet taste. It’s also got a slightly fermented character which is often compared to the taste of alcohol.

In terms of appearance, it’s unique for its slim, oval-shaped fruit and flesh that has a slight green tint, almost resembling a look of bruising. But it’s far from bruised, of course. If you’re wondering when Tupai King even entered the scene, you’re not alone.

It was first discovered 20 years ago by Penang farmer, Chew Chee Wan. He named it after his shop, Cap Tupai, and officially registered it as a standalone durian variety in 2021. Why is there an undersupply then? Durian trees typically take up to a decade to bear fruit, depending on the cultivation method.

The Tupai King variety particularly requires a lot more care since it takes longer to mature than other varieties. Farmers and orchard owners who grow this durian must also thin out smaller, developing fruits to make sure the remaining grade A fruits receive the best nutrition they can.

It’s more sensitive to unstable weather than other durian varieties, making it especially difficult to grow in Malaysia’s unpredictable tropical climate.

Have you tried any Tupai King yet?