Malaysia's Bentong town to host international durian fest

Bentong in Pahang, Malaysia will host the International Durian Cultural Tourism Festival 2017 on November 25 and 26.

Durian festival
A participant carries his durian as he takes part in the Durian Run in Singapore July 23, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su Reuters

The International Durian Cultural Tourism Festival 2017, is all set to enthrall tourists and citizens alike. According to the president of Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), Seri Liow Tiong Lai, the Southeast Asian country will host the event on November 25 and 26 at Bentong, Pahang.

The event will be jointly organised by MCA's Belt and Road Centre (Mbrace) and Hunan Broadcasting System Company's Mango Entertainment. 50,000 visitors are expected to be a part of the event.

Durian is a fruit of several species of trees belonging to the Durio genus. There are over 300 named varieties of the fruit in Thailand and Malaysia. The different varieties of the fruit are available across all local markets. In south-east Asian regions durian is famous as the notorious 'King of Fruits' for its size, shape, odour, thorny outer layer and colour.

According to Liow, it is more than an agricultural product there. For ages, the fruit has strengthened the bonds between people of Malaysia and China.

Bentong was chosen as the venue for the festival as it is renowned for Musan King which is another variety of durian. According to the authorities, this festival can promote Bentong as an internationally acclaimed eco-tourism spot.

Besides durian related products, the two day festival will also stage other tropical fruits and agricultural products such as Bentong ginger. Apart from the delicious spread, visitors will also get a chance to attend a music party which will be held on the night of November 25.

Hunan broadcasting system will promote the event via various channels, radio and social media. For all durian lovers, the Malaysia International Durian Cultural Tourism Festival 2017 should be at the top of their to-do list.

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