SINGAPOREANS are going across the Causeway to satisfy their penchant for durians: They are taking one-day durian tours to Malaysia, where most of the durians sold in Singapore come from, for a quick getaway and free flow of the pungent fruit.

Travel agents such as Maxpac Travel and Luxury Tours offer these tours to Johor every year during the durian peak season, which usually spans from June to August, and are reporting an increase in sales of up to 50 per cent.

At around $50 to $60 per person, the weekly tours on air-conditioned coaches typically include a visit to a durian plantation, where tourists can feast on all grades of the fruit, followed by shopping and a seafood dinner in Johor Baru.

Chan Brothers Travel, which launched its one-day durian and shopping tour this year, says the response has been encouraging, with over 100 bookings for its three August departures to date. Its spokesman says: 'Singaporeans, after all, are known for their penchant for epicurean pursuits.'

Read the full story in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times' Life!