Room and durian a welcome combo
Cream of the crop: A worker holding a Musang King durian, which is one of the favourites among visitors from China, Hong Kong and Macau. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Many hotels fully booked as holidaymakers flock to Penang
GEORGE TOWN: Never underestimate the power of the Musang King, Black Thorn and all their genetic cousins to pull in the crowds.
With the durian season here as well as the school holidays, most hotels were at least 85% full during the weekend, said Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang chapter chairman Tony Goh.
He said that occupancy was strong during the period with some hotels fully booked, while others recorded over 85% full.
'The hotels were packed and did well during the long weekend.
'Hotels by the beach and in the town area were almost full,' Goh added.
As with the yearly tradition, most hotels bundled room rentals with all-you-can-eat durian feasting.
'Penang is renowned for having orchards that produce durians you cannot find in other states.
'Other than the ever-popular Musang King and Black Thorn, there are 'vintage' clones like Hor Lor, Red Prawn, Green Skin and Capri, and rare variants like Tupai King and Lin Feng Jiao (purportedly named after Hong Kong superstar Jackie Chan's wife).
Breezy trail: Visitors enjoying their walk at the Esplanade in George Town, Penang.
'Each variant offers a slightly different tang, and for durian lovers, these are complex flavours to be appreciated and deciphered,' said Goh.
Penang tourism committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the 'King of Fruits' was a fail-proof attraction.
He said with the surge in visitors, the funicular train to Penang Hill also saw an increase in ridership: 6,691 on May 30; 8,183 (May 31); 9,396 (June 1); and 9,251 (June 2).
'The ridership totalled 33,521 in the past four days.
'On normal non-peak days, it is around 4,000 a day,' Wong said.
He said the increase in visitors was also attributed to Singapore's school holidays, which had started as well.
Wong urged tourism players, including hawkers, to give out good deals and provide top-level service during the holiday period.
As for Penang's ever-popular murals, Wong urged visitors to avoid scribbling, scratching or defacing them, which had happened in the past.
'The murals are meant to be admired, not vandalised,' he said.
Penang Tourist Guide Association chairman Clement Liang advised tourists to avoid engaging unlicensed tourist guides.
'Many visitors unknowingly hire unlicensed guides and end up being disappointed by the tours organised,' he said.
Liang urged tourists to use only licensed hotels and facilities to avoid scams.
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