WHEN it comes to the durian season in Penang, many people would usually think of Balik Pulau, which is renowned for its Musang King, Black Thorn (Or Chi) and other durian varieties.
However, there is a place on Penang Island that even many locals may not realise has a durian orchard — a mature residential neighbourhood at Lorong Tembaga, which connects Jalan Tembaga and Medan Tembaga in Island Park.
Behind a zinc sheet gate at the entrance lies a narrow, steep incline that leads to a quiet hillside, where a four-acre durian estate is nestled among several rambutan trees.
Managed by husband and wife team Michael Chew and Valerie Goh since 2018, the durian orchard has about 20 durian trees of different varieties, except for Musang King and Black Thorn, as well as 10 rambutan trees. Part of the land, which contained about 10 more durian trees, had to be ceded for an ongoing highway project.
“Although this is a small durian estate, it takes a lot of hard work to look after it. Because I love eating durians myself, I took on the long-term tender for it. It is more like a hobby to me.
“I think not many people would want to do this kind of tough job, especially clearing the bushes,” said Michael, a house repair contractor, during a recent interview with Buletin Mutiara at his orchard.
Unlike most large durian orchards, Chew does not use chemical fertilisers for his fruit trees, many of which are between 80 and more than 100 years old. The varieties grown there include Ang Hey (Red Prawn), D2, 604, No. 14, Bola, Kun Poh and Katak.
“I use durian skins and fallen rambutans as natural fertilisers. I want my durian trees to remain organic. The fruits may not look as beautiful as those from non-organic trees.
“Some of my customers have told me that they do not experience a sore throat after eating our durians,” he said.
Goh packs the durians for sale or, depending on the number of orders, delivers them directly to customers. Since 2021, during the durian season, she has stationed herself at The Garden Banana Leaf Restaurant in Jalan Free School, which serves vegetarian-based dishes.
“The durian season is coming to an end now,” said Valerie, a cancer patient who continues to maintain a cheerful disposition while selling the packed durians and inspiring hope in others.
During her treatment, she said she consumes healthy food to strengthen her immune system.
“I eat vegetables and fish, except for mackerel (ikan kembung) and stingray (ikan pari),” she said.
Adding to the orchard’s meaningful story is the couple’s generosity in opening their durian estate to underprivileged children from homes such as The Shan Home and the Children Protection Home.
During a recent Father’s Day celebration, several children from these homes were brought to the orchard by R. Vairavasundaram, proprietor of The Garden Banana Leaf Restaurant. He and his friend, Mangala Vanan, sponsored the visit. Vairavasundaram fetched the children, while Mangala joined the outing with his family.
“We have been bringing children from the homes here for a durian treat during Father’s Day for the past four years. This year, the children again had a great time enjoying the durians and rambutans.
“Valerie has been my long-time customer. I provide her with space at my restaurant to sell durians without charging her any rent. She and her husband know that I have been distributing food to hardcore poor families in Taman Free School and its neighbourhood. They have been supportive of my efforts by contributing packed durians and bee hoon for me to distribute to those in need.
“This year, I also delivered whole durians and packed durians to Ru Yi Home,” said Vairavasundaram.
Goh said that for many of the children visiting the orchard, it was their first experience stepping into a durian estate.
“They were so happy plucking the red rambutans and filling their pockets. Seeing the smiles on their faces reminded us that this orchard is not just about durians but also about sharing happiness with others,” she said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan, Kevin Vimal and courtesy of Valerie Goh