Sunway City JB Durian Carnival 2025: All-You-Can-Eat Buffet and S$8 Shuttle From Singapore

All-you-can-eat buffet, family fun, and a return shuttle from Singapore for S$8?

Durian season is in full swing, and this year, Sunway City Iskandar Puteri in Johor Bahru is joining the celebration. From 31 July to 3 August 2025, the area will host its first-ever Durian Carnival. It’ll be a lively weekend event centred around one thing: eating as much durian as your heart (and stomach) can handle.

With a buffet priced at RM98 (S$29) per person and transport options from Singapore, this is one of the easiest ways to dive into the durian season without planning a full road trip. And beyond the buffet, there will be activities, snacks, and surprises for all ages.

Also read: Where to Find the Best Durian Buffets in Singapore (2025 Edition)

All-you-can-eat durian buffet for S$29

The main event is a durian buffet priced at RM98 per adult, or around S$29. For that, you get free-flow access to premium durian varieties served fresh under shaded, ventilated canopies. The vibe is relaxed, with staff ready to open each durian on the spot and help you tell the different types apart.

All durians are sourced directly from one of Johor’s largest orchards, so quality and freshness are the real deal. The line-up includes:

• Musang King – Creamy, bittersweet, and firm-fleshed with a bright yellow colour. Often the first to run out.

• Black Thorn – A softer, richer variety with a reddish tinge and custard-like texture. Slightly more intense.

• Red Prawn – Sweet and sticky, with a milder aroma that appeals to newer durian fans.

• Other kampung varieties – Sometimes hit-or-miss, but worth sampling for the fun of surprise flavours.

The setup is casual, and there is no need to pre-register. Just walk in, pay on-site, and eat at your own pace. There is no time limit, but the buffet runs on a while-stocks-last basis, so if you’re aiming for premium picks like Musang King or Black Thorn, it is best to arrive early in the afternoon before the evening crowd sets in.

Whether you’re a seasoned durian lover or trying to figure out what all the fuss is about, the buffet gives you the space to taste, compare, and even discover a new favourite.

Also read: What to Do in Tebrau Johor Bahru (JB): 1-Day Itinerary for Food & Fun

What else is happening at the carnival

There is plenty to enjoy at the Sunway Durian Carnival even beyond the buffet. The event is designed to be festive and family-friendly, with small touches that make the day feel more like a fair than just a food stop.

Throughout the grounds, you will find stalls offering durian-inspired snacks and drinks, a few hands-on stations such as a durian soap-making workshop, and carnival-style games like a durian-eating contest and a “Guess the Number of Durians” challenge. There are also photo spots and a selection of quirky merchandise, including plush toys shaped like durians.

If you are planning to do a bit of shopping at the carnival or at the adjacent Sunway Big Box Retail Park, there are spend-and-redeem promotions to take note of. With a minimum spend of RM688 (about S$200), you can redeem a Durian Family plush toy that doubles as a reusable bag. If you spend RM388 (about S$113), you can enter a lucky draw with prizes such as a 3D2N stay at Sunway Hotel Big Box, activity passes for XPark, and retail vouchers.

Tourists holding non-Malaysian passports can also redeem a welcome pack filled with shopping vouchers. All you need to do is show your passport on-site, which is a nice little bonus if you are coming in from Singapore just for the day.

Location, transport, and opening hours

The Sunway Durian Carnival will be held at Sunway Big Box Retail Park in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. It is located about 30 minutes from the Tuas Checkpoint and just 5 minutes from the Malaysia–Singapore Second Link, making it an easy destination for a quick cross-border trip.

For those coming from Singapore, a round-trip shuttle bus is available for S$8, operated on a first-come, first-served basis. The bus drops you off directly at the event grounds, which means no driving or parking is required. This is a convenient option for day-trippers or anyone who prefers a hassle-free way to visit. Shuttle bookings and details will be announced on Sunway Big Box’s official platforms closer to the date.

The carnival runs from 31 July to 3 August 2025, and is open daily from 12pm to 10pm. There is no entry fee, so you are free to walk in and explore the space at your own pace. The buffet is ticketed and paid on-site, but everything else, including games, shops, and displays, is open to the public.

Also read: Malaysia’s VEP Enforcement Has Begun: What Singapore Drivers Must Know in July 2025

Tips before you go

• Payment for the buffet is made on-site only

• Dress light and bring tissues or wet wipes (it will get sticky!)

• There is no time limit for the buffet, but the durians are first-come, first-served

• If taking the bus from Singapore, book early to secure your seat

• Follow Sunway Big Box’s Instagram for updates on crowd levels and stock availability

Also read: 7 Must-Visit Orchards in Malaysia for the Coming Durian Season

Final thoughts

The Sunway Durian Carnival is one of the easiest ways to enjoy durian season without leaving the city for a full orchard trip. It combines the best of both worlds. Premium durians brought straight from Johor’s farms, and a lively festival atmosphere that is welcoming to families, foodies, and first-timers alike.

Do dress comfortably, bring wet wipes, and if you are taking the shuttle from Singapore, make sure to book ahead once the link goes live.

With no entry fee, on-site payment, and plenty of side activities, this carnival is low-commitment but high-reward. Whether you are going for the durians, the games, or just to soak in the buzz, it is a fun way to spend a weekend afternoon across the border.