People going to Pulau Ubin to pick free durians, but it's illegal

Pulau Ubin has been hosting more visitors than usual, all thanks to the durian season.

People residing on mainland Singapore, who like durians, are heading to Pulau Ubin.

They are taking a ferry to go to the offshore island in a bid to forage for free durian after a durian bonanza on the island, 8world reported.

This is despite it being illegal to pick the fruit.

Durian season

The durian season, which typically occurs from June to September annually, drew at least 200 people to the island on Jun. 6 alone.

There has apparently been a 50 per cent increase in durian production there.

One local, who resides on the island, shared that he is no longer surprised by the seasonal influx of crowds.

When 8world reporters visited Pulau Ubin on Jun. 10, they saw at least eight people searching for wild durians within a two-hour window.

Some were scouting on bicycles, while others waited under trees for the fruits to fall.

At least four people were seen heading back to the pier with two large bags filled with durians.

Hong, a visitor, told 8world that this was his second visit to the island that week.

Despite catching a 7am ferry and arriving by 8am, there were already about 10 people there picking durians.

Hong, who only visits the island during durian season, managed to gather over a dozen durians in just two hours.

He explained that he usually sells some of his haul on the island to cover his travel expenses, before bringing the rest home to share with family and friends.

Disturbance to residents

A TikTok on durian-picking spots was recently taken down after residents said the influx of visitors was disrupting their lives.

When 8world spoke to some residents, they shared that they were not being disturbed by visitors, but their business has been affected.

As the residents harvest and sell their own durians, the free wild fruit has caused their sales to decrease by around half.

One resident said visitors picked a lot of fruit, but did not buy from local sellers: "Today we have more than 100kg of durians, but we have only sold a few dozen kilograms. In previous years, we didn't have enough to sell."

Legally speaking

Though tempting, picking or gathering fruit in public without permission can result in a fine of up to S$5,000.

Under the Parks and Trees Act, trees and their fruit belong to the state and are typically managed by the National Parks Board (NParks).

In more serious cases involving nature reserves or national parks, penalties can go up to S$50,000 or a jail term of up to six months, or both.

Anyone who wishes to pick or gather fruit must apply for a permit from NParks in advance.