While many of us sleep at night,
some are covertly conducting a biannual nocturnal habit.
For much of July, durian pickers have been busy prowling forested areas islandwide.
At night, they shine flashlights on the forest floor,
scouring the area for freshly-dropped durians.
The activity can be exhilarating, dangerous and can reward handsomely.
It is also illegal.
In fact, 11 people were arrested in June for trespassing – and fighting
– while picking durians in a protected area in Mandai.
Yet such concerns take a backseat for seasoned durian pickers,
who are mostly middle-aged and senior citizens.
The Straits Times followed the durian scent to observe the fascination
surrounding the prickly fruit.
At known entry points to durian hotspots,
we speak to pickers clad in rubber boots, hats and carrying canvas bags.
One uncle shows us his loot of four durians; each larger than an adult's palm.
Durian picking is "exercise" for him.
As the fruits are free, why should people fight, the uncle asks in
Malay, referring to the 11 arrested pickers.
Local durians – those planted in abandoned kampungs –
are usually smaller than those sold in shops.
Their taste is subtle compared to commercially-available durians
that are fleshier and stronger tasting ,
whether sweeter, more bitter or creamier.
Many pickers share the locations of durian trees.
Some even share what they have been able to pick after waiting for hours.
Having patience and knowing the ground helps, said one picker seen carrying a large bag of durians.
When fewer people venture to the hard-to-get areas,
you can choose your durians at leisure, said the uncle.
But secluded areas – while yielding durians – can also hide dangers
like large uprooted trees and falling branches.
Entering a fenced-up forest in Choa Chu Kang, a female durian
picker climbs over drain railings.
Bicycles with baskets, often parked outside forested areas, are tell-
tale signs of durian pickers.
In the forest, harmless-looking terrain can land you deep in trouble.
And some come prepared with hard hats.
This is because a thorny king of fruits may suddenly fall from
branches, three-storeys high.
At night, the sounds of crickets and frogs can give you a feeling of
solitude and tranquility.
But a loud "thud" – often after the violent rustling of leaves and
broken branches – can send the heart racing.
There are others sitting quietly in the dark under makeshift tents.
In Jurong, one man meticulously brushes away dirt from his prized durian.
He says most wild durians are free from chemicals or pesticides.
They are best picked at night, before squirrels and monkeys forage
for them during the day.
His friend, Mr Leo says durian picking is a part of Singapore culture
that is at risk of extinction.
He suggests building a sanctuary where all Singaporeans can
explore the pastime safely and legally.
For now, warning boards and signage seldom discourage durian
pickers from trespassing.
The National Parks Board group director of conservation Lim Liang
Jim is concerned about the impact on biodiversity.
Straying from designated trails
into forested areas for durians is not safe and damages the forest, he says.
Under the law, a person can face a fine of up to $5,000 for picking durians in parks
and a maximum fine of $50,000 for doing so in nature reserves.