Jadi Batek in KL
Malaysian food often takes centre stage when locals talk about cultural identity. But there’s a textile art form, upheld and celebrated by both local communities and the contemporary fashion scene, that deserves a mention too: Malaysian batik.
To learn more about the process of producing Malaysian batik, Jadi Batek in Kuala Lumpur is one of the largest handicraft centres in the city that has a gallery on Malaysian batik and workshops for visitors to try painting their very own batik masterpiece.
What to expect at Jadi Batek
Batik, which loosely translates to “a cloth with little dots” in English, is an old textile art form in which a handcrafted fabric is waxed, dyed, and boiled repeatedly. Methods of producing batik vary across the region, and Malaysia’s very own distinctive process is showcased at Jadi Batek.
Here, visitors can join a batik workshop and also get to learn more about Malaysian batik.
There are local batik artisans at the studio, hard at work and hunched over their desks as they skillfully create rich patterns and alluring colours on large pieces of fabric with just strokes of a paintbrush. You can also join a guided tour of the Jadi Batek gallery to encounter a myriad of batik pieces in diverse designs and patterns behind frames to preserve the technical pieces.
Besides being awed by exquisite fabrics, the knowledgeable artists and guides passionate about the handicraft here will be happy to share more about the history and creative process behind Malaysian batik.
Batik workshop to DIY tote bags & wall art
If you’re feeling crafty, sign up for the Batik Class to get a hands-on experience learning about the intricate hand-painting process of batik.
You’ll first observe how the traditional fabric is made through a demonstration by professional artists. Then, get started on your very own batik masterpiece, which you can bring home with you upon completing it.
For beginners, there’s the simple Batik Colouring class (RM35), which comprises filling colours in a pattern that has been pre-drawn on a small canvas.
Those who would like a more authentic experience can opt for the Batik Drawing and Colouring class (RM68). This session lets you sketch wax drawings on a piece of fabric using a traditional canting tool, just like a true batik artist.
Jadi Batek also offers other fun workshops for those who want to bring home even more batik keepsakes, including a batik Tote Bag (RM68), T-shirt (RM80), Scarf Drawing (RM200), and Pareo Drawing (RM300) class.
Learn more about Malaysian batik at Jadi Batek in KL
Malaysia’s traditional art forms are as alluring and diverse as its heavenly cuisines. At Jadi Batek, you’ll be able to understand the local batik tradition better, and even create your very own batik masterpiece to bring home.
Address: 30, Jalan Inai, Off Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am-5.30pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2145 1133 |Jadi Batek website | Facebook | Instagram
Also watch our videographers try out batik painting:
Other places in KL that you should check out:
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Hans Leong.
This article was first published on 15th February 2023, and was last updated on 21st April 2025.