Explore the traditional Malay art of batik - intricate designs hand-painted on fabric using wax resist dyeing techniques. Shop for souvenirs, clothing, toys, framed paintings, table runners and napkins, or take a peek inside the workshop to see talented artists hard at work, creating the very items sold in the store.
If you're feeling creative, book a batik class and create your own napkin, t-shirt, or scarf to take home. Choose from a wide selection of designs or bring your own to trace on the fabric. Staff then attach your fabric to a frame and teach you how to apply the hot wax and mix your favorite colors to dye your design. The best part? Simply leave your artwork to dry and enjoy your vacation while the staff set, wash and iron it for you. Come back the next day to collect your masterpiece. Easy!
Located in the heart of KL, the easy access of Jadi Batek is enhanced by the warm hospitality of its staff. Be awed at the beautiful display of hand-made original batiks and the versatility of the craft's applications.
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Look Around
Attaching cotton to the frame
Drawing a border around our fabric
Various colored dyes
Pattern beneath fabric ready for tracing
Adding creative flair
Finished tracing
Repeating trace with traditional batik hot wax pen
Wax dries and creates a boundary to prevent spread of dye
Step 2 complete!
Carefully adding color
Final touches on the border
Once finished, fabric is washed to seal the color.
Design 1
Design 2Who Will Like Jadi Batek Gallery
Culture Buff
Enjoy the huge variety of traditional batik designs with intricate motifs and vivid colors, historically made popular by south-east Asian royal patronage. Buy a classic batik sarong or participate in a class and create your own masterpiece to take home.
Retail Therapist
Visit the gallery to purchase intricate, hand-made souvenirs that represent part of Malaysian culture.
Fun Expert
Book a batik class for your family and let your kids have a go at painting their own t-shirt. Staff will happily complete the hot wax portion of the class for youngsters.
Insider Tips For Jadi Batek Gallery
Batik classes should be booked in advance, either in-store or online. Classes last at least 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your design. Prices vary depending on the item you choose to paint. Napkins (large squares) cost RM60 (USD$13.40) for cotton or RM80 (USD$17.87) for silk, t-shirts cost RM80 (USD$17.87), and silk scarves cost RM120 (USD$26.80). Aprons are provided to protect your clothes.
Video
Where Is It
How To Get There
Rideshare
Drivers drop off outside the main entrance.
Train (MRTTun Razak Exchange)
Walk 5 minutes northwest from the station.
Bus (Rapid KL Bus Green & PurpleStarhill Gallery)
Walk 8 minutes east from the station.
Bus (401#267 Menara RHB)
Walk 6 minutes northwest from the station.
Walking directions from bus... Google Map directions may be inaccurate
What To Bring
- Water to drink during class.
- Printed designs to trace onto your fabric (optional).
- Comfortable shoes suitable for standing over 1 hour.
- Small handheld fan if you are sensitive to heat, as the workshop area gets quite hot.
- Favorite clothes and shoes in case wax or dye gets on them.
Tech & Photography
Wifi
Public wifi access: None
Photography
Photography allowed: Yes
Tripod allowed: Not encouraged
Selfie sticks allowed: Not encouraged
Best time to shoot: Anytime
Tips: Photography is allowed in the workshop area but not in the gallery/shop.
Drones
Drones allowed: No
Bags
Backpacks allowed: Yes
Secured bag lockers available: No
Food & Drink
A handful of Chinese and western restaurants are located within walking distance.
Backstory
The wax resistant method of dyeing natural fabrics has been found in Egyptian tombs on 4th century BC cloth. Chinese artists' use of this method has been found on 600AD silk, traded along the silk road. The word 'batik' used to describe this dyeing process mainly on cotton, is a Bahasa word linking both Malaysia and Indonesia where today's most famous batiks are found. Each country has developed its own traditional designs and styles.
The Jadi Batek Gallery in Kuala Lumpur is the brainchild of Yong Jo and Thong Lai Ying who, in 1976, started making batik shirts and ties. The business grew to include women's and children's clothing and in 2004, they opened a display exhibit for tourists that today includes personalized classes.
Etiquette
- Be respectful to artists who are working and keep voices low in the workshop.
- Listen to artists’ instructions when creating your own batik.
- Take pictures in the gallery.
Scorecard
- Variety of items for sale in the gallery. Several small items are reasonably priced and suitable for souvenirs.
- Classes to create your own batik item and choose your own design.
- Open workshop where skillful artisans can be seen creating batik treasures.
- Expensive price for some items for sale in the gallery.
Oh, you're so close
The awesome itinerary feature is only for VIP Members.
But that's ok! You're welcome to join the cool club for free.
Joining only takes a minute and it's... um... free! Plus you get other perks like badges, points, and unicorns.
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