Shopping for batik in Malaysia
Ghazali batik hearts on cloth
Malaysia is awash with places where tourists can purchase some high quality batik, such as from shopping malls, flea markets and even direct from the factory. There are countless vendors all over the country who offer superb batikwear at reasonable prices, and often there are brilliant discounts if shoppers stray a bit from the touristy areas. Although bargains can certainly be found at Central Market in KL, or at Batu Ferringhi’s night bazaar on Penang, your bartering skills will be tested to their limits in order to secure a fair price.
History of batik
The word ‘batik’ literally translates as ‘writing in wax’ as this is how the delicate patterns which characterise the artform are embedded onto the fabric. Then whichever colours are desired are subsequently dyed in place, and the entire process is repeated until all the necessary shades to complete the design have been added and the effect complete.
Next is removing the wax, which is achieved by ironing the garment with some paper which collects the hot liquid. However, in the days before industrial presses the piece was traditionally boiled or steamed to rid it of any unwanted materials.
Batik is not unique to Malaysia and is a decoration type found in numerous territories around Asia. In fact its earliest forms are attributed to ancient Egypt as examples of batik have been unearthed in pharaohs’ tombs dating back around two millennia. But in the 1200s the manufacture of batik truly took hold on the Indonesian island of Java, although East Malaysia is commonly regarded as being home to the world’s finest batik in modern times with the best quality material and patterns.
A woman painting the pattern of batik
There are mentions of batik in Malaysian literature as far back as the 17th century with a fable in which Sultan Mahmud told an adventurer by the name of Laksamana Hang Nadim to travel to India and fetch back 140 pieces of batik serasah cloth, each decorated with 40 unique special of flower. But the hapless Nadim was unable to find any in the subcontinent and decided to produce his own avoid infuriating the tyrannical sultan. In the end our poor hero was shipwrecked on his return and could only salvage four pieces to present to his master.
Buying batik in Malaysia
Specific batik patterns were once attached to a particular family or tribe, but these days contemporary fashion houses can mix and match different patterns as they see fit without any reference to their historic and cultural significance. People looking to find batik in Malaysia will have their pick of sarongs, beach towels, boxer shorts, shirts and dresses.
Famous Malaysian fashionista Eric Tho has adopted batik as his distinguishing mark and regularly utilises the textile for clothes and household furnishings such as bedspreads, cushions and duvet covers. In modern times it is tropical imagery of palm trees and flowers which are more popular than traditional geometric patterns which Malaysian batik has historically featured.
On the island of Penang there are plenty of places to purchase great quality batik. One of the best is Little Penang Street Market which takes place each last Sunday of the month on Upper Jalan Penang (10:00 – 17:00, Tel: +60 (0)16 488 3632, littlepenang@gmail.com). Maphilindo (217 Jalan Penang, Georgetown) is another good choice whilst Penang Batik Factory (651 Mukim II Swd, Teluk Bahang, Tel: +60 (0)4 885 1284) allows guests to watch the dying and weaving process up close.
In Kuala Lumpur one of the best places to find batik is at Central Market by Chinatown. But Jadi Batek Gallery (Jalan Inai, off Jalan Imbi, +60 (0)3 2145 1133) has workshops and demonstrations at its impressive factory whilst Batek Malaysia (38 Jalan Chow Kit, Taman Cahaya, +60 (0)3 4044 5491) also has a great range of modern and traditional designs.
Travel fact
The Malaysian government has leapt upon batik as embodying a national identity and it commonly appears at state functions worn by dignitaries. Malaysian fashion designers are actively encouraged to incorporate batik designs into their repertoire. Even civil servants have been encouraged to don batik attire every fortnight on the first and 15th day of each month. If you fancy learning about the production and getting the best deals, then head for the source with our guide to finding the best Malaysian batik.
Maintaining batik
Batik cloth should be treated with respect to ensure it does not fade or age prematurely. Batik must always be hand-washed or preferably soaked in warm soapy water and merely rinsed. Squeezing batik cloth has been known to make colours run, so in case they have not properly set, just allow the garment to drip dry away from direct sunlight as this can also fade the patterns. Do not spray perfume onto batik or iron the textile directly but steam the fabric instead. Silk batik must be dry cleaned.
