Batik Boutique sells beautiful batik items made by women from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with an equitable, sustained livelihood.
Explore batik that weaves new livelihoods
Batik Boutique
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
Batik Boutique trains women to become seamstresses, and then hires them to create batik items for the boutique, providing a fair and sustainable income for women living in poor, urban conditions in Kuala Lumpur.
The sewing centre, located where the women live, has childcare, which allows the women to work without worrying about their children or travel arrangements.
When you shop at Batik Boutique, or participate in one of their craft workshops, you not only learn about a craft with a rich heritage, you also empower their women workers and enable them to help more people.
Read our Weekend of Good guide to Kuala Lumpur for more travel tips and ideas.
Watch our story on Batik Boutique to see how Batik Boutique changed the lives of women.
Getting there
Consider taking a taxi or ride share, as the area is limited in terms of access to public transport.
Amenities
Good for kids
About the host
Batik Boutique was founded by Amy Blair, an American living in Malaysia who became friends with Kak Ana, who was teaching her Bahasa Melayu. Discovering that Kak Ana, a single mum, had a gift for sewing, Amy hit upon the idea of setting up a social enterprise selling batik items made by women earning fair wages, giving them a chance to uplift themselves and their families.
Traveller's Notes
Making batik making is time intensive, so choose a simpler project — like a journal, serviette, scarf or pareo – if you want to take it home on the same day. Larger items may need to be collected on a separate day.
Also, inform the instructor beforehand so the studio can arrange for instant fabric dyes.
Article contributors
Photographer
Victoria Ong
We tell stories of everyday people doing good in Asia, to inspire action. Through The Better Traveller, you can dive into our travel stories and share ideas on how to make a difference on the go.