For a quick lesson in batik painting, be guided by Rashid Abdul Samad and you can take home a piece of art that’s truly your own.
FABRIC painted in vibrant colours and bold designs flapped gently in the sea breeze in Air Papan, Mersing. Surrounded by batik paintings, Rashid Abdul Samad sits, tracing design outlines with a canting, a special instrument with a small brass bowl at the end of a straight handle.

With a practiced hand, he makes smooth strokes. A tiny spout on the brass bowl allows molten wax to run onto the fabric.

The fascinating designs displayed in the windy shelter of the gazebo are a show of his talent for mixing solid colours with clever shading that gives life to orchids, flowers, seascapes, underwater scenes, butterflies and abstract images.

Do-It-Yourself Batik

Rashid Batik has for sale a collection of hand-painted designs on items from handkerchiefs to scrolls and banners. Malaysian batik appeals to visitors and locals as gifts and souvenirs and Rashid often creates custom-made, personalised designs for both individual and corporate customers.

Trained in the Kelantan batik technique and with more than 10 years experience in the art, Rashid also helps “students” create their own batik designs! Under his guiding hand, guests of Fishing Bay Resort here can paint their very own piece of batik at only RM10 per piece.

Getting There

Rashid Batik is located at 132, Jalan Haji Bandi, Kg Pengkalan Batu, 86800 Mersing, Tel: 07-799 6205 or 019-720 6295. Arrange your own batik painting experience with Rashid at Fishing Bay Resort by calling Tel: 07-799 6753 or email: fishingbbr@yahoo.com.sg and visit website: www.fishingbayresort.com.