Call me challenged when it comes to crafts and arts. The only skill I have shown ever in a creative endeavor is with my camera and thank god for small mercies! So I had quite mixed feelings when I got to know that we were visiting the Noor Arfa Batik Complex at Kuala Terengganu.
![Noor Arfa Batik Complex, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia](https://traveltalesfromindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Noor-Arfa-Batik-Complex-Kuala-Terengganu-Malaysia.jpg)
The building itself is so impressive! Once inside we were given a tour of the complex where we saw skilled people displaying their crafts with a master’s touch. There was a lady who was painting and a gentleman who was working with glass. It was fascinating to watch their skillful demonstration.
![Batik Painting at Noor Arfa, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia](https://traveltalesfromindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Batik-at-Noor-Afra.jpg)
Soon it was out turn to try out these crafts. Two people from my group tried the painting and I was given two piece of strings to make a decorative pattern (not relate to Batik I guess). I was very happy when I was not asked to paint. I had drawing as a subject till class 8th and don’t even get me started on what a torture it was. My teachers would not fail me because I was good at all the core subjects, I was good at sports but when it came to drawing something as simple as an apple it would look more like a mango when I was through with it! My teachers took pity on me and would give me the passing marks. So I was happy I was spared the experience again.
![My level of Skills at Crafts!](https://traveltalesfromindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/My-level-of-Skills.jpg)
Coming back to these strings that were supposed to make a pattern, I thought they made perfect cat whiskers! But our hosts disagreed and wanted me to try it out. Try as I may I would not get the pattern according to which they had to be folded. Very soon others were getting a hang and I relied on the kind souls who got it to weave it out for me!
I of course bought Batik. I have given it to get a kurta stitched and the tailor is giving me a slip for a month now. She keeps saying come this day, come that day. So as soon as I finish this post I am going to call her and shout at her!
What beautiful batik!
Those are beautiful creations. Malaysian tourism board has given Batik a lot of importance. Good for the art.
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