Things To Do In Singapore With Your Hands: Batik, Perfume And Pottery Workshops

Photo Credit: ThowKwang

Singapore offers workshops in batik, pottery, perfume making and more, with prices from about $20 to more than $100 a session. Time Out Singapore lists a one-off pottery session at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle at $75, where you use the wheel and bring home two fired pieces. Visual Arts Centre lists batik cloth painting at $55 nett per person. Prices vary by studio and date, so check before you book.

This guide compares the main types and what to ask before you pay.

What Craft Workshops Are Good Things To Do In Singapore?

Pottery is the most popular. Time Out says Thow Kwang Pottery pairs a dragon kiln, the last one surviving in Singapore, with pottery workshops on Sundays. Wonderwall describes it as home to Singapore’s oldest operational dragon kiln, in Lorong Tawas, but notes the site is not very accessible for wheelchair users. A travel report says its two-hour workshop is led by members of the Tan family, who keep traditional kiln firing alive.

Batik is a close second. Klook lists a two-hour batik painting workshop where you paint a design onto fabric and bring home your own artwork. Visual Arts Centre lists batik cloth painting at $55 nett per person, with a choice of pre-waxed designs and indigo dyes. A Kampong Glam trip adds more, because Seek Sophie says the neighbourhood has workshops on traditional Malay crafts such as silversmithing and songket weaving.

Perfume making is a gift option. Klook’s craft guide lists Oo La Lab, where you blend your own scent, and its activity pages list a personalised perfume workshop by ZUBYR Parfums.

A short answer to “which workshop should I try first?” is pottery for a classic, or batik for something shorter and cheaper.

How Much Do Workshops Cost?

Prices differ a lot. Here is a snapshot from published guides.

Time Out also lists painting sessions in a curated indoor garden setting at $35 for two hours, and MiddleClass lists pottery workshops at Thow Kwang from $28 to $80.25 per person in an older article. Because several listings are dated, treat them as a range, not a quote.

If you enjoy arts events, our report on CITRUS Fest 2026 covers another side of Singapore’s creative scene.

How Do I Pick And Book A Class?

Think about what you want to take home. A pottery piece needs firing, so you may collect it later, while a batik painting is ready the same day. Ask what is included, including materials, aprons and a take-home piece.

Check the logistics. Seek Sophie says many workshops can be booked online through platforms such as Airbnb Experiences and Klook, and that costs vary with duration and materials. Ask about group size, age limits and the cancellation policy. If you are going with children, confirm that the class accepts them, as MiddleClass notes some studios run separate children’s workshops at their own price.

Wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty. Arrive on time, since late arrivals can disrupt a small class.

Is A Workshop Worth The Money?

I think so, if you enjoy making things. A two-hour class for $55 to $75 is a modest outlay, and you leave with an object. If you prefer low-effort fun, a workshop may feel more tiring than fun.

Here is the blunt limitation. Many prices come from older guides, and studios change schedules, prices and locations. Some venues may not be wheelchair accessible. Check the studio’s own page for the latest details before you book.

For more ideas across the island, browse our Lifestyle section for more things to do in Singapore.

What Should I Ask Before I Book?

Ask what the price covers. Visual Arts Centre lists most of its 2026 workshops at $50 to $75 nett per person, with urban sketching at $60. Ask how many people are in the class, how long it runs and whether materials, aprons and a take-home piece are included. Seek Sophie says many workshops can be booked through platforms such as Airbnb Experiences and Klook, so compare the studio’s own page with those listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience? No. Visual Arts Centre describes its batik workshop as beginner-friendly, and Time Out says Thow Kwang’s one-off session introduces you to the wheel.

Can I bring children? Some studios offer children’s workshops, according to MiddleClass, but rules differ. Ask about age limits when booking.

How long do classes last? Klook lists a batik workshop at two hours, and Time Out says a rug-making class needs about four hours. Check each class page.

Can I take my pottery home the same day? Not always. Pottery needs firing. Time Out says Thow Kwang’s session lets you bring home two fired pieces, so ask when you can collect yours.

If you know a workshop we should add, email us at admin@dei.com.sg.