We recently had the pleasure of revisiting Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur, but this time it was for Hari Kraf Kebangsaan 2023 event! We were super excited about our first visit and I made sure to bring my trusty camera along to capture the experience.
Before our visit, we had been at Pesta Kopi earlier that day on March 5th, a Sunday in 2023. By the time we arrived at the museum at noon, the parking lot was already full. Thankfully, a kind security guard suggested we park at the hotel next door, which was super convenient.
The event was divided into several large tents called Khemah A, B, C, and D. We managed to visit three of them, A, B, and D, and we somehow missed tent C. Each tent was packed with vendors displaying all kinds of amazing crafts.
The helpers at the entrance of each tent were friendly and helpful, and we felt right at home. We were also thrilled to find that the event was stroller-friendly, which made exploring with our young son a breeze.
As we made our way through the different booths, we found ourselves particularly drawn to those from Sabah and Sarawak. Maybe it was because my kampung is in Sarawak, and I hadn’t been back in over ten years. Whatever the reason, we were amazed by the range of crafts on display.
Ini Kraf Malaysia is the theme for this year’s Hari Kraf Kebangsaan, and over 380 craft entrepreneurs from all over the country are participating. From batik and weaving to pottery and woodcarving, there is truly something for everyone.
After a few hours of exploring, we decided to take a break and headed to the event’s family-friendly cafe. My wife and I shared a bowl of Gulai Masak Lemak while our son enjoyed his usual favourite fried chicken.
For those interested in a more hands-on experience, the event also offers interactive activities, such as Craftganza, that allow visitors to participate in the craft-making process and learn new skills. This is a great way to engage with Malaysia’s craft culture
As the clock approached 5 PM, we decided it was time to leave. However, we departed feeling inspired and grateful for the opportunity to learn about the various crafts and the stories behind them.
We had engaging conversations with some of the vendors and discovered even more fascinating details.
Overall, our visit to HKK 2023 was a truly eye-opening experience, and we can’t wait to go back soon.
We highly recommend this event to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in Malaysia’s vibrant craft culture!
Thank you for reading! You can visit our Facebook page to see all the pictures. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram! Our shop will be ready soon, so, stay tuned!
