Seang Hin Leong, a hidden gem in Penang, is a charming rattan shop that captures the essence of traditional craftsmanship. Nestled in the heart of George Town, this family-run business has been weaving rattan furniture and home accessories since the 1950s. 

Stepping into this shop is like taking a journey back in time — one where we witness veteran weaver Sim Chew Poh create intricate designs with age-old techniques. Sim learned the rattan weaving trade at the age of 16 under his father, the shop's founder, who had learned the craft from his own father.

You can book a 20-hour, five-day workshop with Sim through the Vacation With An Artist platform. This platform offers travellers a unique opportunity to experience a mini-apprenticeship with master artists and craftspeople. Sim’s workshop goes beyond teaching rattan weaving; it provides an intimate look into his daily life and creative rhythm, making the experience more immersive and deeply meaningful.

While Sim is able to provide instruction in English (a Swedish traveller felt “very welcome” and “never... uncomfortable or misunderstood”), you may get more out of your interactions if you can converse in Mandarin or Malay.

Get directions to Seang Hin Leong

To demystify the centuries-old art of Wayang Kulit (where puppets are used to cast shadows on a white screen), you can learn to make your own leather puppet under the tutelage of master puppeteer Mohd Jufry Yusoff. Born into a family of wayang kulit dalangs (puppeteers), Jufry was steeped in the art from an early age. Raised in his grandfather’s home, where performances and teaching were part of daily life, he and his siblings would imitate the adults, crafting puppets from paper and practising without music.

This traditional theatrical art combines hand movements with voice acting and singing. It is close to Jufry’s heart as the arcane skill was handed down to him by his late grandfather—when Jufry listens to performances or when he is conducting his own, he is fondly reminded of his grandfather’s voice.

Depending on your availability, you can train with Jufry in a five-day workshop (held by different organisers). You will make and keep a shadow puppet while practising the basics of shadow puppetry. You will also learn to play some of the traditional musical instruments used in Wayang Kulit performances. Lessons can be conducted in English or Malay.

Get Directions to Wayang Kulit Workshop

Photo by Someus Christopher on Unsplash

Joss sticks (or incense burners) are used by the Chinese for religious ceremonies, ancestor worship rituals, and daily prayers. The Chinese believe that the burning sticks send a smoke signal to the gods, alerting them that offerings have been made. Joss sticks are made by rubbing sandalwood powder and other ingredients into dough, which is then pressed onto sticks.

Founder Lee Beng Chuan, one of Penang's last traditional joss stick makers, picked up the craft in his 20s after spending six months observing an expert at work. From his modest shop on Carnarvon Street, he meticulously handcrafted each joss stick, preserving a centuries-old process passed down through three generations. Though he passed away in 2020, he left the business in the capable hands of his son, Lee Chin Poh, who inherited and mastered the craft from his father. You can drop in at Lee’s shophouse to watch him at work.

Get directions to Lee’s shophouse

In Peranakan culture (the culture of those with Chinese as well as Malay/Indonesian heritage, typically born in the “Straits Settlements” of Singapore, Malacca, and Penang), intricate beaded shoes were once considered status symbols. Today, they continue to be worn by Peranakan women (known as “Nyonya”). Colourful beaded shoes make an appearance during celebratory occasions, while sombre events require footwear with muted tones, such as black, white, or blue.

Tan Kok Oo is a beaded shoemaker who has been honing his craft since the 1970s. His work involves a painstaking process of hand-sewing fine glass beads onto a cloth (the “face” of the shoe) which is later nailed to the sole. Patience and perseverance are essential, as it can take up to three months to create an exquisite pair of shoes. A good eye and the courage to be creative also play a part in ensuring a pleasing design.

“You really need colour contrast so you must be daring, yet the colours have to be harmonious,” explains Tan.

Despite the laborious work, Tan is more than willing to welcome visitors into his studio. “I am happy for people to come and see my shoes, and take photos to show to their friends,” he says. Do take up his invitation and be enchanted by this classic Peranakan art form.

Get directions to Nyonya Beaded Shoes

For more must-visit spots, explore our Destination Insights section. Enhance your tropical adventure with a stay at PARKROYAL Penang Resort, a beachfront retreat offering an unforgettable escape into paradise.