13 Unique New Hobbies To Pick Up In 2022 (And Where To Start Learning Around KL!)

Eunis Ong

Last updated 21 Mar 2024

Photo Credits: @kellytannnn, @ainaazrinzulkifli

New Year, New Hobby?

Hello, 2022! 2021 put a standstill on most of our travel and life plans, and although the fight isn't over yet, there are still ways to make your new year count. If you're looking to add more colour and meaning to your new year, how about picking up a new hobby?

From learning to put together pretty bouquets to growing your own edible garden full of your favourite herbs and vegetables, here are 12 unique new hobbies to add onto your 2022 checklist! Time to decide on one that interests you most:

New Hobbies To Pursue In 2022

1. Pottery-Making: Make Your Own Pretty Tableware

Explore the therapeutic art of pottery-making in 2022! Often described as a relaxing, satisfying, and even stress-relieving activity - there's nothing like creating your own ceramic tableware or decorations with your bare hands. Sign up for a pottery workshop at DIY Pottery Studio Paradigm Mall, a quaint space that's perfect for trying y our hand at pottery. The studio offers classes that are great for beginners and even children (with guidance from friendly instructors!), and you'll get to melt your stress away and explore your creative impulses in a casual, friendly, and relaxed environment. Pssst, don't say we didn't warn you that it can become an addictive hobby!

Uncover The Joys Of Pottery

2. Woodwork: Make Bespoke Furniture With Your Own Hands

For many people, the last time you picked up a hammer and tried building something of your own may be during your Kemahiran Hidup practical class back in secondary school. Started by a loving couple, ADIAIDA is a company that builds bespoke tables, chairs, shelves, and other beautiful wood furniture.

In 2019, they launched what is known as Malaysia's first women's woodworking workshop, a safe space for women (from as young as 13) to come together and learn to build their own furniture, may it be a neat multipurpose rack or a lovely side table. Sign up for a class at their little workshop in Ara Damansara - they offer a range of workshops from intro sessions to level up workshops, and even workshops just for couples or children!

3. Fishing: Keep Calm And Go Fishing

Wish to train your patience and have a calmer year in 2022? It's time to explore fishing as a new hobby! While it may sound boring for some, fishing has been proven to be a great activity for improving your mental and physical wellbeing, and also allows you to unplug and spend some quality time with your loved ones (or some me-time, if you prefer).

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and make your way to the Hulu Langat Fishing Resort, known as one of the best fishing spots in Selangor. The tranquil resort consists of a large fishing pond fringed by cosy accommodation for those who'd like to spend a night here. Cast your line and learn the art of fishing from private, comfortable platforms! Fishing rods, baits, and all the equipment you need are available for rental if you don't have your own.

4. Camping: Leap Into The Arms Of Nature

Camping is a hobby that will suck you in - you'll fall for it hard if you're a nature lover and don't mind falling asleep under a night sky with no air conditioning and limited internet coverage! Perfect for those who often feel overwhelmed with city life, spontaneous weekend camping trips will be great for you to unplug and recharge whenever you feel the stress kick in.

If the thought of mosquitoes and trekking through a forest scares you a little, there are many glamping and nature retreats around Malaysia (many that are reachable within 2 hours from KL!) for those who want a bit more comfort.

camping glamping best campsites malaysia kl

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5. Gardening: Grow Your Own Herbs & Vegetables

Exercise your green thumbs in 2022 and improve the quality of your life in the meantime - how does that sound? Eats, Shoots & Roots is a social enterprise that consists of a team dedicated to helping urban people and communities make the most out of their urban spaces, from converting your little balconies into edible gardens and growing your own herbs and vegetables in your backyard.

They offer a range of educational and fun workshops and courses (suitable for people of all ages, even the little ones!), as well as organic garden build packages that will help you kickstart your new hobby with the right seeds and good soil. Time to start growing your own cili padi, spring onions, and all your favourite veggies!

6. Bouldering: Become A Fitter Version Of Yourself In 2022

For those who wish to get fitter in the new year, bouldering is a great way to start! Bouldering is a fantastic exercise that's not just fun and challenging but also helps build up your strength, helps with stamina improvement, and can boost your concentration. It works all the major muscle groups in your body and is great fun whether enjoyed on your own or with a group of friends.

Best part? It's a sport that requires little investment - you don't need to purchase any equipment unlike some other expensive sports, simply head over to a climbing gym and book sessions by the hour whenever you're feeling like breaking a good sweat!

Ready To Start Climbing?

7. Diving: Uncover The Beauty Of The Underwater World

If you have friends around you that are certified divers, you'll probably have heard them go on and on about the beauty of the underwater world and how you have to get your license. If the thought of swimming alongside gentle sea turtles, beautiful schools of fishes, and even sharks excites you, it's time to tick getting your diving license off your checklist in 2021. Malaysia is a great place to get your diving license, and you can choose to get it at islands across the countries or even in KL!

All You Need To Know About Getting A Diving License!

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Planning to get a PADI diving license? Check out our complete guide from the best spots to get your license and the process to becoming a certified diver!

8. Art Jamming: Unleash Your Inner Picasso

While some people are born with artistic talent, everyone can be an artist as long as you have interest or invest effort to work on being good at it. One of our favourite art studios in town is Art and Bonding located in Desa Sri Hartamas! This social painting space is incorporated with a cafe, and provides a therapeutic experience for you to unleash your inner Picasso. You can choose to paint whatever you like, or pick from references available at the studio, with the guidance of passionate art assistants.

Unleash Your Inner Picasso!

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9. Swing Dance: Swing Your Worries Away

Ever heard of swing dance? Developed between the 1920s - 1940s, swing dance consists of a group of dances with the old school swing style accompanied by jazz music. Dedicated to a love of swing dance, swing music, and lindy hop, KL Swing is a fun, social group that organizes regular swing dance-related events that are great fun even for absolute beginners (including those who don't think they can dance)! The events are a great space to meet new people while swinging the night away. Check out the schedules available on their website and get ready to start swinging.

10. Flower Arrangement: Learn To Put Together Pretty Bouquets

Do flowers make you happy? Learn to make your own bunch of happiness in the new year, you can even try starting your own flower arrangement business once you're confident at it! Sign up for a handtied bouquet workshop and be guided by a professional instructor - you can opt for either a half-day or full-day class. All flowers and equipment required to assemble your very own bouquet will be provided, and you can choose to have an English or Malay-speaking instructor.

11. Brush Lettering: Master The Art Of Calligraphy

Brush lettering (also known as brush calligraphy) has become a popular hobby in recent years. If you've always been mesmerized by the graceful modern calligraphy art, it's time to make the magic happen with your own hands. The good thing about brush lettering is that it's easy to pick up (practice makes perfect!) and isn't an expensive hobby - all you really need are some brush pens to get started.

While there are studios in KL that offer classes if you like having more guidance, you can also pick up brush lettering on your own or sign up for an online workshop. Check out our 6-in-1 Online Workshop Bundle and attend 6 different online workshops (such as hand embroidery, brush lettering, and handsewing) at a single price! All equipment and materials will be provided and delivered to your doorstep, and you'll get unlimited access to the online course.

Check Out Our 6-In-1 Art Workshop Bundle!

12. Ice Skating: Learn To Skate Like Elsa

Perfect as a fun date activity or for family and group outings, ice skating is never a bad idea to spend some quality time indoors with your loved ones. Also, it's known to be a great exercise (perfect for improving balance, motor coordination, cardio health, and posture!) and you'll look super cool once you manage to master the skill. There are many ice skating rinks across Malaysia for you to pick up this new hobby, some of our favourite spots are Sunway Pyramid Ice, MYNISS in Empire City, and Blue Ice Skating Rink.

13. Soap Making: Make Your Own Natural Soap Or Skincare

This year, be kinder to your skin and try going chemical-free by making your own artisanal soap and natural skincare products with nothing but organic ingredients! Soap-making is a surprisingly therapeutic and fun hobby that can take your mind of things temporarily.

There are classes available around the city, but if you'd prefer to keep your distance during these unprecedented times, book yourself an online workshop and learn from the comfort of your home at your own pace! You'll get to learn how to make your own DIY soap or natural skincare from scratch in the form of easy-to-digest digital modules. Once you've gotten the hang of it, these natural products can even be made as great gifts for your loved ones!