Not all batiks bleed. Some do, and some bleed a lot. But as irishrose pointed out, so do some flannels and some quilting cottons...
Batiks are a denser weave because of the process used for making them. Some are a bit stiffer than other fabrics, although that improves if they're washed before using, and most of the nicer ones are not stiff at all. If you're quilting or piecing by hand, it might be more difficult to get the needle through them. However they're great for applique because they don't fray. And one of the joys of batiks is that they all seem to go together.