How nice would it be on a rainy day to curl up in a corner with a book and a steaming mug of hot chocolate? But first you need to get your hands on a good read! Books are friends with no expectations, they bring joy and enlighten those who befriend them, anytime, anywhere. Visiting bookstores can give you a sense of calm and some can excite you enough to take selfies! Here we have 9 dreamy bookstores that bookworms will love, don’t blame us if you come back with a ton of books and even more selfies! Happy Reading and make books your best friends!
- Junk Bookstore
Have you ever tried smelling the pages of a book, especially when it ages? The smell is as heady and aromatic as aged wine, no kidding! If you want to be surrounded by nostalgia and the aroma of books throughout the ages, head to Junk Bookstore, Malaysia’s second largest second hand bookstore according to the Malaysia Book of Records. With over 3 million books, be prepared to spend hours browsing through. They even have an upper level too so don’t forget to take a peek! Ranging from old music records to comic books and novels, there’s a little something for anyone who visits the Junk Bookstore which has been around for more than 20 years.
Address: 78, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: +603-2078 3822
- Lit Books
The name of this bookstore came about as the owners strongly felt that books light up a person’s world, how true. Their logo is even of a light bug to illustrate how books illuminate the mind. Come here if you intend to enrich the mind with solid fiction and non-fiction from acclaimed authors. Each title is handpicked, ensuring that the book you read satisfies the reading soul. Choose from collectors’ editions to new releases. They even have literary themed merchandise and gifts that are shipped all the way from the UK and US for bibliophiles! A drinks bar is available too should you need a sip after all that browsing. Literature has never been this lit!
Address: P-1-11 Tropicana Avenue, 12, Persiaran Tropicana, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Contact: +603-7886 6988
- Monalisa Bookstore
Built based on Feng Shui and having a Chinese phrase which means “Emperor’s Library”, you will be awestruck by the design that combines influences from the East and West. The owner’s vision was to have “the most beautiful bookstore in Malaysia” and he may be achieving that from what we can see. This bookstore has an extensive collection of Chinese language books that are specially curated. Wood paneling surrounds you and pastel tones give you a sense of Zen as you browse. Take a break at their in-house cafe with some cake and coffee. Go back home calm and collected with a bag full of books!
Address: F-8-1, Pusat Perdagangan Bandar Bukit Jalil, Persiaran Jalil 1, 57000 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: +603-8657 5188
- Tintabudi
Owned by a young man, Tintabudi is an independent bookstore that specializes in literature, philosophy, history and arts. All the book topics here are stimulating to the mind and cater to the voracious reader who enjoys the intricacies books have to offer. Nestled in the restored 1950’s Zhongshan Building, there are no signboards to indicate where the bookshop is on the top floor. Walk up the stairs to a door that leads you into a quaint bookstore of treasures. They also have an online IG store for now as they are undergoing renovation. Don’t worry, they won’t be going anywhere so you can visit Tintabudi once it reopens after reno!
Address: 80, Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: +6012-600 1472
- Book Xcess Sunsuria Forum
Book Xcess has done it again! With half a million books, bookworms will be taken on a reading journey as this Book Xcess is Malaysia’s first ever book tunnel concept bookstore! Spread across 16,000 square feet, you will literally faint at the sight of so many books! A spiral tower leads into the basement of the bookstore, giving you an “Alice of Wonderland” feel. This bookstore has taken inspiration from South Korea’s Starfield Library which is super dreamy as well! Reading spaces and workstations are available for those who want to read or carry on with work surrounded by books. Grab a coffee from Wolf Cafe, sit back and enjoy the literary ride!
Address: SB-1, Sunsuria Forum, No.1, Jalan Setia Dagang AL U13/AL, Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor.
Contact: +603-5031 9458
- Monsoon Books
Located above Wild Sheep Home ice cream, this independent bookstore is a must-visit. Although discreet, it’s well-known by residents in the neighborhood. Boasting a curated selection of Chinese books from China and Taiwan, you may just find Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin, a famous book that details the lives and structures of 18th century China. A few English titles are available as well. There is an outdoor seating area that’s perfect for relaxing with a book and a cup of ice cream. Discover a cozy reading nook in PJ!
Address: 1st Floor, 605, Jalan 17/12, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Contact: +6019-233 0383
- Kinokuniya Books
With over 300,000 books in 4 languages, this bookstore is a haven for bookworms. Kinokuniya stands out from the rest of the bookstores due to its extensive Japanese book selection. Manga, idol photo books and magazines just skim the surface of this collection. Coffee Club Xpress allows readers to wind down and enjoy a cup of soothing coffee while people-watching. An unobstructed view of KLCC park enhances the browsing experience.
Address: 406-408 & 429-430, Level 4 Suria, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: +603-2164 8133
- Silverfish Books
More than 21 years in the market, Silverfish books procures and sells books on literature, philosophy and art – truly by Malaysian authors. This bookstore had a noble vision in mind, to internationally market Malaysian books so that the world will look at us in the literary field. They also publish books and are known as the most reliable English publisher in Malaysia. Books and publishing go hand-in-hand so do visit this bookstore to get a feel of books, from its birth to the shelves!
Address: 20-2F, Bangsar Village 2, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: +603-2284 4837
- Gerakbudaya
Now 21 years old, Gerakbudaya is a local publisher and book distributor that gives importance to Malaysian perspectives, histories and more. Get books from wonderful authors such as Bernice Chauly, Faisal Tehrani, Hanna Alkaf and others. Both fiction and non-fiction works are available here – all by Malaysian authors. For a truly Malaysian bookstore, Gerakbudaya will do wonders for you!
Address: 2, Jalan Bukit 11/2, Seksyen 11 Petaling Jaya, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Contact: +603-7957 8342
- Book Xcess REX KL
And for our last Book Xcess outlet, we have Book Xcess REX KL, which is housed on the upper floor of the Rex Cinema. It still has some of the cinema seats and projector room intact to relive the memories of the old Rex Cinema. With multiple levels of bookshelves and the old restored cinema steps leading to each level, you will be “screened in” by books! You may get lost in the bookstore as it is like a maze! Drop by Book Xcess REX KL for a wonderful book-gical time!
Address: Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: N/A
Written By Kartini Kannan
