Discover your next read.
There is nothing quite like the magic within the walls of a bookstore, holding a sense of nostalgia, presence and hope for the future, all at the same time. Often a refuge from the rest of the world, people find solace and comfort in words on paper derived from stories, beliefs and experiences from around the world that connect people from different walks of life. From gripping thrillers to cheesy romantic comedies, diving headfirst into a good book has to be every reader’s favourite activity.
In an age of technology and Kindle’s, the joy of visiting a bookstore, browsing the aisles and flitting through paper pages are often regarded as lost art. If you are looking to ignite your love for reading, or are an avid reader looking for a new place to shop for your next adventure, we have rounded up five bookstores to check out in KL.
Your guide to the best yet unique bookstores in KL :
1) Eslite Bookstore
Within the Eslite spectrum among coffee shops and boutiques at Starhill Gallery in the heart of KL, Eslite Bookstore boasts a swanky and sleek interior. Harbouring several book titles in different languages under a variety of genres, from literature to history and everything in between, Eslite is known for its unique and vast selection of books. The warm atmosphere of Eslite creates the perfect sanctuary to indulge in a bookstore experience like no other!
Address: L1 01-34, LEVEL 1(L145, Starhill Gallery, 181, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
2) Lit books
Established by a couple who happen to be former journalists, Lit Books strives to create a community that brings book lovers together and is known for its regular hosting of literary-focused interactive events. Featuring an immensely organised and bespoke collection of titles β under fiction and non-fiction genres β Lit Books prides itself in its pursuit to fuel the minds of readers in line with their belief that “good literature illuminates our minds and souls, and ignites our imaginations.”
Address: Β P-1-11 Tropicana Avenue, 12, Persiaran Tropicana, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
3) Riwayat Bookstore
Known as ‘The quaint bookstore of Kuala Lumpur’, Riwayat is a purveyor of new, old and used books, as well as a number of rare titles. An independent bookstore, Riwayat holds heritage at the heart of its operations with the hope of driving the reading scene in Malaysia and encouraging the recognition of local authors. Situated in a charming and picturesque building in downtown Kuala Lumpur, the store certainly has history and heritage coursing through its walls.
Address: 34, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
4) BookXcess at RexKL
Located in the vibrant RexKL, among eateries, crafts and frequently held markets and pop-ups, this BookXcess is a portal between the past and present. An infamous movie theatre that has since transformed into a bookstore, BookXcess is built within a hub of history, culture and art. Spread across different levels, the interior resembles a maze, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and colour coordinated interior.
Address: Second floor, at RexKL, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
5) Tsutaya Bookstore
Originating from Japan, and the first branch in South East Asia, the Tsutaya bookstore offers an extensive range of books, through an exclusive lifestyle-oriented shopping experience. To top it off, Tsutaya Books has an art gallery and coffee shop within their bookstore, allowing customers to enjoy a bite as they immerse themselves in the myriad colours of creativity.
Tsutaya will be opening its second location soon. Stay tuned.
Address: WP KL, Lot 2.89.00, Level 2 Orange Zone, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Persiaran Jalil Utama, Bandar Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
