15 Charming Bookstores To Visit In KL and PJ
Get lit
There’s a certain joy that comes from walking into a bookstore that you can’t experience anywhere else. From the towering rows of books waiting to be explored to the calm atmosphere it exudes, it’s a place where like-minded avid readers come together to expand on their love of literature, the arts, and creativity.
Sure, digital books exist now, but they’re not quite as comforting and tactile as flipping through the pages of a book or owning a special edition. Whether you’re hoping to start or get back into reading, or looking for a gift for a loved one who appreciates a good read, you’re on the right page.
Ahead, we glean 15 charming and unique bookstores that any bibliophile will be happy to spend hours in and pick up a new book (or five).
The Library at BookXcess
BookXcess is a household name in the world of Malaysian bookstores with numerous locations around the Klang Valley. Still, its latest—and biggest—establishment, known as The Library by BookXcess, very well deserves a shoutout of its own. Making its home in the newly-opened Sunway Square Mall, this bookstore spans an impressive 38,000 square feet and is open 24 hours, making it the largest bookstore in Southeast Asia.
From its floor-to-ceiling shelves and striking mezzanine to soaring structures, The Library’s architectural design honours Sunway’s rich tin-mining heritage. Every corner and nook is designed not only to be a place for visitors to unwind with a good book but also become a bustling hub for arts, culture, and community. If you need a snack or drink to go along with your reads, Kenny Hills Bakers is there to serve up its well-loved pastries and brews, while Good Mojo Smoothies offers fresh juices to keep you energised. Good food and a book? You’ll never want to leave!
Address: L2-19, Level 2, Sunway SQ Mall, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
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Kinokuniya Pavilion Damansara Heights
Speaking of beloved bookstore chains, Kinokuniya is no stranger to being a bookworm’s favourite place. Now, that safe space has grown bigger. After 23 years in Suria KLCC, the Japanese bookstore has opened its latest store in Pavilion Damansara Heights, and it’s everything a booklover could ask for. A cosy ambience, lush seating areas, warm sunlight, and rows of books to keep you company—what’s not to like?
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Kinokuniya Pavilion Damansara Heights also houses a wide selection of books from various publishers, such as a dedicated shelf for New York Review of Books, Fitzcarraldo Editions, and more. Further, visitors can also explore exclusive collaborations with beloved local brands such as Anatomy and Tintabudi, a popular local bookstore (more on the latter below).
Address: Lot4.59.00&4.60.00, Level 4, Pavilion Damansara Height, 1, Jalan Damanlela, Pusat Bandar Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
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Lit Books
Located within Tropicana Avenue, this independent neighbourhood bookstore specialises in English literary titles. The “Lit” in its name hints at that, while also playing on millennial speak for ‘something awesome’. You’ll find fiction and non-fiction titles as well as contemporary reads on the shelves here, carefully curated by a husband and wife team who are former journalists and bibliophiles.
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The minimalist, Scandinavian-themed interiors promise quiet, uninterrupted reading time—complemented with a cuppa Joe from the beverage station, aka Lit Bar, if you please.
Address: P-1-11 Tropicana Avenue, 12, Persiaran Tropicana, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
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MPH Bookstore @ The Exchange TRX
Since 1906, MPH has been synonymous with books and reading, becoming a favourite haunt for Malaysian bookworms. Fast forward to the present day, and the brand is still one of the go-to locations for one to grow their reading list, and its flagship store in The Exchange TRX proves that it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
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With a major facelift, the MPH bookstore offers a wide open space, revamped modern design, and a bigger collection of books than ever before. Easily lose yourself among its corridors of bookshelves sporting non-fiction titles and classical literature to books by local authors. The outlet also offers a broad selection of stationery, toys, board games, and more—perfect for customers of all ages.
Address: L2.28-29.A, Level 2, The Exchange TRX, Persiaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, 55188 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
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CzipLee Bangsar
First opened in 1968, CzipLee started as a humble, family-owned sundry shop in Kajang, Selangor. While it’s mostly known as a stationery store, the business has also expanded to become a fully-fledged bookstore. Currently, its Bangsar branch has become a stationery and book haven for customers, who frequently return to peruse its wide and ever-expanding curation of products.
Managed by brothers Jason and Alvin Chen, the flagship store in Bangsar Village II has expanded to over 9,500 square feet in late 2024. This revamped, larger space means more room for books, art supplies, premium stationery products (have a look at its signature Ink Bar), and an array of creative workshops to bring the community together.
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BookXcess REXKL
We’ve already mentioned how BookXcess is popular amongst booklovers, and its outlet in REXKL is the perfect reason why it has formed that reputation. For those who are active on Instagram, you’ve probably seen these towering shelves somewhere on your feed. Located in the cultural hub of REXKL, this branch attracts aesthetic seekers and bibliophiles with its extensive display of books in a spacious hall that previously served as a cinema before it was burned down in the 1970s.
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The maze-like structure takes getting lost in the pages to a literal sense, but the concept is appreciated by visitors nevertheless. The many stairs between the seemingly never-ending shelves offer a sense of adventure while searching for your next read. The space is also shared with art exhibitions and live performances, adding a new layer of excitement to bookstores that we never thought we needed, but now love.
Address: REXKL, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
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Eslite Spectrum
Hailing from Taiwan, the opening of the world-renowned Eslite Spectrum in The Starhill, Bukit Bintang, is certainly one of the most beautiful bookstores in the city. As Eslite’s first store in Southeast Asia, this outlet has quickly become a mainstay for bibliophiles and tourists after opening in 2022. Spanning a whopping 70,000 square feet, Eslite Spectrum Kuala Lumpur is a marvel to behold and experience, from its 60-metre statement wall of red brick arches and urban speakeasy bar offering unique stationery items from 36 countries to its vast collection of over 240,000 books of different languages.
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Like other stores around the world, the KL establishment has a grand design. Inspired by an Italian novel, Invisible Cities, the store is divided into four main city themes, each with its own distinctive style: City of Arches, The Floating City, City of Rippling Waves, and City of Eternal Day. Indulge in a rich selection of books, along with creative designs, fashion trends, dining and coffee, and the chance to create your own handcrafted objects. As a cultural and creative hub, Eslite Spectrum KL frequently hosts live talks, lectures, and performances, making it the perfect place for booklovers and culture vultures to unwind.
Address: L1 01-34, Level 1(L145, Starhill Gallery, 181, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
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Tintabudi
Despite its modest home tucked inside The Zhongshan Building, Tintabudi has become a haven for fans of books about the humanities. Formerly from Ipoh, this quaint book shop opened by Nazir Harith is serious about promoting important works of literature, philosophy, history, arts and other publications not often carried by chain bookstores.
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Here, you will find a carefully curated selection of books focusing on Southeast Asian narratives and discourse, which promise to provoke thought. Further, the independent bookstore also hosts intimate book readings and educational discussions led by its founder or other local scholars from time to time.
Address: 80, Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur
Bukit Jalil Tsutaya Books
World-renowned Japanese bookstore chain, Tsutaya Books, launched its first Malaysian outlet in Pavilion Bukit Jalil, quickly becoming one of the mall’s top attractions. From its curved bookshelves to mirror ceilings, a journey here is well-worth the trip as you can easily spend hours browsing its plethora of products, such as its 240,000 specially curated books of multiple languages, accessories, skincare, stationery, artisanal crafts, and everything in between. With so much to explore through the 31,000 square feet single floor, visitors can also head over to the bookstore’s café to take a break and unwind with a Kyoto matcha latte, freshly brewed coffee, and artisanal desserts.
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Visitors with a penchant for arts and crafts will absolutely love its stationery section, which carries an abundance of quality pens, notebooks, adorable stickers, paper crafts, and more. Adding to the exciting goods featured are terrariums, earrings, mugs, exclusive figurines, and Masaru knives, to name a few. Little ones can even enjoy time at the treehouse-themed Learning Room and over 20,000 children’s books, puzzles, and games.
Address: Lot 2.89.00, Level 2 Orange Zone, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Persiaran Jalil Utama, Bandar Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
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Cite Book Garden
Have a green thumb and love sticking your nose into a book? Then you’ll want to make your way to Cite Book Garden. This bookstore is particularly popular among Mandarin readers, thanks to its extensive selection of reads from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China.
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A wall of potted greens forms a popular backdrop for social media, while plenty of other quiet spots flanked by natural sunlight are available throughout the store for private reading. There’s also a dedicated event space on the second floor that’s often used to host book launches, readings, wellness activities, and more.
Address: 41, Jalan Radin Anum, Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
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Books n Bobs
We know reading can quickly become an expensive hobby. If you’re looking for ways to satiate your reading appetite on a budget, consider secondhand bookstores like Books n Bobs. Some of these books may look more worn and weathered, but the joy they bring in the stories they contain remains the same (besides, we think aged books pack a lot more charm!). As Malaysia’s largest online pre-loved book shop, this cosy store located in Taman Desa offers over 40,000 secondhand fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books.
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It’s also a self-serve bookstore, meaning that there are no staff in sight—perfect for introverted bookworms looking for a quiet place with only their favourite books keeping them company. Further, Books n Bobs receives batches of books every Tuesday and Friday—all the more reason to come back every week to see what new reads await!
Address: 37, Jalan Desa, Taman Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Sunda Shelves
This bookstore is the definition of a hidden gem for book lovers, particularly if you want to channel the naturalist in you. Located on the second floor of a shop lot in Damansara Kim, Sunda Shelves is a bookstore that specialises in a rare curation of natural history, travel, and cultural books from around the Southeast Asian region.
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If you have a passion for learning more about flora and fauna and conservation, you’ll find plenty of books to suit your fancy here. Plus, the bookstore also has a cafe serving local delights (the curry puffs are particularly popular amongst regulars!), so you can enjoy your reads in a cosy, intimate space with a tasty snack.
Address: No. 32 (1st floor, Jalan SS 20/10, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Gerakbudaya
In the creative community, Gerakbudaya is more than just an indie bookstore, but a cherished hub brimming with a thoughtful curation of books by local and regional authors. Intending to highlight the hidden stories of Southeast Asia, the space is a publisher and purveyor of books with an emphasis on social sciences and Southeast Asian studies.
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Translating to ‘movement of cultures’, Gerakbudaya is a gathering spot for like-minded individuals to have stimulating forums about identity, philosophy, and more. If you’re seeking not just thought-provoking and progressive books, but a community to discuss them with, make your way to Gerakbudaya.
Address: 2, Jalan Bukit 11/2, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia 46200
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Monalisa Bookstore
Sprawled across three floors with award-winning interior design, Monalisa Bookstore is truly a playground for the inquisitive mind. Featuring a warm, neutral palette decked with modern furniture and fixtures, the bookstore will appeal to bibliophiles and cafe hoppers alike with its in-store dessert cafe, where you can enjoy a read with a side of coffee and cakes.
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Combining ancient practises of Feng Shui, Japanese wabi-sabi elements and local motifs such as Hibiscus paintings and weaving artwork, every floor of Monalisa Bookstore promises a peaceful session of reading, connection, and quiet meditation. Even little ones will have a good time at the children’s section on the third floor, adorned with a book-lined tower called the ‘Tree of Life’.
Address: F-8-1, Pusat Perdagangan Bandar Bukit Jalil, Persiaran Jalil 1, Kuala Lumpur
Monsoon Books
Monsoon Books is one of the newer hideouts on this list for disciples of the written word. Nestled on the upper floor above Wild Sheep Home ice-cream cafe, the bookstore is home to a wide selection of mainly Chinese titles and several English books.
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It features a small, cosy indoor seating area to curl up for a quick read, as well as a lush al fresco spot if you’d prefer to take your time poring over the pages, basking in the sunlight.
Address: 1st Floor, 605, Jalan 17/12, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
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BookXcess Sunsuria Forum
Every BookXcess bookstore is impressive in its own right, which is why we had to include another branch, namely, the one located at Sunsuria Forum in Setia Alam. Established in 2019, it instantly commands attention with its book tunnel concept at the entrance and spiral tower on the ground floor—a popular Instagrammable spot to commemorate your time at the literary trove.
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Inside, the stunning space houses almost 500,000 books of various genres along with a cosy café, a mini maze of bookshelves for children, cascading light bars from the ceiling, and a host of modern reading nooks.
Address: SB-1, Sunsuria Forum, No.1, Jalan Setia Dagang AL U13/AL, Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
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Junk Book Store
If your definition of Instagram-worthy is a place that’s imbued with history, Junk Book Store marks the spot. Opened since 1990, this rustic shop in KL’s Jalan Tun HS Lee has been a popular haunt for secondhand books for more than 30 years. Stepping through its threshold will instantly transport you back to the past.
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While you may be hard-pressed to find a comfy spot to sit down and read here, you’ll probably be preoccupied with scrutinising over three million titles (yes, you read that right!) in its inventory, anyway. Who knows? You might stumble across a rare first-edition, if you’re lucky! Aside from books, novels, and comics, the shop also sells some cool 12-inch vinyl records.
Address: 78, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
For more book-related reads, head here.
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