8 Best bookstores in Kuala Lumpur for your literature fix

1/8
Cite Book Garden
Cite Book Garden features a two-story unit, opened by Cite - originally a magazine publisher and the biggest Chinese online bookstore in Malaysia.
True to its name, the bookstore has an actual book garden with potted ferns by the window and a few chairs for bibliophiles to sit and read leisurely. The store has a wall displaying the various magazines they publish, from fashion titles like Vivi to the Chinese edition of National Geographic, a wide selection of titles from Taiwan, Hong Kong and China, and also a small cafe. The second floor of the store features an event space for readings, talks, kid activities and more.
41 Jalan Radin Anum
Bandar Baru Sri Petaling
Kuala Lumpur 57000
Photo: Cite Book Garden (Facebook)
2/8
Silverfish Books
This once-indie bookstore has now shifted to its larger, new location in a mall but still remains a boutique bookstore at heart. With its well-curated diverse collection of both classics and local (albeit unconventional) titles, don't be surprised to see a copy of Allah Controversy propped next to contemporary titles or names.
The store is great for peddling local Malaysian literature, philosophy, and Malaysian writing in English. It has also introduced a variety of children's authors and illustrators, and regularly conducts talks and discussions for writers. Overall, the collection at Silverfish will excite serious literatis while also including great Malaysian literature that mainstream bookstores unfortunately neglect.
Bangsar Village, 20-2F, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Photo: Silverfish Books (Facebook)
3/8
The Other Bookstore
The Other Bookstore offers a niche selection of art, advertising, fashion and design titles, with books on intelligent design, typography, graphics and more.
One thing that immediately strikes you about the store is its cool, slightly intimidating decor that is only apt for the design-centric titles it houses and its target audience. The walls of the store are lined with dark bookshelves with glossy hardback books that mostly retail for RM100 and above, so be prepared to fork out the cash for your reading fix here.

2-33A, 2nd floor, Tropicana City Mall, 3 Jalan SS20/27, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Photo: The Other Bookstore, Tropicana City Mall
4/8
Kinokuniya
This mega bookstore on the top floor of Suria KLCC spans over an expansive 34300 square feet of space and is quite possibly every book lover's ultimate bookstore dream. A large, airy and open space, huge windows allowing lots of natural light in, wooden floors, and shelves upon shelves of every contemporary title you could want, we can see why.
The prices at Kinokuniya may be higher than the other stores on the list, but its extensive collection and great customer service makes your dollar and hour spent at the store worth it.
Lot 406-408 & 429-430, Level 4, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, 55100, Malaysia
Photo: Kinokuniya (Facebook)
5/8
Kedai Fixi
Kedai Fixi was opened by local independent publisher, Fixi, and features a core Malay fiction selection from both their publisher and other local publishers like Dubook Press. Its Malay fiction titles has topped Malaysian bestseller lists and even clinched the Bookseller International Adult Trade Publisher award at the London Book Fair in 2014.
Besides its Malay fiction collection, also check out its selection of Malaysian titles written in English and Malay translations of contemporary international bestsellers.
Lot 4 - 35&36, Level 4, Jaya Shopping Centre, Jalan 14/17, Seksyen 14
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Photo: Kedai Fixi (Facebook)
6/8
Gerakbudaya
'Gerakbudaya' literally translates to 'movement of cultures', which is a beautifully apt encapsulation of what bookstores should be.
More than just a bookstore, Gerakbudaya is a cherished community space and a popular gathering spot for ardent literatis and intellectuals. It has a well-curated selection of titles by both local and regional authors, and is a great choice in particular for those seeking books on social sciences and Southeast Asian studies. A true hub for the intellectuals and the creatives, it also frequently hosts talks and stimulating discussions.
2, Jalan Bukit 11/2, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Photo: Gerakbudaya (Facebook)
7/8
Bookstore Dubook Press
Dubook Press, a local Malaysian publisher, opened up this brick-and-mortar bookstore that stocks both its own published titles and books from other publishers like Fixi.
You can expect non-fiction, often provocative Malay titles penned by mostly first-time authors in the store, with themes and content that reflect the milieu of Malaysian youth.
No. 1-5-1, Lot 3, Tingkat Bawah, Darul Ehsan, Jln Medan Pusat Bandar 8A, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Photo: Dubook Press (Facebook)
8/8
Book Xcess
Book Xcess is probably the prime bookstore to head to in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya for its books retailing for a fraction of the average price sold elsewhere (at least 50% and even up to 90% off, at times).
Its annual Big Bad Wolf book sale draws in hordes of readers every year, making it a favourite go-to store for bibliophiles and bargain hunters. Available in 3 outlets, it also has an online store that ships internationally.
Amcorp Mall
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Photo: Book Xcess (Facebook)

Kindles and e-books are great, but there’s nothing quite as satisfying as spending copious hours in a bookstore and holding a physical book in your hand. The rustling of paper, the smell of books (old and new), the visual of shelves upon shelves of multi-coloured paperback and hardback delights – it really is quite an incomparable sensory experience.

Wherever you are in the world, visiting a bookshop is always a treat; and with their dwindling numbers, they are increasingly becoming a destination in itself. With all the constant changes in a city like Kuala Lumpur, it’s gratifying to know that there are still great bookstores around, from large chain ones like Kinokuniya in Suria KLCC to independent ones offering slightly offbeat local titles like Dubook Press.

For the ardent book lovers and bibliophiles – we’ve got you covered with our list of 8 best bookstores to check out in KL, whether you’re in the mood for a classic novel or a niche title.

Sarah Khan

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