The best bookstores in KL

This independent bookstore is run by two former journalists, Fong Min Hun and Elaine Lau, who handpick the books that are displayed on the shelves. There's nothing on the shelves they don't know about; so if you're at a loss of where to start, just ask them for suggestions and they'll be happy to point out a few books they've read and loved. 

Besides the well-curated list of adult fiction, classics and non-fiction, the bookstore also has a Nespresso coffee bar and a common reading area where you can read and discuss about your picks with other book lovers. Be prepared to stick around for a while. 

If you meet yet another person declaring the death of the bookstore, bring them to Kinokuniya right away. This mega bookstore on the top floor of Suria KLCC is every book lover’s dream – a soothing space with wooden floors, large windows overlooking the KLCC park, lots of natural light streaming in, and most importantly, shelves upon shelves of well-curated books. The prices here might be higher than average, but the superior book selection, special editions and some of the best book events (Harry Potter Nights!) and readings in the city more than make up for it.

It’s fair to say that Buku Fixi is flourishing. Amir Muhammad has enjoyed unprecedented success with his Malay pulp fiction titles, topping Malaysian bestseller lists and scooping the coveted Bookseller International Adult Trade Publisher award at 2014’s London Book Fair.

Aside from its core Malay fiction books, also recommended are Buku Fixi’s imprints Fixi Novo, a line of English Malaysian books; Fixi Retro, reissues of old Malay books; and Fixi Verso, Malay translations of contemporary international bestsellers. While browsing through the kaleidoscope of book covers at Buku Fixi’s brick-and-mortar storefront, remember also to check out titles by other independent publishers DuBook Press, Moka Mocha Ink, Terfaktab Media and many more.

If the bookstore at the swanky Isetan The Japan Store reminds you of Kinokuniya, that’s because they both worked together in creating a haven for those with their noses continuously in a book. The many shelves here are filled with over 10,000 books that are curated by book director Yoshitaka Haba of BACH, a Japanese book direction service. Flip through coffee table tomes on art, design and fashion, or literature by the likes of Kazuo Ishiguro and others. The vibe here is a welcoming calm, so you can take a seat at a comfortable curved chair and start reading the book you’ve purchased. Plus point: get a cuppa from multi-roaster coffee bar, X coffee, lest you nod off for a few moments. It’s happened before.

Online bookstore DuBook Press opened a physical storefront in Bangi in 2015, offering a space for readers to browse the press’s books (‘Terima Kasih Si Babi Hutan’, ‘Dari Tanjung Malim Ke KLCC’, ‘Tora Datang Lagi’, ‘Membedah P Ramlee’, and more) as well as those by other local independent publishers such as Buku Fixi, Merpati Jingga and Rabak-Lit. Think bookshelves lined with slim, gritty non-fiction Malay volumes by mostly first-time authors with provocative content, bahasa pasar and a profanity or two. Once you’ve bought your book, sink into the black sofa and start reading, or strike a conversation about the books with the people at DuBook.