Looking for some quiet time, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life? Check out these 5 unique bookstores in Malaysia that you absolutely must visit!

1. Tsutaya Books

Location: Level 2 Orange Zone, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Persiaran Jalil Utama, Bandar Bukit Jalil, 57000 KL

Operating hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm

Tsutaya Books is one of Japan’s best and most beautiful bookstores, and it opened its doors to the Southeast Asian market, with Malaysia as its first destination.

Located in Pavilion Bukit Jalil, it houses an extensive range of books, a cafe, specialized merchandise, curated gifts, fine writing stationery and more – to put it simply, it’s a book lover’s wonderland. Head over to Tsutaya and sign up for an enlightening experience.

2. Lit Books

Location: P-1-11 Tropicana Avenue, 12, Persiaran Tropicana, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 1pm – 7pm

Owned by a Malaysian couple who are ex-journalists, Lit Books is an indie bookstore in Petaling Jaya that aims to instill love for reading in both adults and children with their carefully curated collection of books and cute merchandise that you can add to your cart.

Specializing in English literary titles, this bookstore boasts fiction and non-fiction books, classics, new releases and contemporary reads for all ages. The bookstore also has its own cafe, allowing you to browse or relax to your heart’s content.

3. Silverfish Books

Location: 63, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 KL (Bangsar Village II)

Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 10am – 7pm

This bookstore is home to a variety of Malay and Indonesian novels, with a collection of fiction and non-fiction books written by local authors.

With rave reviews from visitors, this is your go-to place to find hidden gems – rummage through their bargain bin or the antique bookshelf in the back of the shop, and you might find something worth keeping.

4. BookXcess Pudu Jail @ Lalaport

Location: L1-13A & 13B, Level 1, Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

Operating hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm

Bookxcess’ latest store opened its doors at Lalaport Bukit Bintang, with a unique twist. Inspired by the former Pudu Jail, this bookstore repurposes elements of the penitentiary with an unconventionally eerie touch.

As you enter the bookstore, you will be greeted by an eccentric arch made out of repurposed materials from the former Pudu Jail, as well as a large collection of discounted books in many different categories, allowing you to save on your new reads with prices slashes ranging from 50% to 80% off year-round, plus free shipping with a minimum spend of RM59.90 if you buy from their website.

5. The Ink Library Cafe

Location: EcoWorld Gallery@Eco Grandeur, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor

Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am – 10pm

Last but not least (and let us cheat here), the Ink Library Cafe is more of a book cafe. Either way, this sanctuary for book lovers boasts ceiling-high bookshelves and a gorgeous interior, with its iconic bicycle welcoming you as you enter.

Located in EcoWorld Gallery @ Eco Grandeur, this container cafe carries indie magazines from the US and UK, a selection of fiction and coffee-table books in English, Chinese and Malay. Albeit the drive out from the city centre, enjoying a cup of coffee or a taste of their delicious dishes while admiring the sunset view makes it a trip worth your time.

Originally published on IQI Global.

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