Good bookstores have well-curated collections of books including the newest books on the market. This would mean that the owners or the managers of the bookstores would have to be knowledgeable about books too. These bookstores usually provide good customer service and cater to customer requests as well.
Bookstores do not only sell books, some also sell stationery, and serve as editorial offices, publishing houses, classrooms, and lecture halls, not to mention cafés, play spaces, and reading rooms. Bookstores can also be a good place to study or work in, as many of them provide comfortable seating spaces for customers. Read on to find out about the 8 best bookstores you can visit in Malaysia.
Why do people like to go to bookstores?
Despite the growing number of online bookstores, there are still many who love visiting a brick-and-mortar store for the cozy ambiance of a good bookstore. Book lovers take pleasure in browsing through bookshelves and discovering interesting or intriguing book titles. A book is also a thoughtful gift you can purchase for someone you care about.
Modern bookstores such as the BookXcess, have evolved beyond the typical store with simple bookshelves. They combine magnificently structured bookshelves with a comfortable and cozy ambiance. This attracts a clientele of not only book lovers, but also those who visit to take pretty pictures with the bookstore as a backdrop.
8 Best Bookstores in Malaysia 2025
1. BookXcess Gurney Paragon
The BookXcess Gurney Paragon, Penang is a beautifully designed bookstore with a wide selection of books to choose from. The types of books available are children’s books, entertainment, and hobby-related books, and there is also an area for children to sit and read. The bookstore is big, spacious, and is also a great place to take Instagrammable pictures. It consists of 2 floors, the lower floor has comfortable chairs for you to sit while reading sample books, while the 2nd floor has several picture frames hanging on the wall.
Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Address: 163D-7.06-7.16 & L8.02-8.-5, Gurney Paragon, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://www.bookxcess.com/
2. Monsoon Books
Monsoon Books is located on the first floor in a quiet corner within Section 17. The bookstore’s decor is simple and chic and it has a small reading area consisting of 2 chairs and a table. Monsoon Books aims to be unique by finding new talent and has produced quality books from outstanding writers all over the world and has several regional bestsellers to its name. The types of books available are fiction which includes literary and commercial; and nonfiction which includes biography and autobiography, true crime, food and drink, history, travelogues, and current affairs.
Operating Hours: 11am to 8pm daily
Address: 1st Floor, 605, Jalan 17/12, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://www.facebook.com/jifengdai.my
3. Cite Book Garden
Cite Book Garden is a beautiful bookstore whose interiors are decorated with pretty potted plants and it is popular for its Chinese and Taiwanese books that customers can order online or pick up at the store. Remember to sign up for a membership as you will get an additional 20% discount. There is also a coffee shop that serves fragrant coffee. Occasional events and exhibitions would also be held from time to time.
Operating Hours: 11am to 7pm daily
Address: 41, Jalan Radin Anum, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://www.cite.com.my/
4. Monalisa Bookstore
The Monalisa Bookstore is a cozy bookstore with a cafe that sells drinks and delicious desserts such as New York Cheesecake and Tiramisu. It also has comfortable wooden chairs with cute pink coloured seats for customers to read and relax. The comfortable ambiance and friendly staff make it a great place for studying, teatime or working out of the office.
Operating Hours: 10.30am to 8.30pm (Tuesday – Sunday) Closed on Monday
Address: MY Kuala Lumpur Bukit Jalil F-8-1 Pusat Perdagangan Jalan Persiaran Jalil, 1, 57000
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://www.facebook.com/monalisabookstores
5. Book Xcess Sunsuria Forum
The Book Xcess Sunsuria Forum is another beautiful and well designed Book Xcess outlet. This bookstore is famous for its unique shelf display of books and this store is extremely popular with book lovers and Instagrammers. Book Xcess has also been adding new books to their collection, including books that have just been published in recent years. Here, you will see many people studying, working, or reading in the comfortable seating areas provided.
Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Address: SB-1, Sunsuria Forum, No.1, Jalan Setia Dagang AL U13/AL, Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://www.bookxcess.com/
6. Kinokuniya Malaysia
Kinokuniya is a Japanese-based retailer known for its diverse collection of books, comics, and magazines. The bookstore is spacious and is a relaxing place to sit and enjoy a good book. The staff is very friendly and you can request for them to bring in certain books that are currently out of stock. There are also constant ongoing monthly promotions featuring different authors or genres. If you’re targeting certain books, check their website for the latest promotions.
Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Address: KLCC, 406-408 & 429-430, Level 4 Suria, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://www.kinokuniya.com.my/
7. Silverfish Books
The Silverfish Books is an indie bookstore that has a collection of books by local authors. The store also has a variety of Malay and Indonesian novels, both fiction and nonfiction. This bookstore is a place where you can find rare books and hidden gems in their bargain bin or within the antique bookshelf located at the back of the shop. It is a good place to visit as book lovers would be surprised by the interesting books they might discover.
Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Address: 20-2F, Bangsar Village 2, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://silverfishbooks.com/
8. Me Books Nooks
Me Books Nooks is a children’s bookstore that sells board books, picture books, chapter books and reference books, biographies, myths, folktales, poetry, and more. They carry collections of children’s literature suitable for infants and teenagers. They also host storytelling, and fun programs for children after school, on weekends, and over the holidays. The bookstore is spacious, comfortable, and child-friendly. It would be a perfect place for your child to learn and have fun at the same time.
Operating Hours: 10am to 7pm daily
Address: No. 1-24, 1-25, 1-26 First Floor Sunway Citrine Hub Persiaran Medini 3 Bandar, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://www.mebooks.store/
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
