Klang Valley's Indie bookstores every Malaysian reader needs to discover

New Straits Times

27-04-2025

I HAPPEN to love bookstores. There's something magical about the smell of books, the gentle hush that invites exploration, and the joy of wandering through book-lined shelves like it's an adventure waiting to happen.
Independent bookstores are more than places to buy books. They're community spaces, cultural sanctuaries and the beating hearts of neighbourhoods. Run by passionate readers who often know your name — and your reading tastes — these stores offer something giant bookstores and online retailers never can: connection.
They champion local authors, host spirited book clubs and readings, and give space to underrepresented voices that often get lost in mass-market algorithms. They take risks on quirky titles and emerging writers. They curate, recommend and remind us of the joy of browsing without a search bar.
In a world of one-click checkouts and faceless algorithms, independent bookstores are human. They are places where stories are personal, where conversations begin and where a child might discover the book that shapes their dreams.
Here in Malaysia, our independent bookstores need our support more than ever. In a tough retail climate, these small shops continue to fight for literature, language and local voices.
They stock titles that reflect our shared history, our multilingualism and our beautifully complex identity. By supporting them, we keep alive not just a business, but a cultural ecosystem that tells our stories.
As we celebrated Independent Bookstore Day on the last Saturday in April, we're reminded that these small, spirited shops matter — not just for what they sell, but for what they stand for. In their quiet, stubborn way, they continue to prove that we still need the printed word — and the people who believe in it.
BALAI BUKU RAYA
Tucked away in the artsy enclave of the Zhongshan Building, Balai Buku Raya is a warm literary haven for lovers of Malay literature. Its shelves brim with both new and vintage second-hand books, thoughtfully curated to include rare Malay titles and English-language works steeped in Malaysian themes and culture. Far from the gloss of commercial bookstores, it's a quiet refuge — intimate, grounded and deeply rooted in the literary soul of the nation.
WHERE: 2nd Floor, The Zhongshan Building, Second Floor, 84 B, Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur
OPENING HOURS: Tue - Sun: 12pm to 6pm
INSTAGRAM: @balaibukuraya
BUKU BY PJ PRELOVED HOUSE
BUKU is Malaysia's first self-service second-hand bookstore — a quiet revolution in reading and recycling. This community-driven initiative has rescued over 100,000 books from ending up in landfills, giving them a second life on the shelves. Visitors are encouraged to take their time, wander through the aisles, and stumble upon forgotten classics or unexpected treasures. With its trust-based system and laid-back vibe, BUKU isn't just a bookstore — it's a movement to reconnect people with the joy of reading and the value of reuse.
WHERE: Lot L3-21, Level 3, INC, 3 Jalan Bangsar, KL Eco City
OPENING HOURS: Mon - Sun: 10am to 9pm
INSTAGRAM: @buku.kedai
GERAKBUDAYA
True to its name — "movement of cultures" — Gerakbudaya is more than a bookstore; it's a dynamic cultural hub. Specialising in titles that delve into social justice, political thought, and Southeast Asian identity, it champions voices that challenge, provoke, and inspire. The space regularly hosts book launches, forums and spirited discussions, drawing thinkers, readers, activists and changemakers into meaningful dialogue. Gerakbudaya is where ideas take root, conversations thrive and the written word becomes a force for change.
OPENING HOURS: Daily: 10am to 7pm
INSTAGRAM: @gerakbudaya
JUNK BOOK STORE
One of Kuala Lumpur's oldest and most iconic second-hand bookstores, Junk Book Store is a three-storey literary labyrinth packed with over three million books. Don't let its modest exterior fool you — inside lies a wonderland of comics, vintage paperbacks, obscure academic texts and even vinyl records. It's a true treasure trove for the patient, the curious and anyone who believes that the best finds are often tucked away in the most unexpected corners.
KEDAI FIXI
Kedai Fixi is the flagship bookstore of Buku Fixi, a Malaysian independent publisher founded in 2011 by filmmaker Amir Muhammad. Known for its bold and edgy fiction, Fixi specialises in contemporary urban stories that reflect the complexities of Malaysian society. More than just a bookstore, Kedai Fixi champions local voices by stocking not only Fixi's own titles but also works from fellow indie publishers like DuBook Press, Lejen Press and Maple Comics. A must-visit for anyone curious about modern Malaysian literature and alternative storytelling.
INSTAGRAM: @kedaifixi
LIT BOOKS
Lit Books is a boutique English-language bookstore run by a pair of former journalists who share a deep love for the written word. With a distinctly literary slant, the store prides itself on its thoughtfully curated collection of fiction and nonfiction, offering everything from critically acclaimed titles to hidden literary gems. Cosy and personal, Lit Books is a haven for discerning readers who value curation over commercialism.
INSTAGRAM: @mylitbooks
Riwayat is an independent bookstore nestled within a restored pre-war shophouse at 34, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee in Kuala Lumpur's historic Chinatown. Founded by Muhammad Nazreen and Engku Roestam Alias — both passionate advocates for Malaysian literature — Riwayat offers a thoughtfully curated selection of new, used, and rare books, with a strong emphasis on Malaysian and Southeast Asian history, culture, and literature.
INSTAGRAM: @riwayatmy
TINTABUDI
Tintabudi is a haven for readers drawn to Southeast Asian literature, philosophy, and the humanities. Known for its sharp curation, the bookstore houses rare and thought-provoking works that highlight the region's rich intellectual and literary heritage. More than just a retail space, Tintabudi regularly hosts literary discussions and events, creating a vibrant community of thinkers, writers and book lovers united by a passion for cultural exchange and deep reading.
WHERE: A-1-13, TTDI Plaza, Jalan Wan Kadir 3, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur,
INSTAGRAM: @tintabudi
TOKOSUE INDIE BOOKSTORE
TOKOSUE may be small in size, but it packs a punch when it comes to championing Malaysia's indie literary and arts scene. Specialising in zines, self-published titles, and handcrafted goods, this pocket-sized gem celebrates creativity on the fringes. It's a refreshing antidote to commercial bookstores, spotlighting voices that are bold, original, and often underrepresented.
INSTAGRAM: @tokosuemalaysia
SUNDA SHELVES
Sunda Shelves is a quiet sanctuary for nature lovers, scientists, and curious minds alike. Specialising in books on natural history, ecology, and the rich biodiversity of Southeast Asia, this thoughtfully curated bookstore invites readers to explore the wonders of forests, caves, reptiles, insects, and the fragile ecosystems they inhabit. Its name pays homage to the Sunda Shelf — a vast underwater expanse that once connected the region's islands to the mainland — symbolising the deep-rooted interconnections in nature and knowledge. At Sunda Shelves, every book is a window into the natural world, offering insight, wonder and a renewed sense of responsibility towards our planet.