Categories
Tourism Malaysia

5 COSY BOOK CAFES FOR THE LITERARY-MINDED

Since book cafes have become a global craze, bookworms nowadays have some of the coolest venues to hang out while enjoying their books. Malaysia is no exception. There are a myriad of book cafes in Malaysia that will definitely persuade those literary-minded people to leave their favourite reading nooks at home. Here are five places perfect for the bibliophiles:

Hedley Books Cafe @ Kota Bahru, Kelantan

 

 

Who would have thought that there is a Harry Porter inspired book café in the middle of the state that is steep in culture and tradition? Believe you me, Hedley Books and Cafe is one café that you should look for whenever you find yourself in Kota Bahru, Kelantan. With logos of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin adorning its wall, and Harry Porter’s robes, as well as his magic wand, you will feel like you have stepped into Hogwart and become part of Harry Porter’s world.

There are more than 1,000 book for you to read. Just choose one from the bookshelves and enjoy your reading while sipping your favourite coffee; or maybe you can try the pie that the book café is famous for while re-reading a book from the Harry Porter’s collections; or take a selfie of you wearing Harry Porter’s robe and scarf, complete with a magic wand.

So, what are you waiting for, head to the east coast and search for this gem of a café.

Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm

Photos are courtesy of Hedley Books and Cafe

Contact Details:

Hedley Books and Cafe
PT 1667 Tingkat 1, Jalan Raja Perempuan Zainab 2, Kubang Kerian,
16150 Kota Bharu
Tel: 012-988 1997

Instagram: www.instagram.com/hedleybookscafe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hedleybookscafe

 

BookXcess’s Madeleine Café, The Starling, Selangor

 

Madeleine Café – BookXcess’s first in-store café – which offers a range of coffee-based drinks, herbal and regular teas, as well as a limited food menu is just perfect for book lovers who can’t wait to read their newly-bought book. BookXcess is bookstore where you can get a good selection of new books at a discounted price.

With a bookstore that measures some 10,500 square feet, The Starling BookXcess is considered one of the chain store’s largest outlets. You will definitely need to stretch your leg, quench your thirst, fill your stomach at the attached Madeleine Café after spending hours hunting for books at such large book store.

Business Hours: 10am-10pm every day.

Contact Details:

BookXcess
T-331A, T-331B,
The Starling Mall, Uptown, Damansara Utama.
Telephone No.: +603 5614 4554
Website: www.bookxcessonline.com/

The Wood Second Hand Book Store Café, Gajah Berang, Melaka

 

The Wood Second Hand Book Store Cafe at Jalan Gajah Berang Melaka is a little hidden gem for book lovers looking for a place to read books written in Mandarin.

At this book café, the smell of old books that mingles with the scent of a freshly-brewed coffee will really make you feel a bit nostalgic. Grab a rattan chair and lose yourself in the world of beautifully-written words at The Wood Second Hand Book Store Café.

Opening hours:

11am – 8pm (Mondays – Sundays)
Closed on Wednesdays

Contact Details:

Address: No. 35 Jalan Gajah Berang, Melaka
Tel: +6012 616 7128
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewoodsbookstore

 

The Nook Books Coffee, George Town, Penang

 

The Nook Books Coffee is a used bookstore and coffee shop, which is located at Khoo Cheow Teong Court along Fish Lane (Lorong Ikan) in George Town, Penang. This is the place to go for both book and coffee lovers. Here, if you fell in love with the book that you are reading, you can keep the book at a reasonable price.

The Nook Books Coffee is so warm and cosy that this place will make you forget that you are at a book café. All you want to do is find a corner and curl up with a good book.

This book cafe is open daily except for Tuesdays, from 9 am till 6 pm.

Contact Details:

The Nook Books Coffee
4 Khoo Cheow Teong Court
George Town, Penang

Tel:  012-525 2762

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/thenookgeorgetownpenang 

Lit Book, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Founded and managed by a husband and wife duo who are former journalists and ardent bibliophiles, Lit Books specialises in English literary titles. From collector’s editions of classics to modern and contemporary reads and of course, exciting new releases, Lit’s handpicked titles are sure to appeal to avid and casual readers alike.

More than just a bookseller, Lit was conceived to be a haven for book lovers, where conversation and discourse are encouraged and welcome. On top of books, there’s also the Lit Bar, a beverage station and a corner where readers can enjoy some coffee with their books.

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 11am-9pm, Tuesday: 1pm-9pm. Closed on Mondays.

Contact Details:

Lit Books
P-01-11 Tropicana Avenue, 12 Jalan Persiaran Tropicana, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7886 6988

Website: https://litbooks.com.my/

 

 

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Vintage and second-hand shopping in Kuala Lumpur

Grab your shovel and pick and let the treasure hunting begin. Even if it’s not as well-known for its second-hand shopping, Kuala Lumpur is a gem for vintage lovers. Check out these top picks for haute couture discoveries, thrift and bundle shops, clothing and furniture.

 

Filling the wardrobe
Established in the late 1980’s, Buntil (Malay for bundle) is one of the longest running vintage shops in the city and is the first choice for many vintage shoppers. You can find genuine vintage items like original and rare shoe editions, leather bags, jackets, plaid pants, denim clothes and accessories. You can choose to pay top dollar or scrounge for that collector’s item.Flea Market (pixabay)Where: 16 Jalan Opera C U2/C, Taman TTDI Jaya, 40000 Shah Alam
When: Open Daily, 1.30pm to 11pm

 

A trip out to Vintage Moonriver in Subang Jaya is definitely worth the effort. They sell branded vintage fashion and travel apparel imported from Japan, USA and Australia. You’ll be like a kid in a candy store searching for that piece of gold. Items can be scooped up for laughable prices or at more conventional value. All is possible at Moonriver!  Picture1(Image from poskod.my)

Where: S2.62, 2nd Floor, The Summit Subang USJ, Persiaran Kewaijpan USJ 1, 47600, Subang Jaya
When: Open Monday to Friday, 2pm to 8pm Saturday and Sunday, 12.30pm to 8.30pm

 

Bag lovers, this is your place! Sha Shaari Boutique is a hidden gem in an upper storey lot in Bangsar. They sell designer vintage pieces in mint condition, so there’s every chance you’ll find that Chanel bag you’ve been longing. Sha ShaariWhere: No.14-2 (12A-2), Top Floor, Jalan Telawi Tiga, 59100, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur

 

Head to Amcorp Mall for a range of vintage and antique shops plus one of the longest running flea markets in the Klang Valley — making it the No 1 destination for bargain hunters in the city. At Chia’s Cotton Chic, you can find anything from low-key tops to cocktail dresses. For a rock star look, LEA Born Enterprise has authentic leather jackets, winter shoes plus the latest boots and t-shirts from Australia. Joe’s Mac is a must for music collectors. Not only can you find vintage and retro vinyl albums but instruments, posters and even cassettes. The flea market here is a slice of history having been staged every weekend since 1998.
Joes MacWhere: Persiaran Barat, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
When: Open Daily, 10am to 7pm Flea Market Open Saturday Sunday, 10am to 6pm

 

Get behind a great cause in Kedai Bless which donates money from every item sold to charities that help Orang Asli settlements, orphanages and rehab centres around the country. Here you can find donated clothes, shoes, small furniture, jewellery and home decorations. It’s biggest outlet is at Mid Valley Megamall.The Bless Shop (midvalley.com.my)Where: Unit CP-01, Level P1, Centre Court Mid Valley Megamall, KL 59200
When: Open Daily, 10am to 10pm.

 

Travel through time
Want to give your living room a facelift? Check out Objekt-object, located at the back of Battery Acid Club café. They sell old and new items that fit today’s aesthetics and design value while giving a new lease of life to old typewriters, glasses and accessories from the owner’s collection. Afterwards, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and chat with other design enthusiasts about the latest trends.Obkejt-Object (facebook)Where: 21 Jalan SS21/34, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, 47400
When: Open Tuesday to Friday, 8am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 8pm

 

For retro furniture check out Recro, previously known as Second Charm. This Ali Baba cave is filled with antiques from different periods and styles. They recreate, restore and revive carefully curated, one-of-a-kind vintage items plus European-inspired 60’s decor. The prices are fair and you can trade in your old items for newly restored ones. recroWhere: 53/53A Lorong Rahim Kajai 13, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur 60000
When: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm

 

Jumble Station offers a more practical approach to second-hand shopping with innovative  electrical appliances and gadgets for the house as well as gifts, toys, clothes and books. The outlet raises funds for non-profit organisation Parents without Partners, which helps single parents in Malaysia. You can also donate your belongings and contribute to the cause. jumbo(Image from Jaya One Facebook)
Where: The School, Jaya One, 72A Jalan Universiti, Petaling Jaya, 46200
When: Open Daily, 10.30am to 8pm.

 

Do you know of any other ‘vintage secrets’ in Kuala Lumpur? Let us know!!