Imagine lounging in a chic atmosphere, surrounded by Instagrammable décor while sipping away on a cup of freshly brewed coffee or munching on some delectable pastries.
With the Movement Control Order (MCO) currently in place, one can only dream of going to book cafés and spending a lazy afternoon there.
But that doesn’t mean it will never happen. We’ve compiled seven book cafés across Malaysia that should be on your travel list once MCO is over.
#1 Bukku
How does spending a lazy day with the sun glimmering in between the trees while you sip on a hot cup of coffee as you become so deeply engrossed in fiction sound to you? Sounds like a plan for us. The outdoor ambient is a plus point if you want some fresh air, and the salted egg and green tea croissants are said to be the main stars of the book café, so be sure to get them while you’re there.
Address: No.1, Jalan Singgahsana 4A/KU2, Bandar Bukit Raja, 41050 Klang, Selangor
Contact no: 012-567 7392
Instagram: @bukkucafe
#2 Ink Library Café
Offering “Coffee, food, cakes, and ‘zines”, this library-themed café has all sorts of magazines from all over the world for you to flip through while having a meal. Both interior and exterior of the café screams 'Photograph me!', thanks to its glass walls but it’s the view that’s actually the crème de la crème. Try going there to catch the sunset!
Address: Ink Library Café @ Grandeur Labs, Lot 6232, Persiaran Mokhtar Dahari, Eco Grandeur 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor
Contact no: 016-621 8171
Instagram: @inklibrarycafe
#3 Book Barter Café
Just like its name, you can actually come here to barter books for free (but not food, OK?)! Nature and book lovers are in for a double treat as lush green plants surround the café with some even cascading from its roof. There’s even a small pond right smack in front of the entrance with real fishes swimming merrily. One look at the selection of desserts they offer will make you drool.
Address: Book Barter Cafe, GP 1-03 Pinnacles North Court Tamarind Square Cyberjaya, Selangor
Contact no: 019-499 1408
Instagram: @bookbartercafe
#4 Nook
Located right in the heart of Penang’s heritage city, George Town, this book café is home to used books and awesome espressos. The café’s façade is a stunner and we’re happy to see not much change has been done to the iconic building, and that will definitely take you back in time.
Address: 4, Halaman Khoo Cheow Teong, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 016-456 1957
Instagram: @thenookbooksandcoffee
#5 Yue Coffee
Need to escape the city and immerse in some laidback kampung vibes? Well, you might not need to leave the city at all to find this wonderful, bright and airy establishment. This kampung-style book café serves coffee, craft beer, sourdough bread, cakes, and of course, all the books you can read.
Address: 114, Jalan 15, Batu 11 Cheras, 43200 Cheras, Selangor
Instagram: @yuecoffee
#6 Cerita Café @Hikayat
Get ready to be greeted by checkered Alice Wonderland-like floors into this quaint book café. Hikayat is the sister shop of Gerakbudaya Penang, which is home to various non-fiction titles and also serves as an event space. Apart from books, you’ll find delicious homemade savouries and desserts, fine teas and robust coffees.
Address: 226, Lebuh Pantai, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Contact: 04-261 8001
Instagram: @gerakbudayabookshop
#7 Lit Books
Your bookshelf is about to look lit after your trip to this book café. From curated books consisting of award-winning titles to chick lit, you’d bound to find a book that’s your cup of tea. This Muji-esque book café is definitely a little haven for bookworms and café hoppers.
Address: P-1-11 Tropicana Avenue, 12, Persiaran Tropicana, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: 03-7886 6988
Instagram: @mylitbooks