eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur
Malaysians are pretty lucky when it comes to shopping for books, with book cafes and cheap paperbacks available for local bookworms to indulge themselves in. Now we’ll have another book haunt spot in KL to add to our list in 2022: eslite bookstore.
This famous bookstore chain from Taiwan, known for its massive bookshelves and range of books, is set to open in Kuala Lumpur on 17th December 2022. It’s part of eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur, which encompasses a gallery for art exhibitions and also a dining area.
eslite bookstore to open at The Starhill, KL
Image credit: eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur
eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur is reported to be around 3,300-6,600 square meters big – that’s about the size of 6 to 12 basketball courts. A press release from the company confirmed that the outlet will be located in high-end mall, The Starhill, at Bukit Bintang, KL, and its opening is scheduled for 17th December.
This means that we can expect to see our share of English and Chinese books and magazines, as well as some of the bookstores’ popular features in Taiwan right in our own backyard.
Image credit: eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur
Malaysians can take pride in the fact that we’ll be the first ones to have the eslite in Southeast Asia. Other outlets outside of Taiwan are situated in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Japan.
To celebrate its opening, eslite will host over 30 arts and cultural activities in December, including live music performances and humanities lectures.
Image credit: eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur
You can look forward to the store’s architecture too. They’ve collaborated with local brand, Loka Made, to create hand-painted style elements, such as ring-shaped ceilings, colourful canopies, and arches in red-bricked walls.
A highlight is the classic “birdcage” light fixtures that are a known feature at their stores.
Image credit: eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur
Besides books, the store will host selected lifestyle brands from Taiwan, an eatery serving coffee and light dining, and over a 100 stationery brands from the US, the UK, and Japan. There’s also a Children Zone for those with kiddos to read at.
Image credit: eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur
Bookstore in Taiwan with photographable spots & cafe
Image credit: The HoneyCombers
In case you haven’t heard about eslite from Taiwan yet, it’s one of the largest book retailers there that offers a wide selection of books, including Chinese and English books. So it’s not surprising that it’s become a spot for many to add to their itinerary lists while visiting Taiwan.
The bookstore chains’ outlets often feature massive winding bookshelves that look just like a modern version of Beauty & The Beast’s library. There are also more than just books to browse from at their outlets, with stationery, clothes, kitchenware, home appliances, and artisanal products for sale too.
Tea Room in Taiwan
Image credit: Eslite Bookstore
Some outlets even house photographable spots, with art installations often featured.
There are also in-house cafes, including one called a Tea Room, at several of its bookstore outlets for bookworms to sip on Oolong and English Breakfast teas while browsing through their purchases. A selection of baked goods are also available to nibble on, including macaroons, fruit tarts, and cakes.
First eslite bookstore in Southeast Asia to open in KL
No doubt, those in Taiwan were probably bummed out to hear news of several outlets closing there, including its famous 24-hour flagship outlet in Dunnan. But the joy of books has definitely been spread to us with news of an eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur opening in Malaysia on 17th December 2022.
More events in Malaysia:
- Van Gogh Alive to open in KL on 17th December
- Skyline Luge to open in Malaysia in 2023
- Gong Cha releases new mint chocolate bubble milk tea
Cover image adapted from: eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur
This article was originally published on 29th May 2020, and updated on 2nd December 2022.