A Stunning Instagrammable Spot Lost in a Sea of Books - Maze Bookstore BOOKXCESS

My "Book Maze" Adventure: BookXcess RexKL
Today, I want to specially introduce you to BookXcess RexKL, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur! This store is truly the flagship of BookXcess and a must-visit photo spot for many tourists and locals alike.
Historical Background: A Glamorous Transformation from Cinema to Bookstore
Did you know? The predecessor of BookXcess RexKL was actually a historic cinema—the Rex Cinema! It was one of the most bustling entertainment venues in Kuala Lumpur during the 1980s. Unfortunately, the cinema suffered two major fires and fell silent for a time. It wasn’t until recent years that a visionary team took over and revitalized the space, transforming it into a cultural complex called REXKL. BookXcess is located on the second floor of REXKL, perfectly continuing the life of this old building.
So, when you step inside, you’re not just visiting a bookstore—you’re traveling through time. You can see the weathered walls left from the cinema days and the high ceilings; these historical traces blend seamlessly with modern design, creating a unique atmosphere. This is the charm of BookXcess—it doesn’t just sell books, it sells space and experience.
Maze-like Design Concept:
BookXcess is famous for its unique "maze-style" design. When you enter the BookXcess at RexKL, you’ll immediately be awed by the spectacular book walls! The bookshelves tower to the ceiling, some even extending all the way up, layered and winding like a labyrinth made of books. Every corner might hide a surprise, with cozy reading nooks and even some low passages you have to duck through, adding to the fun of exploration.
The founders believe that in an increasingly challenging bookstore industry, offering an "experience" is essential to attract people out the door. Therefore, each BookXcess branch is designed to be unique, with "crazy variety" as the core concept, while also emphasizing a "community-based" approach. Here, taking photos and checking in is not only allowed but encouraged, because they believe this helps more people get close to books and makes reading more fun.
My Store Visit Experience:
I personally love wandering through BookXcess RexKL. It’s not only visually stunning but also full of little thoughtful touches. I noticed some corners have glass walkways or paths, and walking on them while looking down really gets your heart racing—super thrilling! The store also displays many artworks from Malaysian and Indonesian artists, adding an artistic vibe to the space. Best of all, there are large floor-to-ceiling windows where you can enjoy your reading time while admiring the cityscape blending old and new outside.
The book selection here is very rich, ranging from novels, non-fiction, children’s books to various foreign language books. BookXcess is known for offering high discounts, allowing readers to buy their favorite books at more affordable prices. So, if you’re a book lover, you’re sure to find treasures here!
How to Get There:
BookXcess RexKL is located in downtown Kuala Lumpur, very convenient to reach:
* By MRT: The easiest way is to take the MRT Kajang Line to Pasar Seni Station (Central Market Station). From the station, it’s about a 5-10 minute walk to REXKL. Along the way, you’ll pass the lively Petaling Street, which is worth a visit.
* By Taxi or Grab: Simply enter "REXKL" or "BookXcess RexKL" as your destination, and the driver will take you directly there.
Opening Hours:
* BookXcess RexKL’s usual opening hours are:
* Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
* Monday: Usually closed (it’s recommended to check online before you go in case of special changes)
Nearby Key Attractions:
Since BookXcess RexKL is located inside the revitalized REXKL building, there are many nearby attractions worth visiting, making it perfect for a full day trip:
* Petaling Street (Chinatown): Right next to REXKL, this is Kuala Lumpur’s famous Chinatown. It’s filled with various food stalls, souvenir shops, and traditional stores, rich with the charm of the Nanyang Chinese culture. It’s a great place to taste local delicacies and soak in the cultural atmosphere.
* Central Market: About a 10-15 minute walk from REXKL. This historic building is now a hub for cultural arts and handicrafts, where you can buy various Malaysian souvenirs, batik fabrics, wood carvings, and more.
* Sri Mahamariamman Temple: One of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest and most ornate Hindu temples, also not far from REXKL. You can visit to admire its exquisite sculptures and unique architectural style.
* Other Spaces within REXKL: REXKL is not just a bookstore; it’s a multi-functional creative center. Inside, you’ll find many independent trendy shops, creative stores, cafes, and bars. There’s even a food court in the basement offering a variety of dining options. After browsing the bookstore, you can find a spot here to enjoy a coffee or taste local cuisine, making for a very pleasant experience.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur, I sincerely recommend adding BookXcess RexKL to your must-visit list! It’s not just a bookstore but an exploration journey of books, history, art, and design. It’s guaranteed to amaze you and provide plenty of beautiful photo opportunities!