After my lunch at Battered in REXKL, I decided not to rush off just yet. Since it was my first time there and I didn’t know when I’d be back again, I thought, why not take my time exploring the building?
From the moment I stepped in, I could feel REXKL’s magnetic energy pulling me in. It’s a whole cultural hub where every corner feels like it has a story waiting to be discovered. So I wandered around slowly, letting curiosity lead the way.
Along the way, I came across a vintage shop, stalls selling handmade items, and even a batik shop. But what truly caught my attention was on the upper floor—a bookstore I’d seen countless times on social media but never expected to visit so soon. BookXcess. And yes, I was instantly excited.
For those who don’t know, BookXcess has 16 physical bookstores across Malaysia, and each branch comes with its own personality. The Cyberjaya outlet was once famously known as the first 24-hour bookstore in Malaysia, making it a favourite spot for night owls and last-minute readers. The Penang branch boasts the longest bookshelf in the country, while the Setia Alam outlet stands out with its iconic ring tunnel design, an eye-catching feature that’s hard to miss. Every location is thoughtfully designed, and the REXKL branch is no exception.
What makes this outlet extra special is its location. REXKL was formerly known as Rex Cinema, one of Malaysia’s first major theaters. After suffering two major fires in 1972 and 2002, the building was eventually given a new life. In 2019, it was transformed into what we see today by a team led by architect Zheng Shunsheng.
BookXcess now occupies around 6,000 square feet on the top floor, a space that once held rows of cinema seats. Instead of erasing the past, the bookstore cleverly works with the original structure. One of the most striking features is how they used the old staircase space to create a book maze.
Walking through it is unexpectedly fun and a little adventurous. Some pathways are narrow and slightly cramped, requiring you to bend down or tilt your head as you move along. As someone who’s quite tall, I had to be extra careful—one wrong step and I might’ve hit my head! 😂
The maze is filled with visually interesting corners and angles, making it a favourite spot for photos. It’s no surprise that many visitors come not just for the books, but also to capture the experience on camera.
I remember seeing photos and videos of this bookstore online before, thinking, “I need to go there someday.” So, standing there in person felt a little unreal. I took my time browsing the shelves (because… books!), and I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable everything was! Definitely cheaper than many other bookstores in Malaysia.
And of course, I took plenty of photos to capture the moment and share them on my blog and Instagram. Haha. Huge shoutout to my partner, who patiently took photo after photo without complaining… even when I asked for “just one more.”
If you’re in Kuala Lumpur and looking for a place to slow down, soak in some creative energy, or simply take a few beautiful photos, BookXcess at REXKL is definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re a book lover, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys discovering interesting spaces, you’re sure to leave with a few new memories—and a gentle reminder of how exploring even the smallest corners of the world around you can spark joy, curiosity, and inspiration.
—Auri Duham 🌻
