The first Eslite Spectrum outlet in Southeast Asia has set up shop in The Starhill in Kuala Lumpur. (Shafiq Hashim @ FMT Lifestyle)
KUALA LUMPUR: As anyone who knows the city would tell you, the Bukit Bintang district is somewhat synonymous with high fashion.
Many luxury brands have their outlets here and like moths to a flame, fashionistas tend to flock here, together with endless hordes of tourists.
As of this month though, another demographic will have reason to throng this shopping district.
Malaysian bibliophiles have been abuzz about the arrival of the famous Taiwanese bookstore chain, Eslite Spectrum, which opened its doors on Dec 17.
Having made landfall here, its first outlet in the country as well as the Southeast Asian region is located in The Starhill, with Pavilion KL right opposite.
For those in the dark, Eslite is a Taiwanese bookstore chain that opened in 1989 and today operates 48 stores in Taiwan, China and Japan.
The bookstore is home to thousands of titles, available in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese. (Shafiq Hashim @ FMT Lifestyle)
It prides itself specifically on being more than just a bookstore, with its late founder, Robert CY Wu providing bookworms a safe space to read in peace.
To that end, visitors to this 70,191 sq ft bookstore will have much to see and do, as there are more than just books here.
On opening day, FMT was there to see what Eslite had to offer… and it can now be confirmed that a treasure trove awaits.
Firstly, Eslite has quite the gorgeous interior, with the design apparently inspired by Italo Calvino’s novel “Invisible Cities”. In the novel, the author describes 55 fictitious cities, each with their unique, sometimes outlandish features.
Likewise, Eslite also features four distinctly themed spaces, with the City of Arches recognised by its warm red bricks, creating a comfortable reading and writing nook.
Eslite Children contains works that will attract young bookworms. (Shafiq Hashim @ FMT Lifestyle)
The City of Rippling Waves, on the other hand, is full of personality and wavy motifs, complementing the designer clothing sold here.
Shield your eyes in the City of Eternal Day, which emphasises bright open spaces with its illuminated white ceiling.
Last but not least is the Floating City, where crushed stone and colourful fabrics warmly invite shoppers to stroll through the aisles.
While aspiring architects and designers might be content with exploring the aesthetics of the place, bookworms will be thrilled that up to 35% of the store’s total space is dedicated to literary works.
Thousands of book titles are available for sale, with English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese works appealing to every possible demographic.
For those unsure of what to read, Eslite Recommends will be of help. These are books curated by Eslite’s team which feature fantastic writing or discuss topics relevant to modern-day issues.
In addition to books, branded lifestyle and fashion products are available for purchase at Eslite. (Shafiq Hashim @ FMT Lifestyle)
Young readers too will enjoy the entire section dedicated to fledgling bookworms. Parents can find a comprehensive collection of children’s books and educational toys here, fit for any curious child.
In addition to books, children’s activities like storytelling sessions and handicraft workshops are regularly held here as well.
Meanwhile Eslite Forum is the place to catch speakers delivering talks on a variety of subjects.
Readers and writers often go hand-in-hand, so Eslite Writing Boutique exists specifically to cater to the latter group. Here, you can find exquisite office stationery for all your writing needs, with staff on hand to provide advice and any information you may need.
Hungry? There are many cafés and restaurants where you can grab a snack while reading a good book. (Shafiq Hashim @ FMT Lifestyle)
The stationery section is a great place to pick up a kitschy gift or two, just in time for Christmas and have it gift-wrapped at the counter too.
Outside the bookstore are sections dedicated to lifestyle, fashion and food products. As it turns out, Eslite is home to several stalls, cafés, bars and bakeries.
Among these are Bean Brothers, a Malaysian espresso bar, and Chun Yang Tea, a Taiwanese tea shop that serves freshly made beverages.
Frequent shoppers should consider an Eslite membership because spending a minimum of RM100 in a single receipt puts you in the running for fantastic prizes.
These include plane tickets to and from Taipei, stays at The Ritz-Carlton KL or the JW Marriot Hotel, and RM1,000 worth of book vouchers!
So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to Eslite today and see what literary treasures, and more, await you!
Eslite Spectrum181, Jalan Bukit BintangBukit Bintang55100 Kuala LumpurWP Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 10.00am-10.00pm daily
Contact: 03-20380368
