Finally Visiting the Most Creative Bookstore Ever: My Experience at REXKL BookXcess in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

I finally got the chance to visit REXKL BookXcess in Kuala Lumpur—well, technically I went about 1.5 years ago, but only found the time to properly sort my thoughts and write about it now. 

Don’t worry though, the bookstore is still very much there, unchanged. And honestly, it feels less like browsing books and more like stepping into a visual maze designed for both readers and creators.

As someone based in Singapore, I couldn’t help but compare. We do have beautiful bookstores—but this one in KL? It plays in a different league when it comes to spatial creativity.

A Bookstore That Feels Like a Maze (In the Best Way)

The moment you enter REXKL, you already know this isn’t your typical retail space. It used to be a cinema, and that layered architecture is still very much alive.

Inside BookXcess, bookshelves stretch high and curve into unexpected corners. Walk a little further, and suddenly you’re in another “zone”—almost like unlocking different chapters of a story.

The Famous Photogenic Corner (Yes, It’s Worth It)

If you’ve seen photos online, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

There’s a signature photo spot inside the store—one that many influencers and content creators have already posted. It’s almost become a rite of passage.

Of course, I had to try it too.

Reality check?
It’s not as easy as it looks.

• The space is slightly dim
• Angles matter a lot
• Posing in an open concept area can feel awkward

If you’re not naturally photogenic (same here), it takes a bit of trial and error.

Pro tip: Bring a friend who knows how to take photos. Haha.
Seriously—it makes a huge difference.

Lighting Challenges (What Most People Don’t Tell You)

Let’s talk about something practical that often gets overlooked:

Lighting.

The bookstore leans towards a moody, ambient lighting style. It looks amazing in person—but can be tricky for phones.

Here’s what I noticed:

• Standard phone cameras struggle with low-light sharpness
• Exposure balancing can be inconsistent
• Shadows can affect skin tone and details

What works better:

• Phones with strong night mode / low-light performance
• A semi-pro camera (if you’re serious about content and have high expectations)
• Manual exposure adjustment if your phone allows

If you’re planning content creation here, this is something you’ll want to prepare for.

Practical Tips Before You Go

If you’re planning a visit REXKL, here’s what I’d suggest:

• Go during off-peak hours (weekday mornings if possible)
• Wear something comfortable but photo-ready
• Don’t rush—this place is meant to be explored and get "lost"
• Charge your devices fully (you’ll take more photos than expected)

Feel free to Read about Penang's Bookxcess visitation here.

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Here’s a glimpse into my memory, now shared as a video on YouTube:

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