Kuala Lumpur has no shortage of shopping malls. From TRX and Pavilion to Suria KLCC, Mid Valley, and One Utama, the city is dense with polished retail spaces. After a while, though, they begin to blur together—different buildings housing variations of the same stores.
When that sameness starts to set in, I find myself looking for places that reset my sense of the city rather than reinforce it. One such place is REXKL, a repurposed cultural complex tucked into Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.
REXKL: An Old Building with a New Pulse
From the outside, REXKL looks almost unremarkable—an ageing concrete structure that wouldn’t stand out in a neighbourhood known for traditional shops and markets. Step inside, however, and the atmosphere shifts immediately.
The entrance lighting feels theatrical, more like a small performance venue than a commercial building. Inside, the space is busy with a mix of locals and visitors, drawn not by brand names but by curiosity.
REXKL is layered vertically. The ground floor houses restaurants, bars, and cafés. Above that, a mezzanine level gathers small independent shops selling vintage items, accessories, body products, and everyday objects with personality.
More Than a Bookstore: BookXcess at REXKL
One of the main draws inside REXKL is BookXcess, located on the upper levels. While BookXcess operates dozens of outlets across Malaysia and Singapore, no two locations look the same. The REXKL branch is particularly striking.
Bookshelves stretch upward in uneven heights, arranged like a maze rather than orderly aisles. There are cut-out openings where people pause to take photos, and the space encourages wandering rather than efficient browsing.
Beyond books, the store also carries stationery, small gifts, and design objects—items that feel considered rather than mass-produced. It’s here that I noticed something I hadn’t planned on buying: magnets.
LOKA MADE: Souvenirs That Feel Thoughtful
The magnets on display were made by LOKA MADE, a Malaysia-based design brand with stores in Singapore. Unlike generic souvenir magnets, these are solid, three-dimensional pieces featuring local motifs—animals, landmarks, and everyday symbols associated with Malaysia.
They aren’t cheap souvenirs meant to be picked up without thought. Each magnet costs around RM 39.90, which places them firmly in the “intentional purchase” category. But the build quality is sturdy, the colours are vibrant, and the designs feel deliberate.
It was the first time during my stay in Malaysia that I genuinely considered buying magnets—not out of obligation, but because they felt like objects worth keeping.
LOKA MADE also produces postcards, stickers, and paper goods inspired by local culture and daily life. For those who prefer lighter souvenirs, these offer a more accessible alternative while keeping the same design sensibility.
Wandering Beyond the Main Floors
REXKL rewards lingering. After leaving BookXcess, it’s worth returning to the mezzanine level to browse the vintage and select shops that line the floor. Clothing, home objects, toys, candles, and small accessories are scattered throughout.
Not everything here is locally made—some items are imported—but the overall experience feels curated rather than commercial. Even without buying anything, walking through the space offers a different rhythm from the surrounding malls.
A Different Kind of Stop in Chinatown
If you find yourself full after a meal in Chinatown but not quite ready to head home, REXKL makes for an easy detour. It’s a place to wander, observe, and occasionally find something that resonates.
Whether that ends up being a book, a magnet, or nothing at all, REXKL offers a reminder that not every meaningful souvenir comes from a mall—and not every shopping experience needs to feel the same.
Further Information
📍 REXKL on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tGnAVKdjQs1mjqNU8
📚 BookXcess locations (official website): https://www.bookxcess.com/pages/our-store
🧲 LOKA MADE (official website): https://lokamade.com/
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