Not just for avid readers, but having a couple of Malaysiana books in your collection can be like opening a window into our past and present. These books serve as guides, allowing you to explore the stories, traditions, and experiences that shape Malaysian culture. history and heritage.

• Borneo Books from Bundusan Books – Explore a collection of rare Borneo-related editions carefully curated by founder Jesse Joy. He also sells on Carousel and at various pop-up markets in KL and PJ. or more details, follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bundusanbooks/ and read an article about his passion for book here.

• Plates – Exploring the often overlooked narratives surrounding human rights, social justice, intangible cultures, and the environment. Utilising food as a catalyst for dialogue, Plates transforms complex issues into easily digestible stories, sparking meaningful discussions over shared plates. They diligently seek out alternative, untold food stories directly from the unsung heroes of the food supply chain. Founder DeeMay Tan’s focus extends to those without the privilege of a press team or access to a publicist – from the marginalised rural rice farmer near the Kalimantan-Sarawak border in Borneo to the last generation of Kadazan-Dusun rice ritual specialists and resilient individuals who have defied societal limitations.

• The Malay Archipelago by Alfred Wallace – A stand out book that is vivid, and at times alarming depiction of an eight-year journey across the vast Malay world — spanning from Singapore to the western borders of New Guinea — but also as a testament to the intellect of its author. Enduring harsh conditions and battling illness, Wallace explores jungles, resides among headhunters, and gathers specimens of beetles, butterflies, and birds-of-paradise. In doing so, he unveils biological insights that have profoundly influenced our understanding of the world. Sharing a glimpse from this book, wherein Wallace recounts his encounter with the durian fruit:
  ‘The five cells are silky-white within, and are filled with a mass of firm, cream-coloured pulp, containing about three seeds each. This pulp is the edible part, and its consistence and flavour are indescribable.
  A rich custard highly flavoured with almonds gives the best general idea of it, but there are occasional wafts of flavour that call to mind cream-cheese, onion-sauce, sherry-wine, and other incongruous dishes. Then there is a rich glutinous smoothness in the pulp which nothing else possesses, but which adds to its delicacy. It is neither acidic nor sweet nor juicy; yet it wants neither of these qualities, for it is in itself perfect. It produces no nausea or other bad effect, and the more you eat of it the less you feel inclined to stop.’

• The Encyclopedia of Malaysia – Each volume in the series explores a single subject area, bringing to life details of Malaysia’s history, politics, economy, natural history and culture. Great emphasis is placed on the visual content of the series, which is illustrated throughout in full colour. Some series are no longer in print but can be found at second hand bookshops or  shopping platforms like Carousell and Shopee.

• The Kampung Boy by Lat – A graphic novel by Lat, recounting the life of Mat, a Muslim boy growing up in rural Malaysia in the 1950s: his adventures and mischief-making, fishing trips, religious study, and work on his family’s rubber plantation. Meanwhile , the traditional way of life in his village (or kampung ) is steadily disappearing, with tin mines and factory jobs gradually replacing family farms and rubber small-holders. When Mat himself leaves for boarding school, he can only hope that his familiar kampung will still be there when he returns. Kampung Boy, is both humorous and tender, offering a glimpse into a disappearing world, vividly captured through expressive artwork.

• A History of Malaysia by Andaya, Barbara Watson – This publication traces events in the Malay world from early times to the twentieth century and shows how they have contributed to the formation of modern Malaysia. The complex cultural heritage of Malaysia is shown to be decisive in shaping its history. But equally important is Malaysia’s strategic position on an international trade route linking China, India and the West. The changing world trade has been a determining factor in the growth and direction of Malaysia’s political and social institutions.

• Our Malaysia: The Multi-Cultural Workbook For The Youth of Malaysia – An engaging workbook aimed at enabling, both, children and parents to experience Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity. Though crafted with children in mind, this book offers a two-way learning experience for everyone. Click here for a Malaysiana series from the publisher.
• Malaya: 500 Early Postcards – Based on a selection from the author?s private collection, Malaya 500 Early Postcards offers a rare and comprehensive glimpse into the changing landscapes, townscapes and lifestyles of Malaya, from the late 19th century to 1963,

• Selangor: 300 Early Postcards – At the start of the 20th century, Selangor was developing fast. Tin was being mined, jungle cleared and rubber planted and tapped ? and Kuala Lumpur, at the heart of the state, had recently become the capital of the Federated Malay States. This rapid rate of change continued throughout the century. Selangor: 300 Early Postcards presents a wide range of views from the early 1900s to the cession of Kuala Lumpur to the Federal Government of Malaysia in 1974.

• The Chitties of Melaka – a vivid presentation of the lives, ceremonies, and festivals of the Chitty community in Melaka. The Chitty community is of Indian Peranakan descent, originally the offspring of South Indian traders who came to Melaka to trade from the early 15th century and married local women. Peranakan is from the root word ‘anak’, which means ‘child’ or ‘locally born’.

• A Malaysian Journey by Rehman Rashid – Two journeys unfold within these pages: the author’s literal and physical return home, rediscovering Malaysia, and the historical narrative of the nation. This historical journey encompasses the events leading to Malaya’s independence in 1957, the birth of Malaysia in 1963, and the nation’s maturation during the terms of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

• Catatan by Latif Mohidin – By the elusive Latiff Mohidin, artist, poet, and writer. ‘Catatan,’ at its core, is a collection of notes, memos, and journal entries, occasionally resembling a tweet or a status update. Organised by topics like art and theatre, the book spans Latiff Mohidin’s journey from the ’50s to the ’70s, providing glimpses into his thoughts and experiences.

• Salina by A Samad Said – Set in the modest Malay community of Kampung Kambing, ‘Salina’ unfolds as a poignant tale of poverty driving Salina to work as an escort in post-WWII 1950s Singapore. This narrative, part social commentary and part social drama, delves into the profound suffering and the relentless struggle for survival amid the aftermath of Japanese rule and the wars that marked the era.

Seek out Malaysiana books from any one of the following local bookstores (select the name to be directed to bookstores website.)

• Areca Books
• Balai Buku Raya
• Gerak Budaya (PJ)
• Gerak Budaya (Penang)
• Kawah Buku
• Lit Bookshop
• Penang Bookshelf
• Riwayat
• Sunda Shelves