Areca Books

It is an amazing and unique bookstore whose owner is highly knowledgeable about the books in the shop and intellectual in overall. Fahmi also reads the books in the shop before giving people suggestions about them.

There is a nice selection of books on Malaysia, Malaysian culture, Islam, and orientalism. Since we are both interested in history, we had a nice chat and exchanged our ideas and opinions regarding many issues such as the history of colonialism, the spread of the religion of Islam in the Malay archipelago, and my country, Turkey.

I love all the books in the shop and wanted to buy all of them but I bought a few books due to my limited budget. Apart from buying books, I spent a very quality and valuable time here. I hope our paths cross again with this bookstore and its owner.

A very good place to find for books that are locally published, especially books on history of Penang and Malaysia which cannot be found in the mainstream bookstores.

Neatly organized with a very great ambience, it surely leaves behind a memorable experience to customers here especially for the book lovers.

Will defnitely come here again if I visit Penang.

My partner and I came for our first time in Penang. The whole place is amazing from the books to the music to the staff. We never asked for his name but the man behind the counter gave us an amazing history lesson on Penang and recommended some amazing books. Can’t wait to come back on our next visit.

“Them crazy Japanese bikes”

Cosy little bookstore jam packed with many excellent books, especially about Penang, which are extremely difficult to come by in the US. I could’ve spent hours browsing and reading! The young lady working at the store was very personable, highlighting books I might like and recommending interesting spots in George Town to visit.

The guy who runs/works at this book store is the epitome of what book store owners should be! He actually reads the books, had recommendations for us and was in general really friendly and kind. We ended up buying a book he recommended and can’t wait to read it.

A great collection of niche books that you won’t find elsewhere. The owner was very kind to recommend several books based on my preferences. Stop in!

Small independent bookshop with a great selection of local English-language books, fiction and nonfiction. The owner is super friendly and will help you find what you are looking for. Highly recommend!

This was my 2nd visit and bought a book. I liked the ambience and the wide selection of books. Will visit again on my next trip to Penang.

Competent and friendly staff with an interesting selection of books about Penang and more.

A quaint little private local bookstore albeit with limited book selections. Here you can easily find books published by local authors and books about Penang and Malaysian history. The lady (whom I assume is the owner) was very nice and friendly. I would come back again.

A boutique book store tucked in the alleys of George Town’s heritage trail. The selection of books focuses mainly on Malaysia and its history. Picked up two interesting books on my way out but if I had the capacity I might buy another 4-5 more titles !

This really is the "go-to" place if you are looking for books on heritage and culture. They have a wide range of topics and books available in the store. They also have a website which makes it easy to order books even if you are not in Penang. Highly recommended!

One of the best sources of South East Asian books and a publisher of great integrity and attention to quality. I have been forty years in my involvement with ASEAN and what Areca does is like a mini Smithsonian Library. Khoo Salma and her team give voice to layers which would otherwise be lost. They also are great booksellers and all the books i have bought are a delight, while broadening my understanding.. Professor Stephen J Hall

They really have great books written after long research. I would suggest chulia. The book is based on the history of Indian Muslims and their businesses in Malaysia.

Great place to look for special books of unique and rare subjects.

Lovely, relaxing space perfect for a break from the midday sun. Interesting selection of books and art objects by local artists.
Certainly much more to offer than I had expected when I randomly wandered in.

Intelectual books for deep reading. a lot of history books. Happy to meet the owner and writer Pak Razaq Lubis.

quaint little space. lost in your own world.

Friendly shopkeepers and nice selection of local books. Should be more popular!

Niche local publisher. Cozy location.