Beautiful shop. Calm atmosphere. And a great selection of books. But keep in mind, the books are all priced up; and you are not allowed to browse the books whilst enjoying a coffee from the cafe, unless (as the owner unpleasantly reminded me) you're intending to buy them. ... I wish the owner had communicated his expectations a little more compassionately, in all honesty, as I was really drawn to this place until then.

Phony bookstore. Unpleasant staff. Save yourself the time because it literally is just like any other bookstores. Oh and they will also remind you in a not so polite manner to not take photos 😂😂 how elitist is that. Even bookstores in Notting Hill aren’t this snobby.

Love the range of books this store offers. Friendly and really pleasant staff. The cafe is at the fiction section!

I love the variations of books they have here. My dad even bought one Murakami book, but the staff working there…. She was following us around the bookshop like we’re going to steal something !! Unbelievable. The atmosphere was very calm, but sadly the staff took me and my family’s mood to stroll around the store and look around. We adore books and never had a bad experience going into a bookstore before! This ones the first. Oh well, seeing the other reviews, we thought that it’ll be an experience to go in there. It is indeed an experience, but unfortunately a bad one.

Great independent bookstore in the heart of George Town to discover local and Asian books. There is a small art gallery in Between the 2 rooms and an event space upstairs used for movie screenings and talks which are organised weekly.

More than just a book store, Hikayat stages cultural & music events & a weekly film series. Quick to share knowledge of Penang - a network of family & friends making cultural connections at every turn.

Very interesting book store, books lover will spend hours here for sure.

First time i come Penang from Thailand, see this shop very nice and go in and habe a look. As a business owner i personally felt that the staffs were unprofessional. I was looking at some books and wanted to take pictures of the shop and was told to not do it,i understand if its a shop policy but how you deliver the message can be more pleasant and customers will take it graciously.

The book collection is just perfect: many international but also local authors. You can buy beautiful postcards and art. There’s a coffee shop inside the book store and the interior is beautiful. The staff was extremely friendly, they even helped us to call a taxi. Thanks a lot!

Independent bookstore in the heart of Penang heritage zone, with books on local history and culture, a unique find not usually seen in mainstream bookstores.

Hikayat is a great bookstore and I think of it as part of the intellectual heart of the city. The store is beautiful and well organized. In addition to selling books, it presents lectures and films. Refreshments are served in the space behind the bookstore during lectures.

Great bookstore, would definitely recommend.Cozy and suitable for booklovers.

This is the gem of Georgetown. Lovely collection of books from all corners of the world, ranging from art to politics, culture, music, poetry sociology, novels... The list just goes on..... An even lovelier team behind this great space. It's not a complete trip to Penang without a visit to this store.

A gem.

Great selection and nice atmosphere. A little sad that they don’t allow photos to be taken inside but I also understand why!

Small but elegant bookstore and gallery. Mostly books about Malaysia and SE Asian heritage and history. A gem of downtown Georgetown.

A bookstore that is highly recommended. Kind owner and great events.

Lovely bookstore with good selection of art and photography books. Only complaint is books are priced slightly higher compared to mass chains like MPH, kinokuniya.

Good book store and Cafe. Offers a great collection of non fiction books! Also promotes and facilitates local events like movie nights, Jazz concerts etc.

If you love arts, then Penang Street Art is the best place. Walking distance from Masjid Kapitan. There's lots of souvenier shops. Enjoy!!

Inspiring events, very friendly cultural hub.

Lovely bookstore with interesting collection of books!

Cozy bookstore with a rare collection. I could spend hours here just to get lost among the shelves