While appearing simple at first glance, Sunda Shelves is anything but your average bookstore.
Founded in June 2023 by conservationist Surin Suksuwan and biodiversity consultant Dylan Jefri Ong, this passion project aims to cultivate a love for Malaysia’s natural wonders.
Standing out as the only nature-themed bookstore in Peninsular Malaysia, Sunda Shelves has quickly become a neighbourhood favourite.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, Surin, who once worked with the World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) for about 13 years, described the motivation behind the bookstore.
“Most libraries now don’t carry too many books about local wildlife. You are more likely to find books about African wildlife than Malaysian flora and fauna,” he revealed. With a passion for nature since childhood, Surin said it’s this gap that he wanted to fill.
At Sunda Shelves, you’ll find a diverse selection of both new and pre-loved titles, including rare books kept in an armoire by the counter. The main section features books written largely by local authors, categorised under natural areas, biodiversity and evolution, environmental issues, and much more.
Bookstore manager Jennifer Neoh Tan said: “We believe there’s a book for everyone.” This sentiment holds true at Sunda Shelves, where they prove that the environment is anything but boring.
Children’s picture books, like Anak Rimba’s “Beyond Mimo’s Tree” starring a baby Dusky Leaf Monkey, is just one example of how they bring nature to life with fun and colour.
Jennifer, who met Surin while working at WWF-Malaysia, shared that she grew up watching countless nature documentaries on National Geographic. Working at Sunda Shelves has reignited her passion for protecting the environment.
“We’ve received comments like, ‘Hey, these books are hard to find.’ Those who appreciate these books know they’re unique,” she told FMT Lifestyle, adding that it’s often the books about snakes, frogs, and birds that sell out first.
Cofounders Dylan and Surin didn’t just dream up Sunda Shelves as a bookstore; they envisioned it as a playground for curious minds.
Over the weekends, they hold ‘Sunda Talks’ — where you can expect anything from book launches and educational talks to fun workshops.
Their inaugural event featured a storytelling and book signing for Julida Uju’s “Mah Meri Animal Folklore.” Since then, they’ve expanded to include Sarawak cuisine tastings and even game play sessions featuring the local board game Bansan.
“You can appreciate nature in many ways. You don’t necessarily have to read about it,” expressed Surin.
This is also why Sunda Shelves offers a curated selection of local artisanal merchandise, collaborating with social enterprises and local NGOs such as the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia. Purchase batik scrunchies from Terengganu or locally blended teas made in Penang.
And of course, there’s nothing better than enjoying a book with a snack in hand. Sunda Shelves is also home to a quaint café offering a selected menu of simple but delicious dishes, including bihun goreng and Thai red curry. However, the highlight of their café, for which many people visit the bookstore, is their premium butter crust spiral curry puffs.
Unlike other establishments where the café dominates with only a few books on the racks, Sunda Shelves remains primarily a bookstore while also creating a warm and cosy space with light bites
Their fan-favourite curry puffs, are named Maleepap after Surin’s sister, Sumalee Suksuwan, the chef behind these savoury bites.
The Maleepaps come in three tempting varieties: original with chicken, potato, and egg filling; Siamese rendang with chicken and potato; and sardine.
FMT Lifestyle tried their Siamese Rendang curry puff and found its unique flavour and flaky texture irresistible. Enjoy it alongside their house-brewed drinks like Thai Milk Tea and Vietnamese Coffee or their refreshing desserts like soya longan jelly, and snow fungus soup. With all this, you may find it hard to leave Sunda Shelves.
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Sunda Shelves
32A (1st Floor), Jalan SS20/10
Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 11am -6pm (Tue–Fri); 10am-7pm (Sat & Sun)