Syed Muhammad Naqib Al-Attas Library: A Hidden Gem

TUCKED away in bustling Kuala Lumpur is the Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas Library. Located near Jalan Duta, it provides an other-worldly feel, where history and culture dance in the air. Looking at its architecture, you’d think that it wasn’t placed in such a concrete jungle such as Kuala Lumpur. Earthy wooden poles hold up the library and in them are carvings, that emulate the features of an old Malay house.

The 27-year-old library is home to 150,000 volumes of books that range from manuscripts, scholarly journals and rare books. What makes it better is that it houses a wide variety of collected works by major thinkers and major works on philosophy, metaphysics, theology, languages, literature, poetry, history and fine arts– you name it! In it, you can find classics such as Salina, Leyla and Majnun and The Catcher in the Rye, while also stumbling across unfamiliar books that are equally as interesting.

 

To make things even better, the library is situated in an equally beautiful compound that gives off tropical vibes. This place is extremely photogenic so if you’re planning to go, bring your camera along! To get to Syed Muhammad Naqib Al-Attas Library, you need a car as it’s situated in a hilly, residential area and there aren’t any LRT stations nearby.

The library named after one of Malaysia’s most prominent philosophers, Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas happens to be part of Crescent IIUM– a branch of the International Islamic University Malaysia. When you get there, feel free to ask around where the library is. The staff will be happy to assist you.

The library is open to public browsing and visits. If you’re looking for a new hangout place in 2017, go and check this library out. It doesn’t only sooth the eyes but it also feeds your soul. It’s the perfect place to head to when life gets overwhelming and you need some quiet time surrounded by knowledge.

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If you have any questions about the library, contact them here.