Into the Heart of Borneo by Redmond O'Hanlon -- The funniest travel book about Southeast Asia. O'Hanlon and the poet James Fenton blunder deep into the Sarawak jungle in search of rhinoceros, encountering leeches, rapids and generous Iban hospitality. Essential reading if you are heading to Borneo.
The Malay Dilemma by Mahathir Mohamad -- Written before he became Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister, this controversial book argues for Malay affirmative action policies. Agree or disagree, it explains a lot about how modern Malaysia works. It was banned for years.
Cradle of Clouds by Chet Yeng Loong -- A beautiful photographic exploration of the Cameron Highlands, capturing the tea plantations, mossy forests and changing character of this highland retreat.
The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng -- A Booker-shortlisted novel set in the Cameron Highlands, weaving together the Japanese occupation of Malaya, a mysterious Japanese garden and questions of memory and art. Atmospheric and quietly powerful.
Consuming Kuala Lumpur by Ziauddin Sardar -- A witty, affectionate and critical portrait of Malaysia's capital, exploring how KL devours its own history in the pursuit of modernity. Sardar grew up in the city and writes about it with both love and exasperation.
King of the Crocodiles by Gina Yap Lai Yoong -- A collection of folk tales from Sarawak's indigenous communities, preserving stories of spirits, animals and the river that are quickly disappearing from living memory.
Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times by Barry Wain -- The definitive biography of the man who shaped modern Malaysia over 22 years as PM. Well-researched and balanced, it gives essential context for understanding the country today.