Crazy Rich Asians [1] is already the hit of the Summer, and for good reason. The barrier-busting film [2], based on Kevin Kwan's bestselling book of the same name, had an amazing opening weekend, raking in $34 million and breaking a plethora of records [3], because the movie is unbelievably funny, heartwarming, and just downright gorgeous to watch.
It's hard to believe that Singapore and Malaysia, where some scenes were filmed, are just that beautiful in real life, but I assure you, they are. Leaving the theatre, you'll definitely want to begin planning a trip to the region ASAP, and whilst there, you won't want to miss some of the locations that played a role in Crazy Rich Asians.
Singapore Changi Airport
Rachel Chu (played by Constance Wu) was not kidding when she said, "We aren't in LaGuardia [airport] anymore." Named the best airport in the world a staggering six times [5], Changi Airport has multiple themed gardens (favorites include the cactus garden on the roof and the butterfly garden, which holds more than a thousand butterflies), a 12-meter-high slide, a kinetic rain art installation, and a full-on play you could catch, Peranakan Love Story, a tale of two young adults set in Singapore in the 1930s.
If you are flying elsewhere in Asia, plan a stopover in the Changi Airport, because it offers free tours of Singapore for travelers [6] with layovers over 5.5 and under 24 hours. You'll have to show your boarding pass as proof, but it's a great inexpensive way to see the very expensive city.
Newton Food Centre in Singapore
One of the first things Rachel and Nick (played by Henry Golding) do after touching down in Singapore is head to a food court of hawker stalls. While the stalls don't actually have Michelin stars like Nick says, they do receive Michelin Bib Gourmand awards [8], a recognition for establishments offering a "high-quality menu at a reasonable price."
There are a total of 17 Bib Gourmand awards spread out among the various food centres in Singapore, but in Crazy Rich Asians, Nick, Colin, and Araminta take Rachel to the Newton Food Centre [9], Singapore's most famous hawker centre, built in 1971 and with stalls dating back to the 1960s.
Visit Alliance Seafood [10] (order the barbecued seafood and black pepper crab for $36), Heng [11] (serving fried carrot cake and oyster omelettes), and Ah Gong Traditional Hainanese Chicken Rice [12], which was recognised with a Michelin Plate.
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi in Malaysia
While not actually owned by Araminta's mother, this gorgeous resort is actually part of the Four Seasons collection. The resort isn't located in Singapore, but it's a quick flight away in Malaysia.
The Four Seasons Langkawi Resort [13] has stunning views and luxurious accommodations. It also sits idyllically right on the Andaman Sea, making the room price totally worth it.
Sentosa Island in Singapore
You can't visit the shipping container Silicon Valley star Jimmy O. Yang decked out for Colin's bachelor party, but you can visit the (seemingly) peaceful island refuge, known as Sentosa Island [14], that Nick whisks Colin away to halfway through the party.
Before you get your hopes up, there are a couple of things you should know about Sentosa Island. First off, Crazy Rich Asians used a bit of movie magic to create the serene landscape we see on screen. In reality, the island vibes are less middle of nowhere and more Disneyland. There are a plethora of shops, paved nature walks, and even a water park to explore. Located to the southeast of Singapore's main island, it is connected via road, cable car, pedestrian boardwalk, and monorail [15].
Bukit Pasoh Road in Singapore
In the movie, we see Peik Lin (played by Awkwafina) giving Rachel a pep talk while dining outside. The stunning road they are sitting on is Bukit Pasoh Road, and although you don't see much of the food or interior, they are eating at Humpback Restaurant [17]. Visit both by heading to Singapore's Chinatown in the Tanjong Pagar area. You'll find quaint shophouses that have been carefully preserved and hold hip boutique hotels and excellent restaurants.
Chijmes in Singapore
The inside won't look like "a rice paddy field" (Eleanor Young's words, not mine), but you can marvel at the gorgeous gothic-style chapel that where Colin Khoo and Araminta Lee married. Chijmes hall [18] was first built as a Catholic convent in 1852 and has restaurants and shopping surrounding it. You can even rent the hall used in the scene in real life — the only problem is you may have to be crazy rich to do so.
Garden by the Bay in Singapore
Highly recognisable in the film during the wedding reception is Singapore's crowning garden installation, known as Gardens by the Bay [19]. The space is open to tourists and tickets can be prebooked online for $28 a person. A bit steep, but it is worth the cost for the skywalk alone. There's also a waterfall, lakes, restaurants, and event spaces.
Ann Siang Hill in Singapore
Late in the movie, Eleanor (played by Michelle Yeoh) strolls through a drop-dead gorgeous street while looking both fabulous and fearsome. The street is actually Ann Siang Hill and is a must visit while in Singapore.
Ann Siang Hill is full of old and colourful houses that have been restored and converted into an endless supply of restaurants and boutiques for you to wander through. The Mahjong parlour in this scene is actually a hotel in Malaysia [21].
Marina Bay Sands in Singapore
It's safe to say though you definitely need to visit Marina Bay Sands [22]. The hotel is another iconic Singapore location and even holds the record for world's highest and largest infinity pool. The only way to take a dip in the famous rooftop pool is by booking a room, though, which starts at around $350 a night. You can book a ticket for the Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck [23] on the 57th floor.
Watch the trailer for Crazy Rich Asians
