Singapore might have gotten all the glory as of the sparkling backdrop for Crazy Rich Asians, but many of the film’s key scenes were actually filmed in neighbouring Malaysia.
Here’s where to go on your Crazy Rich Asians pilgrimage to Malaysia.
Carcosa Seri Negara, Kuala Lumpur
Wondering where to find that enormous colonial mansion which served as the Young family residence in the film? Well, it is actually located in Kuala Lumpur. Carcosa Seri Negara is a colonial mansion that previously served as a state guesthouse for royalty and the like.
Today, it is still owned by the Malaysian government and operated as a luxury hotel comprising two colonial mansions. It has amenities such as a restaurant and garden that visitors can enjoy without booking a room.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang
That scene where Rachel meets Eleanor to play mahjong with random old ladies had Singaporeans scratching their heads, wondering where in Singapore public mahjong parlours still existed.
Well, the mahjong scene was actually filmed in George Town, Penang, at the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as The Blue Mansion, which is a boutique hotel today.
Located on Leith Street, is also a government-gazetted heritage building, built according to feng shui principles and displaying a mishmash of Chinese, gothic and art nouveau influences. It’s actually already been used as a filming site for many movies including Indochine and Glen Goei’s The Blue Mansion.
Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi
Araminta’s luxurious bachelorette party is supposed to take place on Rawa Island in the film, but that segment was actually filmed in Langkawi. The resort the girls stay at is the Four Seasons Resort in Langkawi, and the pristine beach in front of it is open only to resort guests.
To sweeten the deal, the Four Seasons Resort is located in a UNESCO Global Geopark with a stunning natural landscape featuring rainforest, ancient rock formations, mangroves, caves, coral reefs and waterfalls.
Astor Bar at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
At the beginning of the film, when Astrid is introduced for the first time, she walks into an exclusive jewellery store where she buys a $1.2 million pair of earrings. That scene was shot at The Astor Bar at the St Regis KL, which was turned into a jewellery store for the occasion, with wine cellar fridges being transformed into display cases.
In commemoration of the film, The Astor Bar has even concocted a limited edition cocktail christened The Astrid, ideally sipped while seated on one of the plush leather sofas that populate the bar.
Be-lander House, Kuala Lumpur
Remember that scene where Eleanor and her friends have a Bible study session with a spectacular rainforest view stretched out beneath them? That scene was actually filmed at the Be-lander House in Kuala Lumpur.
Designed by a Toronto-based architect, this luxurious house, build on a 34-degree slope overlooking the rainforest, is currently being used as a residence by the Dutch family that originally commissioned it, so, unfortunately, you will not be able to tour the grounds. It has three pavilions and an infinity pool.
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