Crazy Rich Asians just hit the theatres and many captivating locations in Singapore were featured in the movie – where the film was set. If the movie has stoked a burning desire in you to visit Singapore after you’ve got a glimpse of what our vibrant city has to offer, we’ve compiled a mini travel guide for you so you can experience all the wonderful sights depicted in the movie.
This futuristic garden is used as the backdrop for the lavish wedding after-party of Collin and Araminta. It’s also the meeting place where all the different plot lines converge and culminate into a melting pot of Asian family drama and gold-digging twists.
The Supertree Grove boasts an impressive view of the Marina Bay landscape, especially from a high vantage point of the OCBC Skyway. Get a ticket ($8) and walk along this aerial walkway to enjoy views of the gardens and Marina bay skyline, or camp till evening – there’s a entrancing Garden Rhapsody light and sound show that plays at 7.45pm and 8.45pm daily.
Gardens by the Bay
Address:18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Opening Hours:Mon-Sun: 9AM-9PM
Nearest MRT station: Bayfront
Of all the hawker centres in Singapore, Newton Food Centre has to be one of the most well-publicised. It’s no surprise that the Crazy Rich Asian folks would select this location to bring to life Kevin Kwan’s vivid illustrations of Singapore’s iconic hawker fare.
It’s tough to choose what to pick when you have limited stomach space. So if you’re torn between chilli crab or oyster omelette, take a look at this food guide here to help you decide.
Google “Singapore” and you’ll be met with an image of Singapore’s skyline – with Marina Bay Sands smack in the middle. Do as locals do when you’re here – book the rooms here to get complimentary access to the hotel’s Sands SkyPark and infinity pool. If you’re on a budget, you just pay $23 for access to the SkyPark (without infinity pool access).
Marina Bay Sands
Address:10 Bayfront Avenue
Nearest MRT station: Bayfront
CHIJMES used to be a Catholic church back in the 1900s, but it’s since been transformed into a rather high-SES spot lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars.
It’s also popular for wedding photoshoots for its pristine white colour scheme and European-inspired architecture. Fitting, since the wedding ceremony between Collin and Araminta is filmed in a function room that has seen many wedding ceremonies IRL.
This seafood establishment is housed in one of the many Peranakan-styled shophouses lined along the idyllic Bukit Pasoh street. It’s where Rachel and her college chatterbox bestie Peik Lin share a heart to heart conversation about Rachel’s mother-in-law woes. Here, you’ll be served up an oyster fiesta (from $6 per oyster), so slurp till you drop.
Humpback
Address:18-20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089834
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 5PM-12AM | Sat: 5PM-11PM | Sun: 11AM-3PM
Nearest MRT station: Outram Park
Besides being the setting for Colin’s bachelor party and Rachel’s ill-fated frenemy encounters, the offshore island Sentosa is where locals can feel like they’re having a holiday without leaving the country. You’ve got beaches like Tanjong Beach where all the hippest parties are held, as well as Universal Studios for thrill junkies.
Those with a keen eye will notice this other quaint shophouse located just directly opposite where Rachel and Peik Lin sat in the movie, known as The Reading Room. This place doubles up as a cafe and a bar – head down for both a caffeine boost in the day and a glass of wine before you call it a night.
And oh, in case you’re wondering what it’s named for, the place is packed full of books so you can grab a novel and linger for hours.
The Reading Room
Address: 19 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089833
Opening Hours: Mon-Thur: 11AM-11.30PM | Fri: 11AM-1.30AM | Sat & Sun: 9.30AM-1.30AM
Nearest MRT station: Tanjong Pagar
Image credit: @theviralpatel
Singapore’s Changi Airport needs no introduction. After all, it’s only been touted as the World’s Best Airport for the 6th time.
Whether you’re touching down for a stopover or actually visiting our sunny island, be prepared for an airport experience like no other – with snooze lounges to nap at before boarding the next plane, and a Butterfly Garden where you can catch a glimpse of more than 1000 tropical butterflies.
Raffles Hotel is a reminder of Singapore’s colonial heritage as much as it is an upscale accommodation for the rich. Rach and her beau spent the night in the hotel’s Presidential Suite.
At a mere $7000, you too can dabble in a little bit of that Crazy Rich Asian holiday experience. And besides, it’s the birthplace of the iconic Singapore Sling, a gin-based cocktail with lemon juice, cherry brandy and soda water that was created in the hotel’s bar in the 1930s.
Image adapted from: @raffleshotelsingapore
This scene where Eleanor Young walks down the pathways along Club Street is a precursor to one of the most pivotal points in the movie – but I shan’t spoil it for you. Visitors can meander around this scenic street full of refurbished shophouses and bars, pubs and eateries. We’ve got our eyes on underground bar Operation Dagger and the bustling Gem bar.
Operation Dagger
Address: 7 Ann Siang, #B1-01, Singapore 069791
Opening Hours: Tue-Sat: 6PM-12AM
Ah – the iconic mahjong scene. True blue Singaporeans will tell you that nobody really plays mahjong at a social club, but all’s well for the sake of fiction. Besides, the location where the mahjong scene was filmed isn’t actually in Singapore – it’s a culturally rich boutique hotel in Penang known as Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion.
The first thing visitors will notice about this place is its blue exterior and it’s notably traditional Chinese architecture. You can spend the day here admiring the interior and sipping on some afternoon tea.
Read our article on things to do in Penang here.
We were not prepared for the splendour that was Carcosa Seri Negara – Tan Hua flowers, 1920s Shanghai vibes, CGI lake and all. This sprawling property is meant to depict Istana Tyersall, the mansion which once housed the Sultan of Johor circa 1900s and, in the fictitious world of the Crazy Rich, Ah Ma’s 200 million dollar palace.
Unlike the demolished Istana Tyersall, you can actually visit this property – just that it’s in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, not Singapore. Visitors can enjoy an afternoon High Tea for RM75 (SGD25), all the while pretending that you’re a multi-billionaire heir.
Read our article on things to do in Kuala Lumpur here.
Crazy Rich Asians has truly thrown Singapore and its many cultural landmarks into the international spotlight, and we’re excited to welcome all you curious globetrotters to our tiny red dot. When you’re here, you’ll realise that we have so much more to offer than just glitz and glam. Explore away, and we hope you enjoy your stay!
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