Crazy Rich Asians: 5 filming locations in Malaysia to visit

KUALA LUMPUR: The critically acclaimed romantic comedy ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ starring Malaysian actors Henry Golding and Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh may be set in Singapore, but many of its scenes were filmed at various locations across Malaysia.

According to Tourism Malaysia, the film crew travelled to at least five destinations in the country to shoot some of the movie’s most memorable scenes, which showcased Malaysia’s natural beauty as well as its architectural grandeur.

1. Carcosa Seri Negara

Carcosa Seri Negara was featured as the ancestral estate of Eleanor Young in Singapore but in reality, the building was home to Malaya’s first British resident Frank Swettenham before it was turned into a luxury hotel where Queen Elizabeth II once stayed.

The mansion located on a hill near the Perdana Botanical Gardens is being transformed into the Asian Heritage Museum, which will feature artefacts from China and the Malay Archipelago, among others.

It is currently hosting the “Jalan Merdeka” exhibition, which chronicles Malaysia’s road to independence. It is open to the public for free.

2. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

This was where the iconic courtyard mahjong scene between Eleanor Young and Rachel Chu was shot. Affectionately known as Blue Mansion, the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion in Penang once belonged to a Chinese merchant, who wanted his home to feature feng shui elements, Scottish cast iron columns, English art-nouveau stained glass windows, and Stoke-on-Trent floor tiles.

The building eventually fell into disrepair but was later restored and earned the prestigious UNESCO Heritage 2000 Award and the ASEANTA Conservation Award 2004.

The mansion is now a museum cum boutique hotel located within the George Town UNESCO Heritage site, where some of Malaysia’s most famous street food is located.

3. Langkawi Island

Known as Rawa Island in the movie, Langkawi Island served as the backdrop for Colin Khoo’s lavish bachelor party. It is made up of 99 islands known for their beautiful waters and white sandy beaches.

Langkawi Island is Southeast Asia’s first location to be endorsed as a UNESCO Global Geopark, thanks to its beautiful landscapes, karsts, caves, sea arches, stacks, and other geological formations.

4. Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

Araminta Lee’s bachelorette party was filmed at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, which offers a cluster of Malay-style pavilions and villas tucked between the rainforest and white sandy beaches.

A popular haven for romantic couples and families alike, the hotel features a spa, the Kids For All Seasons programme and is one step away from the Geopark Discovery Centre, where the island’s diverse ecosystems are showcased.

5. Astor Bar, St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

Viewers were first introduced to Astrid Teo in the scene where she enters a jewellery boutique. In reality, the scene was shot at the Astor Bar at St Regis Kuala Lumpur.

Featuring an old-world charm, modern elegance of rich leather, black-and-gold marble and brass accents, visitors can enjoy an extensive offering of champagne, spirits and fine vintage wines while smoking on choice cigars and sampling their signature dishes such as the royal king crab, Oscietra caviar and truffle cream.

For a limited time, the Astor Bar has also introduced a special cocktail called “The Astrid” to commemorate its appearance in the film. The drink is mixed with Jose Cuervo silver tequila, pomegranate juice, lemon bitters and elderflower foam.

By NST Online 

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