Top 10 Instagrammable Film Locations of Crazy Rich Asians in Singapore

There are a lot of films that are associated with certain destinations — when it comes to Singapore, though there have been many films about it before, the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Crazy Rich Asians‘ which hit the theatres in the past months have been quite the craze as of late!

Based on the 2013 novel by Kevin Kwan, the movie is about a number of insanely rich Chinese Singaporeans but focusing more so on a couple named Rachel and Nick. Basically, the latter hails from an extremely wealthy family and the former did not know anything about it until they both visit Singapore for a wedding. This whole storyline has been a hit for a lot of people so if you have the burning desire to see the places that were shot in the movie, I hope this guide can be of help to you.

After all, you don’t have to be crazy, rich or Asian to visit the following Instagrammable film locations on ‘Crazy Rich Asians’!

Instagrammable Locations in Crazy Rich Asians

» Changi Airport

Photo by: Shutterstock

Right from the moment that you land in Singapore, you’ll be greeted by the ‘World’s Best Airport’: Changi. Rachel’s reaction in the movie is much like any other visitor who has set foot in its expanse; after all, the airport can be a whole destination in itself!

With sprawling indoor gardens, gazillions of shops + restaurants, an infinity pool, and a FREE movie theatre among MANY others, you can surely spend a day here and not get bored of it. If you want a detailed guide for this, come check out my ‘Singapore Layover‘ post.

» Gardens by the Bay

This futuristic garden served as the location for the ostentatious wedding after-party of Collin and Araminta in the ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ movie. With more than 500,000 plants and about 18 Avatar-like Supertrees, this could surely take anyone’s breath away! It has its charm in the day but if you want to escape the heat and see the Supertrees in all its glory, it’s best to come after the sun sets.

To book entrance tickets for this as a part of your Singapore layover, go here. Take note that there are a LOT of attractions here but notable of which are the following…

• SuperTree Grove: These Avatar-ish trees light up at night and have a music and light show at 7:45PM and 8:45PM daily! It’s even possible to have your dinner inside this SuperTree and feel like a modern Tarzan and Jane (or Jake Sully and Neytiri, in line with the Avatar feel).
• Cloud Forest: This features the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 35 meters as well as a scenic mist-filled Treetop and Cloud Walk!
• Flower Dome: This is the largest glass greenhouse in the world as listed in the 2015 Guinness World Records!
• OCBC Skyway: Placed 22 meters above the ground, this is an amazing stroll that goes through the Gardens and gives you a great view over the Marina Bay skyline as well.

» Merlion Park

Located at One Fullerton, you will find here the iconic Merlion, a mythical creature with a lion’s head and the body of fish — a widely used mascot of Singapore. Rightly so, this location has been extensively shown in the ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ movie.

In fact, when Nick asked Rachel an important question, the scene was filmed in this area. (To be precise, they were on the picturesque stone steps that’s beside the nearby Esplanade Park.)

» Newton Food Centre

Singaporeans are passionate about food and you will find some of the best delicacies in its hawker centres!

NOTE: A ‘hawker centre’ is typically an open-air complex that houses a variety of stalls that sell inexpensive local food.

In the ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ movie, they featured the well-publicized Newton Food Centre which has a medley of Asian cuisines that the city is known for. Some of the stalls that you need to check out are Kee Fried Oyster Omelette (for the oyster omelet), Soon Wah Fishball Kway Teow Mee (for fishball noodles), and Chong Pang Huat (for chicken wings).

Other food centres that you can check out would be Lau Pa Sat, Old Airport Road, Chinatown Food Street and Maxwell Road.

» Chijmes

Photo by: Shutterstock

Formerly a convent and a school, this 19th century structure now houses an array of bars and restaurants.

There is also a function room or event space in the property in which Collin and Araminta’s glamorous wedding was filmed for the movie. Today, it still remains to be a popular spot for wedding photoshoots and celebrations especially with its white architecture.

TIP: While you’re here, don’t forget to drop by Whitegrass for its contemporary menu selections.

» Sentosa Island

This served as Collin’s bachelor party venue for ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ — in reality, this serves more like a getaway for locals given that its filled with fun and recreation!

Here are just some of the many things you can do here…

• Universal Studios Theme Park = Go beyond the world of cinematic entertainment to enjoy the seven themed lands here in Singapore’s very own Universal Studios! (Book your tickets here).
• Skyline Luge: Ride this fun half go-kart and half toboggan-like sled through two different trails. This is the only Asian site of New Zealand’s famous luge activity. (Book your tickets here).
• Resorts World Adventure Water Cove:  Escape the summer heat and visit this must-see attraction in Resorts World! Your young ones will love the Riptide Rocket and Rainbow Reef! (Book your tickets here).

» Marina Bay Sands

This is an iconic resort complex that faces Marina Bay in Singapore and it features The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands mall, a museum, two large theatres, restaurants, Crystal Pavillions, art-science exhibits, casinos and so much more!

It’s no wonder that this landmark has been featured several times in the movie, ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ — it’s absolutely Instagram-worthy! In fact, one of the most sought-after locations will be the building’s infinity pool (where Nick and Rachel’s after-party was held, complete with some synchronized swimming extravaganza).

• SkyPark Observation Deck = Providing breathtaking panoramic views over the city,  this observation deck also has the world’s longest elevated swimming pool with a vanishing edge (a.k.a. the infinity pool I mentioned) that’s located 191 meters above the ground. (You can only swim in it though if you’re a guest of the hotel; but still and the same, this is a great spot to be in and you can buy entry tickets through this link.
• Spectra Light Show = This is an amazing outdoor light and water show that’s displayed along the promenade. The show happens at 8PM and 9PM on Sunday to Thursday, and at 8PM, 9PM, and 10PM on Fridays and Saturdays. (If you ask me, it’s better to watch this show from the other side of Marina Bay Sands).

» Humpback

This is the place where Rachel and her best friend had a conversation about the former’s ‘mother-in-law’, and you will love not only the seafood fare from this restaurant (which is called as Humpback) but also the picturesque street that it is on which is called as Bukit Pasoh Road.

Found within Chinatown, this Instagrammable stretch is lined with beautiful Peranakan shophouses that have been preserved over time. While you’re here, you can also drop by ‘The Reading Room’ which is just across the road (a coffee house by day and a bar by night).

» Raffles Singapore

As you will see in the ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ movie, Nick and Rachel were checked in to this luxurious accommodation which serves as a reminder of Singapore’s past colonial heritage.

If you don’t have the budget to shell out $10,000 (yikes!) for a night at its Presidential Suite (once the hotel opens again in 2019), then surely a visit to its lush lobby and bar can suffice. Otherwise, if you want a hotel that’s more affordable yet not skimping on comfort and style, check by Citadines Mount Sophia!