lemiA juncture of different Asian cultures, Malaysia is one of the most diverse countries in the world.
Reel to Real Crazy (Rich Asians)
Kuala Lumpur, Alor Setar, George Town
Spoiler alert! Watch the 2018 movie “Crazy Rich Asians” before reading on (unless you’re okay with a few big teasers). Based on the best-selling book trilogy by author Kevin Kwan, the film follows the love story of Nick Young (played by Henry Golding) and Rachel Chu (portrayed by Constance Wu). The couple travels to Singapore to attend Colin Khoo’s (Nick’s best friend, played by Chris Pang) wedding. During the trip, Rachel enters Nick’s wealthy, ultra-exclusive, and traditional world, bringing in a few complications to their relationship. The box office hit is celebrated for its all-Asian cast and faithfulness to the Eastern region. The movie was shot in different locations across Asia, and we’re taking you to the real-life filming locations in Malaysia!
BLVD House stands in as a New York restaurant in the beginning of “Crazy Rich Asians.” Here, Nick invites Rachel to join him back to Singapore to meet his family and friends. Sidle up to the same sleek marble counter to sample their menu of Western comfort food! Do as the couple did, and order some dessert before you go. Don’t worry—Celine Lim (a.k.a. Radio1Asia, portrayed by Constance Lau) won’t be lurking at a corner table!
- +60 3 2630 9999
Naza Tower, Platinum Park, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- http://www.blvdhouse.com
Musse Boutique doubles as the New York shop where Rachel and her mother Kerry (played by Kheng Hua Tan) look for a meet-the-parents outfit. Racks of cocktail dresses, chic casual wear, and stylish corporate attire line the store. Peruse their selection and you’re bound to find some classy ensembles that will fit right in to high society!
- +60 3 2287 6769
16-1 Jalan Telawi 3 , Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- https://www.mussestyle.com/
Nick’s glamorous cousin Astrid Leong-Teo (portrayed by Gemma Chan) makes her first appearance at Astor Bar at the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur. The black and gold marble accented lounge exudes a sophisticated old-world charm, fitting the role of an expensive jewelry boutique. There are no diamonds for sale here; just a selection of fine spirits, vintage wines, and choice cigars! “Crazy Rich Asians” fans may order The Astrid, a limited-edition pink cocktail made of Jose Cuervo Silver tequila, pomegranate juice, lemon bitters, and elderflower foam.
- +60 3 2727 1111
Number 6 Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/kulxr-the-st-regis-kuala-lumpur
Rachel gets her first peek at the ostentation of Singapore’s high society at Peik Lin Goh’s (her college friend, played by Awkwafina) home. The gold-embellished mansion is actually The Royal Museum, the former residence of the King and Queen of Malaysia! It was only opened to the public in 2013 after serving the monarchy for over 80 years. Tour the Palladian-style palace’s 22 royal spaces (including the sovereign’s private sleeping chambers) and imagine the regality that used to thrive in the halls.
- +60 3 2267 1000
Istana Negara, Jalan Istana, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- http://www.jmm.gov.my/en
Find Tyersall Park (Nick’s childhood home) in Carcosa Seri Negara! Made up of two adjacent mansions, the stately estate used to be the home of the first British High Commissioner to Malaysia and his successors. It was transformed into a luxurious five-star hotel in the 1980s, hosting the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Today, it’s the Asian Heritage Museum, hosting a variety of artifacts from China and the Southeast Asian region. Drop by for a quick history lesson and a few snapshots of the real-life Young family manor!
Taman Tasik Perdana, Pesiaran Mahameru, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Relive Araminta Lee’s (Colin’s fiancée, portrayed Sonoya Mizuno) luxurious bachelorette party—sans the fish fiasco—at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi! Set in Langkawi Island (Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark), it boasts Malay-style pavilions and villas surrounded by tropical rainforests and the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea. Splurge on a beach-side accommodation to have your own plunge pool; and, to be steps away from a stretch of pristine white sand!
- +60 4 950 8700
Jalan Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- https://www.fourseasons.com/langkawi
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The pivotal mahjong (Chinese tile-based game) match between Rachel and Eleanor Young (Nick’s mother, played by Michelle Yeoh) takes place in Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in Penang. The scene was shot in the heritage building’s courtyard, which was stripped down and decorated to look like a mahjong hall. The indigo-colored living museum-slash-hotel is a popular tourist destination known for its unique Asian-Western fusion design. Go on a quick tour around the mansion; or, book a night in one of the 18 rooms within!
- +60 4 262 0006
14 Leith Street, Penang, Malaysia
- https://www.cheongfatttzemansion.com/
About Malaysia
