5 stunning locations from Crazy Rich Asians

There’s been much ado about Crazy Rich Asians, the rom-com based on Kevin Kwan’s 2013 bestseller of the same name. The film’s depiction of privilege and excess among a small group of well-to-do Asians captivated audiences worldwide.

The plot has enough twists to keep you hooked – girl (Rachel Chu played by Constance Wu) meets boy (Nick Young played by Henry Golding), girl follows boy home only to find out he is the scion of one of Singapore’s wealthiest families, girl has to face off with his frosty, disapproving mother (Eleanor played by Michelle Yeoh).

So, if you’ve spent your flight binge-watching (or re-watching) Crazy Rich Asians on your seatback screen, you aren't alone – it remains one of the most streamed films in the sky. But why leave the glamour at 35,000 feet? As you touch down, here is how the movie’s most iconic locations look today, and how you can step off the plane and right into the scene.

Marina Bay Sands

There’s no mistaking Moshe Safdie’s masterpiece, the triple-tower Marina Bay Sands  topped by a surfboard-like sky garden. Watching the film’s jaw-dropping synchronised swimming finale on an 11-inch seatback screen is one thing; standing at the edge of that very same infinity pool is entirely another. Crazy Rich Asians gives it star billing from the start, showing its 57th floor Sands Skypark Observation Deck, the scene of Araminta and Colin’s engagement party. Repeat appearances culminate at Cé La Vi – the setting of Rachel and Nick’s farewell party.

Newton Food Centre

That Rachel and Nick head straight from the Changi Airport to a hawker centre is a given: many returning Singaporeans (billionaires or otherwise) visit their favourite hawker before seeing their own families. Catch a taxi to Newton Food Centre, grab a table in the uncovered area and put down a tissue packet to reserve it, known as “chope” in local culture, (don’t worry, there’ll be someone to sell you one) then let your nose lead the way. Top off the experience with ice-cold Tiger Beer, preferably by the bucket, and remember your table number. Since 2013, Singapore’s hawker culture has grown even more globally recognised, with several hawkers holding Michelin stars or Bib Gourmands.

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

Escape to the same white sand beach at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi , where Araminta enjoyed her bachelorette party, and where the film crew was stationed for six weeks. Aside from soaking up the sun on its 1.8 kilometre stretch of beach, luxuriate in the Geo Spa overlooking the Andaman Sea (where Rachel and the girls get a massage) or settle into the Malay-style Royal Villa, also the scene of the (spoiler alert!) gutted fish prank.

Raffles Hotel

Featured as the fictional Kingsford Hotel, the real grande dame  was restored in 2019. In the movie, this serves as the backdrop as Nick and Rachel enjoy a quiet moment together away from the intense scrutiny of Nick’s mother and grandmother. To experience the film's old-world elegance without checking into a suite, step off the vibrant city streets and into the famous Long Bar. Here, you can sip an authentic, freshly shaken Singapore Sling under the slowly swaying ceiling fans and participate in the hotel's most enduring tradition: tossing your peanut shells straight onto the floor.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Of the numerous showdowns between Rachel and Eleanor, the most memorable takes place over a game of mahjong shot at Penang’s "Blue Mansion ’" To really live out your CRA dreams, book the entire mansion and enjoy a red-carpet welcome (we can’t promise the stuffed tiger), private guzheng (Chinese zither) concert and of course a few rounds of mahjong.

CHIJMES

Kudos to production designer Nelson Coates for turning Singapore’s historic gothic building  – formerly a convent and a school – into the movie’s US$40 million dollar wedding venue. The lush setting, complete with bamboo fans, handpainted Chinese lanterns, soaring arched ceiling and 19th century stained glass panels, is the stuff of brides’ dreams. While the historic hall itself remains one of the region’s most coveted, elite event venues, the sprawling complex surrounding it has evolved into a vibrant culinary and lifestyle oasis.

This story was originally published in November 2018 and updated in June 2026. 

Hero image:  2018 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved