How to Have a ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Experience in Singapore
First, there was a 2013 novel and in 2018, the movie ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ was met with resounding success at movie theaters around the world. While travelers in the know have been visiting Singapore for years, this movie thrust Singapore into the spotlight for a whole new generation of travelers.
Suddenly, everyone wants to experience the exotic luxury of the Lion City. I recently had a chance to craft my own ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ tour of Singapore and want to help you follow in my footsteps. These are the top filming locations from the movie that you can visit on your next trip to Singapore. You don’t even have to be crazy rich to enjoy these iconic Singapore spots.
Raffles Singapore
For travelers for whom money is no object, Raffles Hotels offer the ultimate in luxury accommodations in Asia and the Middle East. Raffles Singapore opened in 1887 and played the role of the Kingsford Hotel in the movie. The fictional hotel is owned by the family of Nick’s best friend, Colin Khoo, and is where the main couple stays during their visit to Singapore. Rooms can run close to $1000 per night at Raffles, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pop in to check out the property.
Legend has it that the Singapore Sling drink was invented here by a Raffles bartender in 1915. So, it’s only fitting that you enjoy this fruity signature cocktail right where it was first concocted. Don’t leave without checking out the extensive gift shop. With a huge selection of wellness products, provisions, souvenirs, and clothing, this is a great place to pick up a souvenir to commemorate your Singapore experience.
Singapore Hawker Centers
Hawker’s markets are a unique Singapore experience. In the movie, the friends all eat at a hawker center on their first night in Singapore. Cheap street food may not seem like a “crazy rich” thing to do, but locals from all walks of life in Singapore eat at the hawker stalls. Food is a pretty important part of the culture in Singapore, and one of these markets is the best place to experience it.
If you haven’t been to one, think of a huge food court, with stalls serving up fresh, made-to-order food and drinks. Some of the markets around Singapore will specialize in a few cuisines, including Chinese, Thai, Indian or Middle Eastern. Newton Food Centre is the hawker’s market featured in the movie. It’s a bit more touristic than others in Singapore, but that’s just fine for your first hawker market experience!
Chijmes Singapore
The ultimate extravagant scene in the movie is the wedding, which was filmed at Chijmes. Originally the building was the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, hence the spelling of CHIJmes. The hall and chapel are now used for special events and are also listed as National Monuments due to the historic nature.
Several buildings on the property host weddings and events, while the surrounding complex was renovated in 1996 as an entertainment hub, with dining, shopping, and live performances. If you get a chance to peek inside the venue, it may look a bit different than in the movie; there isn’t usually water flowing down the aisle!
Singapore Chinatown
One of the most dramatic scenes in the movie is when Rachel meets Nick’s mother to play Mahjong, a Chinese game played with tiles. The exterior of this scene was filmed in Singapore’s Chinatown neighborhood. If you want to get off the beaten path in Singapore, Chinatown is a great area to explore. You can have amazing street food, enjoy some people watching, and you may even see a mahjong game or two. It has a very different feel from other Singapore neighborhoods.
If you’ve never had a Michelin-starred meal, this is the cheapest opportunity you’ll have anywhere in the world. Liao Fan Hong Kong is a now-famous street food stall in Chinatown, where you can get an award-winning meal for under $5.
Marina Bay Sands
Home to possibly the most iconic infinity pool in the world, Marina Bay Sands is an icon of Singapore. It opened in 2010 as the most expensive stand-alone casino in the world. The only legit way to access that Insta-famous infinity pool on the 57th floor is to stay at the hotel.
If you don’t want to spend $300 or more on a hotel room, there are two other ways to enjoy the view from Marina Bay Sands. You can buy a pass to the SkyPark observation deck, or you can make reservations at one of the restaurants that offer a terrace view. Ce La Vi and Spago both have breathtaking views overlooking Singapore.
Gardens by the Bay
One iconic Singapore attraction that almost didn’t make it into the movie is the Gardens by the Bay, a nature park in Singapore. When you picture Singapore, if you don’t picture Marina Bay Sands, chances are, you are picturing the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay. The wedding reception in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ was filmed after dark in the Supertree Grove, but I recommend visiting twice.
It’s a totally different experience once the sun goes down, but it’s equally stunning in the daytime. There’s an elevated walkway between two of the trees, for an aerial view of the gardens. Twice each evening, a coordinated light and music show takes place that is not to be missed!
Inside Access to Singapore Experiences
If you really want a “crazy rich” Singapore experience, Arron at The Inside Access can hook you up with an amazing array of luxury experiences in Singapore. Arron planned an exclusive evening on a private yacht with a private chef. He also arranged for an exquisite meal at Michelin 3-star restaurant, Les Amis.
The Inside Access specializes in corporate events, yacht parties, chef’s tables, and food & beverage tours. If you want to experience Singapore like a ‘Crazy Rich Asian’ Aaron can make it happen for you!
