‣ Welcome back to my blog! I hope you’re having a great summer. Today, I’m going to be giving you my guide to a Crazy Rich Asians-themed adventure in Singapore. Though the Hollywood film came out in 2018, it’s remained one of my favorites—I love the storyline and humor, positive Asian representation, and seeing the sights of Singapore. (Warning: movie spoilers ahead!)
Changi Airport
I think Singapore’s airport is the best one I’ve ever visited. From the Rain Vortex (the tallest indoor waterfall) in Jewel Changi Airport to shops, restaurants, gardens (butterfly garden, sunflower garden, etc.), and a movie theater, this is one of the most impressive airports in the world.
In the movie, you see Changi Airport when Rachel Chu and Nick Young arrive in Singapore after their flight from New York. Nick’s friend, Colin, and his fianceé Araminta, greet them at the airport.
Newton Food Centre
Immediately after their arrival in Singapore, Nick and Rachel go to Newton Food Centre for a traditional hawker center dining experience. Hawker centers are open-air food courts with a wide variety of stalls, ranging from Indian to Chinese to Malay. Singapore’s hawker culture is even UNESCO-recognized; it was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2020.
Raffles Hotel
Nick and Rachel stay at Raffles Hotel, an iconic luxury hotel in the heart of the city. It is famous for being the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail and has hosted everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to Michael Jackson.
Sentosa Island
Nick and Colin escape to Sentosa Island, also known as “Asia’s Favorite Playground” and “The State of Fun,” after the bachelor party-gone-awry. Sentosa is an island off the southern coast with Universal Studios Singapore, indoor skydiving, Adventure Cove Waterpark, the Skyline Luge, beaches, spas, restaurants, and more.
CHIJMES
CHIJMES (pronounced “Chimes”) is a former Catholic convent and school that is now a hub for dining and entertainment. This is where the beautiful wedding scene was filmed. You can take a peek inside and see the aisle that Araminta walked down.
Gardens by the Bay
One of my favorite places to visit in Singapore is Gardens by the Bay. In the movie, the wedding reception is held here—you might recognize the huge avatar-looking supertree grove!
Gardens by the Bay is a nature park consisting of Cloud Forest, a huge greenhouse filled with lush vegetation and a towering indoor waterfall; Floral Fantasy, a walkthrough garden with a 4-D ride; Flower Dome, another greenhouse with exotic plants from around the world; and the Supertree Grove, an orchard of metal trees that has a spectacular nighttime light show.
Because Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy, and the Flower Dome are all indoor attractions, this is a great place to escape the humid weather or a tropical storm! Click here for pricing information.
Esplanade Park
Esplanade Park, near Marina Bay Sands, is where Nick first proposes to Rachel. This is one of Singapore’s oldest heritage parks, and it’s incredible both during the day and at night.
Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands is an iconic boat-shaped hotel with the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool. The movie’s final scenes, after Rachel Chu and Nicholas Young become engaged, were shot on the roof of the hotel.
If you can stay at Marina Bay Sands, then you will have the opportunity to swim in the pool, which is absolutely incredible. While only hotel guests are able to use the pool, everybody can head up to the Sands SkyPark, an observation deck 57 floors high that offers an amazing panoramic view of the city. Here is more information about the pricing for that.
Chinatown
There are two important scenes filmed in Chinatown. Peik Lin and Rachel’s heart-to-heart about Nick’s mom, Eleanor, was filmed on Bukit Pasoh Road at a seafood restaurant called Humpback Restaurant. In addition, the path that Eleanor takes to meet Rachel at the mah jong parlor was filmed in the Ann Siang Hill neighborhood, which is an area known for its restaurants, colorful shophouses, and nightlife.
Final Thoughts
Many of the other iconic spots, such as the resort in Araminta’s bachelorette party and the Young family’s mansion, are actually located in Malaysia. But, I hope this list provides some travel inspiration and a guide for your trip to Singapore! I love seeing movie locations in person—I think it makes the films come alive even more.
Thank you so much for reading!
