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The ultimate Crazy Rich Asians guide to Singapore

Alicia Vrajlal
·Contributor

The big screen adaptation of Kevin Kwan’s popular book Crazy Rich Asians explores Singapore’s unique blend of cultures through its diverse filming locations.

Whether it be the hawker street food centre or the breathtaking Marina Bay Sands, the movie’s hot spots are suited for any traveller, even if you’re not crazy, rich or Asian.

We were invited by Singapore Tourism Board to retrace Nick Young and Rachel Chu’s journey through the exquisite country, and here’s our ultimate Crazy Rich Asians guide to Singapore.

Newton food centre
Irresistible Singaporean street food can be found at Newton food centre. Source: Singapore Tourism Board The ultimate Crazy Rich Asians guide to Singapore
Irresistible Singaporean street food can be found at Newton food centre. Source: Singapore Tourism Board
Traditional chicken rice is a local favourite. Source: Singapore Tourism Board, The ultimate Crazy Rich Asians guide to Singapore
Traditional chicken rice is a local favourite. Source: Singapore Tourism Board

Only a short drive or train ride from Changi airport, the Newton food centre will satisfy traditional street food cravings as soon as you step off the plane.

Diners can sample local dishes such as Hokkien mee noodles, mouthwatering chilli crab, fried oyster omelettes, BBQ chicken wings, popiah and the popular carrot cake.

Raffles hotel – Where Nick Young and Rachel Chu stay
Nick Young and Rachel Chu's hotel scenes are filmed at the iconic Raffles hotel on Beach Road. Source: Singapore Tourism Board, The ultimate Crazy Rich Asians guide to Singapore
Nick Young and Rachel Chu’s hotel scenes are filmed at the iconic Raffles hotel on Beach Road. Source: Singapore Tourism Board
The couple's scenes were filmed in the 'grand hotel' building. Source: Roadshow Films, The ultimate Crazy Rich Asians guide to Singapore
The couple’s scenes were filmed in the ‘grand hotel’ building. Source: Roadshow Films

The extravagant 19th century hotel where Nick and Rachel stayed is Raffles on Beach Road.

Opened in 1887, it pays homage to Singapore’s founder, British Statesman Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.

The 103-room hotel is currently undergoing a major restoration, but Crazy Rich Asians managed to film some of the key scenes for the movie before it temporarily shut shop.

Fret not, travellers can see the main ‘grand hotel’ building where the couple’s scenes were captured when the hotel reopens later this year.

In terms of room rates, you’d be looking at just over $AU 9,000 for one of the two presidential suites.

Chjimes – Where Araminta Lee and Colin Khoo’s wedding take places
The Chijmes church is the beautiful location for Araminta Lee and Colin Khoo’s $40 million wedding in the film. Source: Singapore Tourism Board, The ultimate Crazy Rich Asians guide to Singapore
The Chijmes church is the beautiful location for Araminta Lee and Colin Khoo’s $40 million wedding in the film. Source: Singapore Tourism Board
The wedding scene in the film was completely shot at the Chijmes church and not on a built set. Source: Roadshow Films, The ultimate Crazy Rich Asians guide to Singapore
The wedding scene in the film was completely shot at the Chijmes church and not on a built set. Source: Roadshow Films

Formerly a Catholic convent and girls’ school, this historic building surrounded by lush lawns and marble waterfalls was the beautiful location for Araminta Lee and Colin Khoo’s $40 million wedding.

As the bride walked down the aisle barefoot, water gently flowed toward the altar.

“This had to be a wedding like you’ve never seen before,” says director John M. Chu.

Supertree Grove, Gardens By The Bay – Where Araminta Lee and Colin Khoo’s wedding reception places
Every evening the 18 trees in the Supergrove section come to life after dark during the Garden Rhapsody Sound & Light show. Source: Singapore Tourism Board, The ultimate Crazy Rich Asians guide to Singapore
Every evening the 18 trees in the Supergrove section come to life after dark during the Garden Rhapsody Sound & Light show. Source: Singapore Tourism Board
Singapore’s iconic Gardens By The Bay was where Amraminta and Colin’s wedding reception was filmed. Source: Roadshow Films, The ultimate Crazy Rich Asians guide to Singapore
Singapore’s iconic Gardens By The Bay was where Amraminta and Colin’s wedding reception was filmed. Source: Roadshow Films

Singapore’s iconic Gardens By The Bay were at the whimsical centre of Amraminta and Colin’s wedding reception in the film.

Spanning 101 hectares, the green oasis features two large domes, the Flower Domes and the Cloud forest.

The Supertree Grove section features 18 trees that come to life after dark during the Garden Rhapsody Sound & Light show every evening at 7:45pm and 8:45pm.

Marina Bay Sands – Where Nick Young and Rachel Chu’s engagement party takes place
For one of the best views of Singapore, head to the top 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands. Source: Singapore Tourism Board, The ultimate Crazy Rich Asians guide to Singapore
For one of the best views of Singapore, head to the top 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands. Source: Singapore Tourism Board

From its infamous infinity pool to its elevated 57th floor vantage point for a pictquresque view of Singapore’s skyline, Marina Bay Sands is one of the country’s most iconic tourist destinations.

It’s hard to miss the Marina Bay Sands, with the building perched atop three skyscrapers.

In addition to the hotel itself, various restaurants and bars make for the perfect evening getaway in Singapore.

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