The Crazy Rich Asians guide to Singapore: film locations you can actually visit
From the Marina Bay Sands’ infinity pool to the Newton Food Centre, you don’t have to be crazy, rich or Asian to visit these landmark locations seen in the Lion City-based Hollywood blockbuster
Just as New York was to Sex and the City, so Singapore is to Crazy Rich Asians .
Here’s where to find the Singapore locations featured in the film and the best way to experience them.
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Sweeping vistas of the Marina Bay area and Marina Bay Sands hotel – the building that looks like a ship marooned on top of three skyscrapers – abound in the film but the ultimate money shot is of the hotel’s SkyPark infinity pool, on the 57th floor, the setting for the synchronised swimming extravaganza.
Whatever you do, don’t buy a ticket to the SkyPark observation deck – you won’t get anywhere near the swimming pool. Access to the pool area requires a room key card so, to swim in the pool (and take that obligatory selfie with the skyscrapers as a backdrop), you’ll need to check into the hotel, but is it worth it?
The vast MBS attracts large tour groups and the infinity pool, like many Instagram-famous locations, is always jam-packed. Even, or especially, at night. Better to have a cocktail at Ce La Vi or book at Spago Bar and Lounge and request a table overlooking the pool, so that you can glimpse the madness – and that admittedly amazing view – from a dignified distance.
Raffles Hotel
Although in Kwan’s novel the hotel where naive heroine Rachel Chu and her crazy rich boyfriend Nick Young stay sounds like the five-star Goodwood Park, the film version has them ensconced at the equally starred Raffles.