The movie Crazy Rich Asians is doing for Singapore tourism what it did at the box office, gaining the attention of audiences worldwide.
Despite reluctance from some high-profile brands in Singapore to come onboard with the film, those who did are now showcasing Singapore as more than a stopover destination.
The big screen adaption of Kevin Kwan's international best-selling novel tells the story of New Yorker Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), heads to a wedding with her boyfriend (Nick Young).
The film is primarily set in Singapore, the Lion City, a place that has something to offer for everyone - including people like Rachel Chu. Here's some famous locations from the movie you can visit when you're in Singapore to have a 'crazy rich' experience - without spending a cent.
Changi International Airport, Singapore
I hear what you're saying, 'An airport? Really?' But if any airport is worthy of a lead role in a feature film it's this one.
Ranked as the world's best airport for six years in a row, Changi offers a lot more than a check-in counter and a runway. There's a butterfly garden, a rooftop pool, movie theatres, video game arcades, sleeping pods and Wi-Fi, all of which are free to travellers. There's so much to do, you won't want to board your flight.
- Take the world's longest flight from Singapore to New York
- Singapore Airlines flying from Wellington to Singapore via Melbourne
Singapore's famous Hawker Centres
In the movie, Nick and Rachel are barely off their plane before they're tucking into some of Singapore's famous street food, found at any of the city's 100-plus hawker centres. The population diversity of the city creates a perfect melting pot of cultures that includes people of Chinese, Indian, Malay, Eurasian and Peranakan backgrounds. Do as the locals do and head to the longest queue to experience popular dishes such as satay, laksa, chilli crab and chicken rice.
- More food suggestions for Singapore
- Why is Crazy Rich Asians author Kevin Kwan wanted by Singapore authorities?
You don't have to be crazy rich to eat like a king in Singapore though, with two hawker stalls awarded Michelin stars - Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle and Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, both selling traditional dishes starting from NZD$3. This makes Singapore home to the cheapest Michelin-starred meal in the world.
Raffles Hotel: Rachel and Nick's hotel choice
As famous as Singapore itself, the iconic Raffles Hotel is the perfect example of Singapore's colonial history and is the birthplace of the famous Singapore Sling. The hotel opened in 1887 and its name was chosen to pay homage to British Statesman Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, Singapore's founder.
There's 103 rooms in this hotel, which is currently undergoing major restoration work and will re-open later this year. Celebrity clientele that have stayed in the past includes Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson and, more recently, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
CHIJMES: Araminta and Colin's wedding chapel
Singapore's incredible architecture tells many stories of the city's past. This historic building complex in downtown Singapore, CHIJMES (pronounced "chimes"), was a former Catholic convent and girls school. The building harks back to a more gracious bygone age, with green lawns, marble waterfalls and courtyards now surrounding the buzzing restaurants and bars; acting as an inner-city oasis amongst the hustle and bustle of the city. In the movie, it is here that Araminta Lee and Colin Khoo choose as the location of their wedding, fitted out with a garden-city theme.
Gardens by the Bay: Wedding reception
Singapore is full of passionate people who make the impossible possible; combining their expertise, creativity and hard work to create unforgettable experiences. If you only had time for one attraction then Gardens by the Bay should be it. It's a symbol of the modern vision of the city, reclaiming land from the sea to build a 101 hectare green oasis right in the heart of the city.
It's no surprise that Araminta and Colin choose it as their unique wedding reception location.
Cocktails in Chinatown
Rachel and Peik Lin made the most of the year-round tropical weather by enjoying a catch-up over alfresco cocktails at a bar on Bukit Pasoh Road in Singapore's, Chinatown. Singapore is hot on the heels of Hong Kong for being the 'cocktail capital of Asia', with six of its bars featuring in the world's top 50 list. Within traditional, restored shophouses behind hidden doors, or on hotel rooftops with panoramic skyline views - the bars are a great place to feel the city's infectious energy, and in the evening, the temperature cools down just a bit to make things more comfortable.
Marina Bay Sands: The ultimate engagement party setting
It's impossible to talk about Singapore without taking about the amazing architectural icon that is the Marina Bay Sands - three tall buildings with a 'surfboard-like' structure laying across the top of them.
At 57 storeys above the heart of the Marina Bay area, the infinity pool is the world's largest, stretching 150 metres. Travellers can access the observation deck or have a cocktail at CÉ LA VIE, the brag-worthy venue that elevated the party vibes for Nick and Rachel's engagement party, but only hotel guests can swim in the pool.
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