Have you ever wanted to go on those Hollywood tours where you get to visit real-life filming locations for movies and TV? Well, there’s no need to book a flight to LA because us Singaporeans will get to visit a movie set way closer to home: the Crazy Rich Asians mansion, located in Kuala Lumpur.
Although many scenes in this iconic 2018 romcom took place in Singapore – from the Newton Food Centre hawker dinner to the dreamy Gardens by the Bay wedding – the super atas Young family mansion is actually in Malaysia. Here are the deets so you can add it into your Crazy Rich Asians itinerary.
The mansion in Crazy Rich Asians.
Image credit: Filmplace
The colonial-style mansion – serving as the Young family’s abode in the movie where Rachel Chu officially meets the fam during the flower blooming party – is actually a place in Malaysia called Seri Negara.
It’s part of an estate called Carcosa Seri Negara comprising 2 grand colonial mansions, and is a locally-certified heritage site overlooking KL’s Perdana Botanical Gardens.
Carcosa Seri Negara in the olden days.
Image credit: @heritagemalaysia via Instagram
Fun fact: the other mansion, simply called Carcosa, was built in 1898 to serve as the British High Commissioner’s residence during the colonial British Malaya era. Seri Negara came later, in 1913, constructed to be the official guest house for visiting dignitaries and governors.
Image credit: @heritagemalaysia via Instagram
Combined, the estate has hosted many important meetings throughout Malaya’s path to independence, including the actual signing of the Federation of Malaya Agreement in 1957. After Malaysia achieved independence, Carcosa Seri Negara hosted visiting VIPs and even royalty – including Queen Elizabeth II.
Image credit: @azrul.aznizan via Threads
So when you step in for a visit, you’ll not only be standing where movie cast members like Constance Wu, Henry Golding, and Michelle Yeoh once stood, but also important figures throughout history. Breathe in that atmosphere where future-shaping decisions were made!
Seri Negara now, all spruced up and ready for public visiting.
Image credit: Stories Sdn Bhd
The property was repurposed into a luxury heritage hotel which ran from the late 80s till mid-2010s. But when the hotel’s lease expired and operations ceased, Carcosa Seri Negara was restored and launched as a cultural space and museum of sorts instead.
Despite admission being free, there’s more to do at the Crazy Rich Asians mansion than trot around admiring the regal architecture and trying to recreate your own Rachel Chu x Nick Young moments.
Image credit: Seri Negara
There is an ongoing heritage exhibition called Galeri Seri Negara, chronicling Malaysia’s history and journey to independence. Journey through 4 galleries, each displaying artefacts, art pieces, stories and breakdowns of key moments, and immersive cinematic elements.
Image credit: Seri Negara
The exhibition is free entry as well, but you’ll need to book a slot for Galeri Seri Negara ahead of time.
For some nosh, take your pick from a casual eatery called Semuka Cafe, or the more swanky Serai House restaurant.
Semuka Cafe serves elevated versions of classic Malaysian fare such as Nasi Lemak (RM18, ~S$5.70), Curry Mee (RM23, ~S$7.30), and Wantan Mee (RM25, ~S$7.90), as well as Western dishes like Fish & Chips (RM38, ~S$12) and Angus Beef Sliders (RM35, ~S$11.10) if being in the colonial-era dwellings has got you in the mood for angmoh cuisine.
Meanwhile, Serai House is the latest offering from the Serai Group of restaurants. Those who have dined at IOI City Mall’s Serai restaurant know that it’s a great spot for family meals or large gatherings, and the new Seri Negara branch will be no different, just within a lush and classy enclave.
Of course, no visit to the Crazy Rich Asians mansion would be complete without snapping a tonne of pics. Make sure you come all glammed up so you can channel your inner CRA (no crazy richness required) around the colonial-style compound, with its crisp white facade, grand verandahs, and sophisticated high ceilings.
The fact that the mansion is flanked by the Perdana Botanical Gardens also means that you’ll have no shortage of greenery and colourful blossoms to pose with.
If you’re looking for some new things to do in KL, visit Seri Negara to immerse yourself in deep heritage as well as modern pop culture. There aren’t many places that you can venture to which have been the site for momentous occasions spanning historical milestones to the filming of a smash hit movie. And so close to Singapore, plus free to visit? You’d be just crazy and Asian (no rich, sadly) for not going.
Cover image adapted from: Filmplace, Stories Sdn Bhd, @azrul.aznizan via Threads, @heritagemalaysia via Instagram
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