A Cinephile’s Guide to Top Movies Shot in Malaysia (Warning: Spoilers Ahead)
I’m a big movie fan. I love going to the cinema – the plush seats, buttery popcorn, and the post-film discussions. It’s such an experience for me.
Recently, the team and I talked about famous movies filmed in Malaysia and realized there are quite a lot, both local and international.
We’re excited to share this list of movies, along with their shooting locations in Malaysia, as a tribute to the country’s rich cultural heritage, as portrayed in films.
So if you’re a traveler looking for beautiful, cinematic places, or a film enthusiast looking for a rich cultural experience, this guide is for you! Or maybe you’re a big fan of the movies and want to see the locations in person, then this is for you, too!
Crazy Rich Asians (2018) – Kuala Lumpur and Penang
– Media Credit: crazyrichasians
Crazy Rich Asians is a romantic comedy based on a 2013 book with the same title by Kevin Kwan. The movie was an international success, raking in $238 million with just a $30 million budget.
The movie follows the story of a Chinese-American professor, Rachel, who goes on a trip with her boyfriend Nick. She gets the surprise of her life when she realizes that Nick comes from the most affluent families in Singapore and learns quickly what that means for their relationship.
The movie, which was filmed around key locations in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, is one of the top-grossing romantic comedies in the 2010s and is now an iconic movie loved by many.
Check out some of the film locations you can visit:
Carcosa Seri Negara, Kuala Lumpur
– Media Credit: uggboyme
This was Nick Young’s family’s ancestral home in the movie, which turns out to pack a lot of history in real life. It was built in 1896 for the British High Commissioner of Malaya, Frank Swettenham. He named it Carcosa after the fictional city in “The King in Yellow”.
You can see the building atop a hill, overlooking the gorgeous Perdana Botanical Gardens in Kuala Lumpur. It’s actually where the signing of Malaysia’s independence agreement took place.
Although the Carcosa Seri Negara is a beautiful and historically significant site, the building was in disrepair until the Crazy Rich Asians pre-production crew repaired it. Now, the mansion was redeveloped to be a museum open to the public.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang
– Media Credit: cheongfatttzemansion
Address: 14 Leith Street, Penang
Contact: +604 262 0006; [email protected]
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also popularly known as The Blue Mansion, is where Eleanor Young meets Rachel Chu in the famous mahjong parlor scene. This mansion is a landmark heritage building in Penang, explaining the historic charm.
The mansion has incredible porcelain tiles and stained glass and was built according to feng shui principles. Now, the building is a boutique hotel that you can visit.
There are daily tours and self-guided audio tours available where you can learn about the architecture and history of the mansion. Aside from tours, you can also book your stay in this hotel – it’s a staycation you won’t forget for sure.
Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi
Address: Jalan Tanjung Rhu, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman
Contact: +604 950 8700; [email protected]
In the movie, Araminta took her bridesmaids to Bali. However, the resort they were actually in is the Four Seasons Resort in Langkawi. It’s luxurious with beautiful villas that look like they jumped out of a magazine, hamman-style baths, and a private beach.
Aside from taking in the sights, interested travelers can enjoy a full-service spa, a swimming pool, and yoga classes to relax.
Eastern and Oriental Hotel, Penang
Address: (2057-T) 10, Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 Penang
Contact: +604 222 2000
Who can forget the opening scene of the movie? This hotel, actually not in London, is known locally as the E&O Hotel.
It’s known for its private beach, beautiful antique furniture, doormen with helmets, and even a heritage wing. It’s one of the oldest buildings in the city, a short distance away from Georgetown.
Astor Bar
– Media Credit: astorbarkl
Address: Level 2 at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2727 6696
If you loved this glamorous scene where Astrid Teo is introduced, you’ll enjoy a trip to Astor Bar in St. Regis. The beautiful gold-domed ceilings, chandeliers, and grand mirrors give off an old, rich vibe. The place exudes elegance, which is consistent with Astrid’s character.
The bar leaned into being featured in the movie and even had a limited edition drink called ‘Astrid’. This is a cocktail with a tequila base and notes of elderflower and pomegranate, with lemon bitters.
Anna and the King (1999) – Penang, Shah Alam, Parit
The iconic period drama film, Anna and the King, was also filmed in Malaysia. The movie was set in 19th-century Siam. It’s about a fictionalized account of a British school teacher who taught King Mongkut’s children and wives.
The movie is quite controversial as it was banned in Thailand, as the royal family found it inaccurate and insulting to the royal family. But it is an iconic film that got nominations at the Academy Awards for costume design and art direction.
Penang City Hall
– Media Credit: panny5005
Contact: +604 264 3456
Address: Jalan Padang Kota Lama, George Town
This scene from the movie was shot in Penang City Hall, a building with Victorian-style architecture that was constructed in 1903. It’s one of the first buildings in the area that’s built and fitted with lights and fans.
Police Story 3: Super Cop (1992) – Kuala Lumpur
The Police Story 3 is an action movie starring Jackie Chan that’s about a police inspector going undercover in a Chinese prison. The sequences were shot in Kuala Lumpur.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
– Media Credit: 2sickz
Address: Jln Raja, Kuala Lumpur City Centre
You can spot the building from this scene; it’s an excellent backdrop for some exciting fight sequences. It used to be the building for the British colonial administration and was known as “Government Offices” when it was first built.
In 1974, it was renamed after the sultan of Selangor at the time, Sultan Abdul Samad. Now, it’s where the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, as well as the Ministry of Tourism and Culture of Malaysia, is found.
Batu Caves KTM Komuter
– Media Credit: icankatcho
If you’ve watched the movie and remember this thrilling train scene, this is where it was filmed. It’s a regular commuter train station on the Seremban Line.
It’s been around since 1905. It’s since been redeveloped and reopened in 2010, and now serves as the terminal for the Port Klang Line. If you’re curious about the name, it’s named after the Batu Caves in Selangor.
This is because it’s one of the four stations that were extended to Batu Caves, in the Gombak district. This is around 13 kilometers away from Kuala Lumpur.
The Journey (2014)
Now let’s also cover the local films! The Journey is a Malaysian film that’s very heartwarming and poignant. If you haven’t seen it yet, you should check it out.
It follows the story of a father who finally lets his daughter marry a foreigner. But he had one condition – that the man follow him on a journey around the country to hand-deliver their wedding invitations.
The film tackles cultural differences, language barriers, and family love.
Cameron Highlands
Many of the scenes are filmed at Cameron Highlands, located in Pahang. This was developed way back in the 1930s and is known for its cool climate, rich orchards and plant nurseries, farm life, tea culture, beautiful waterfalls and other bodies of water, mossy forests, and many more.
It’s a great tourist spot for those who want to take in the sights and connect with nature without the crowds. If you want to visit, there are plenty of great stops such as the Butterfly Garden, Sam Poh Temple, MARDI Agrotech Park, and Water Crest Valley.
Aur Island
– Media Credit: pulauaur_johore
If you’re searching for scenic beaches, Aur Island in Johor is a must-visit. Aside from the fact that you’ll see a lot of familiar landmarks from the movie, you’ll also enjoy the sights of corals, offshore pools, and beautiful lagoons. If you love fishing and diving, you will enjoy a trip here.
Ola Bola (2016)
Ola Bola is a sports drama film directed by Chiu Keng. It’s about the journey of the Malaysian national football team, which participated in the Summer Olympics of 1980. It has achieved significant national success, ranking 10th as the highest-grossing film from Malaysia.
The film explores teamwork, camaraderie, and the fight for one’s dreams, even when it’s tough.
Stadium Merdeka
– Media Credit: stadiummerdeka
Address: Jalan Stadium, Presint Merdeka
Contact: +601 2283 9746
Stadium Merdeka, where many scenes are shot, holds a special place in the hearts of Malaysians because so many memorable games are held here. It’s also where the nation’s independence was declared in 1957, a day after the stadium opened.
It has two heritage stadiums, Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara. It’s now officially a national heritage building, receiving the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Heritage Conservation.
Broga Hill
– Media Credit: hazwanharawi
Broga Hill is popular among hikers. It’s just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur and a great place to spend a weekend and escape the fast city life. It gives hikers a beautiful aerial view of the skyline once you reach the top.
There are two trails open to the public, one is steeper and is best for experienced hikers. The other one is well-marked and shorter, so it’s beginner-friendly. You will enjoy three great viewing points along the way.
If you’re going here and want to enjoy familiar spots shown in the movie, it’s best to go in the wee hours of the morning to catch the sunrise from the top. Make sure you’re wearing the proper shoes and attire for a more comfortable hike.