Northstar

TRAVEL WEEKLY ASIA I T B A S I A S H O W D A I L I E S www.travelweekly-asia.com 16 17 OC TOBER 2018 Singapore has long been acclaimed for its legendary street food (including two Michelin-starred hawker stands), swanky shopping centres, copious gardens and intriguing blend of modern affluence and age-old cultures. But the island city-state's reputation more recently was catapulted to ultra-stardom thanks to blockbuster summer hit "Crazy Rich Asians," a screen Crazy Slick Singapore is a feast for the eyes (and the taste buds) By Valerie Chen Singapore Changi Airport IN THE FILM: Traveling from New York, Rachel and her hunky beau, Nick Young, arrive in Singapore via this remarkable airport. CHANGI AIRPORT HAS CONSISTENTLY PLACED NO. 1 FOR TOP AIRPORT AWARDS. IN REAL LIFE: Consistently earning accolades as a top international airport (including World's Best Airport for the sixth consecutive year by Skytrax), Singapore Changi Airport is a worthy destination in and of itself. For example, visitors can marvel at a tropical butterfly habitat, which is home to 1,000-plus butterflies belonging to 40 species, lush foliage and a spectacular waterfall. They can also walk through a sunflower garden, dip in the rooftop pool or catch a free flick ("Crazy Rich Asians," perhaps?) at a 24-hour movie theatre. Newton Food Centre IN THE FILM: Rachel and Nick join their soon-to-be-married friends, Colin Khoo and Araminta Lee, on a joyful eating spree through one of Singapore's celebrated hawker centres. (Basically, it's a scene that makes the audience really hungry.) IN REAL LIFE: A trip to Singapore is incomplete without paying a visit (or several) to Singapore's lively culinary hubs of delicious and affordable food. Visitors will find a wide assortment of cuisines – including Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, Peranakan (locally born Chinese) and more — which also underlines just how multicultural the city-state is. Author Kwan has mentioned in interviews that his favourite street food destination is Newton Food Centre, which is also where the mouthwatering "Crazy Rich Asians" scene takes place. Follow Rachel and company's lead by ordering hokkien mee (stir-fried egg and rice noodles), satay and sambal stingray – to start. And though Singapore's adaptation of author Kevin Kwan's 2013 best-selling novel of the same name. The film is a triumph in many ways, including that it is the first Hollywood film with an all-Asian cast since 1993's "Joy Luck Club." Following are some of the "Crazy Rich Asians" filming locations worth discovering off the silver screen. PHOT0 CREDIT: AHLAMB/GETTYIMAGES. Singapore Changi Airport – a destination in itself. renowned street-food scene includes myriad must-try establishments, two standout spots have earned a Michelin star each: Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle (which added a brick-and- mortar restaurant in 2016) and Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle. The former is famed for offering the world's cheapest Michelin-star meal; its popular braised chicken and rice dish clocks in at just $1.50. Gardens by the Bay IN THE FILM: After the elaborate affair that is Araminta and Colin's wedding ceremony, it makes complete sense that they would host their reception at a venue with otherworldly tree-like structures. IN REAL LIFE: An initiative led by Singapore's National Parks Board, the award-winning urban oasis of Gardens by the Bay is a must-stop for any itinerary to Singapore. Reclaimed land was transformed into waterfront gardens, which include the solar- powered "Supertrees" that are also 18 innovative, vertical gardens. Don't miss the light and sound show featuring the Supertrees, held twice nightly at 7:45pm and 8:45pm. Marina Bay Sands IN THE FILM: During the magnificent final scene of "Crazy Rich Asians," tidy rows of synchronised swimmers dance in the fabulous infinity pool of this Singapore luxury hotel. Nearby, also on the hotel's observation deck, moviegoers are treated to glitz, glamour and a superb view of Singapore's skyline. IN REAL LIFE: More than 2,500 room and suites make up the iconic Marina Bay Sands — the biggest and perhaps most recognisable hotel in town. It spans three sloping towers that are joined at the 23rd floor as well as the 57th-floor Sands SkyPark, a tropical sanctuary); here, guests will find the aforesaid infinity pool and observation deck, as well as gardens and restaurants. PHOT0 CREDIT: RONNIECHUA/GETTYIMAGES. The supertrees are the stars of the light and sound show at Gardens by the Bay.

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