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Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur
The Petronas Twin Towers aren’t just an incredible feat of architecture – they’re a symbol of Malaysia’s progress. These towers are breathtakingly beautiful, especially when they’re all lit up. You might recognise these twin skyscrapers from movies, like ‘Entrapment’ with Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
The towers were designed by Argentine-American architect César Pelli and completed in 1998. For a while, from 1998 to 2004, they were the tallest buildings in the world, but Taipei 101 took over that title. Each tower reaches up to about 451 metres high.Top of Form
KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur
The KL Tower, a giant telecommunications and broadcasting tower located just 10 minutes from Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur, is another attraction in Kuala Lumpur. It’s not just there to do a job; it’s also a favourite spot for filmmakers, thanks to the stunning views it offers.
Filmmakers often shoot scenes from its observation deck to capture the incredible urban panorama that symbolises Kuala Lumpur’s cosmopolitan vibe.
KL Tower is located in a prime spot in Kuala Lumpur. Serviced apartments, hotels, restaurants, and cafes, for instance, are located in close proximity to the KL Tower.
Marina Island, Pangkor, Perak
Marina Island has had some pretty impressive visitors like Chris Hemsworth. He graced its shores during the filming of the action thriller ‘Blackhat’ in 2015.
But the real charm of Marina Island lies in its location. It’s conveniently just a three-hour drive from both Kuala Lumpur and Penang, making it a perfect pitstop for your road trip adventures.
Once you’re on the island, you have a world of beach activities to enjoy – think beach volleyball, sunbathing on the sandy shores, scuba diving, and all sorts of water sports.
If you fancy a change of scenery, you can also take a short trip to the nearby town of Lumut, where you can explore the night market and enjoy the waterfront. It goes without saying, Marina Island is a fantastic destination for some sun-soaked fun!
Ipoh, Perak
Perak has another gem, and it’s the charming town of Ipoh. It’s no wonder that Lonely Planet once hailed it as one of the top places to visit in Asia. Ipoh has a nostalgic, old-school vibe that’s just so captivating.
Speaking of its cinematic side, the 2007 movie ‘Lust, Caution,’ starring Wang Lee Hom, was filmed in Ipoh.
But Ipoh isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a paradise for foodies and culture enthusiasts. You can explore iconic spots like Kellie’s Castle and the Perak Cave Temple, and there are many restaurants that serve up a wealth of delicious food.
Aur Island, Johor
Aur Island, a hidden treasure within the Johor Marine Park, played a starring role in the Malaysian dramedy, ‘The Journey.’ In the film, the story unfolds as an older gentleman agrees to his daughter’s marriage to an Englishman, with the condition that they embark on an adventure across Malaysia to hand-deliver wedding invitations.
This charming little island, nestled in the southern part of Malaysia, and its surrounding waters served as one of the pit-stops in ‘The Journey,’ which went on to become one of the highest-grossing movies in the local film industry. But Aur Island isn’t just famous for its cinematic appearance; it’s also one of Malaysia’s best-kept secrets for diving and snorkelling, offering over 20 fantastic sites to explore. The most renowned ones include Turtle Bay, Pinnacle, and Rayners Rock.
Kuching, Sarawak
Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is an incredible place for nature and history enthusiasts.
In the movie, ‘The Sleeping Dictionary,’ you’ll catch Jessica Alba taking on the role of Selima, a young Iban woman who falls in love with a British colonialist. Their romantic escapade unfolds in various spots around Kuching, with scenes shot in Batang Ai, the Matang Recreations Park, and Buntal Fishing Village.
There’s a ton to do here, like strolling along the rocky coastline at Bako National Park, hanging out with orangutans at Semenggoh Nature Reserve, cruising the wetlands on a Santubong Wildlife Cruise, and getting your dose of state history at Kuching’s many museums.
And don’t forget the food – from Kolo Mee to Sarawak Laksa, your taste buds are in for a treat. Plus, there’s some great shopping too. You can also take a walk along the Kuching Waterfront or explore the Main Bazaar and Carpenter Street for a change of pace.
Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands is famous for its breathtaking tea plantations, charming strawberry farms, and Tudor-style cottages. But it’s not just a favourite among tourists; filmmakers adore it too!
Directors often choose Cameron Highlands as their filming location because it offers some fantastic spots, including the BOH Tea Plantation, Brinchang Town, and Mossy Forest. These places have that perfect blend of natural beauty and serenity that filmmakers just can’t resist. So, this serene Malaysian region has served as the backdrop for many notable films, like ‘The Touch’, ‘A Month of Hungry Ghosts’, ‘The Garden of Evening Mists’, ‘KIL’, and ‘Lee Chong Wei: Rise of the Legend’.