Bharat tea plantation in Cameron Highlands is a unique attraction for visitors. — The Star
Malaysia is a great destination for all kinds of travellers, as it has a rich history, diverse culinary offerings, spectacular natural landscapes ... and great people. These reasons have also attracted some international filmmakers to shoot movies in our country.
Reportedly, British actress Florence Pugh, who stars in numerous films including Black Widow, Oppenheimer and Don’t Worry Darling, was recently in Kuala Lumpur to film scenes for the upcoming superhero flick, Thunderbolts. The reports also stated that Pugh was in KL to film a stunt at the Merdeka 118 skyscraper.
Here are a handful of other films that have previously shot scenes around Malaysia.
The Chosen One
Released in May this year, the Malaysia-Singapore film The Chosen One was shot in various places in Penang.
The film revolves around a former exorcist named Ah Jie (played by Zong Zijie), who abandons his calling as a “ghost master” to make a living as a ... scammer instead. Comedian Gurmit Singh also stars in this movie, playing the role of a Taoist monk.
Steeped in history, Penang certainly has plenty of attractions, like Batu Ferringhi, Love Lane and George Town. You can actually spot all three places featured in the movie.
Several scenes were shot at the Tua Pek Kong Temple in George Town. Once you’ve visited the temple yourself, make your way to Armenian Street nearby to see some interesting murals.
Meanwhile, just a short walk away is Love Lane, which is lined by super hip cafes housed in traditional shophouses.
At the beaches in Batu Ferringhi, there are lots of food stalls and souvenir shops to check out.
Pulau
Kedah’s tropical paradise island of Langkawi is featured in the 2021 Malaysian horror (horror-comedy?) movie, Pulau.
The film, which stars local talents Alif Satar, Mark O’Dea and Miss Pui Yi, revolves around a group of friends who find themselves stranded on an isolated island during their holiday to Langkawi. There, they accidentally awaken an angry spirit.
Inspired by Langkawi’s mysterious Mahsuri legend and folklore, the movie was mostly shot on the island, showcasing its natural beauty. From its untouched forests to beautiful beaches, the archipelago serves as an idyllic getaway for vacationers.
There are many activities to do here, and not all of them are watersports. For example, the mangrove tour at the Kilim Geoforest Park is a great way to learn about the wildlife in Langkawi.
Besides the mangrove cruise, you can also go snorkelling, stand-up paddling, and jungle trekking, where you will most likely be taken to the Telaga Tujuh Waterfall by your guide.
Behind The Shadows
The filming of the Hong Kong action thriller movie Behind The Shadows took place in the heart of KL last year. The movie tells the story of an amateur private detective (played by award-winning Hong Kong actor Louis Koo) who stumbles upon a crime involving a murderous stalker.
While the exact filming locations are not known yet, there is an assortment of interesting sites that you can visit in the city.
For example, Pasar Seni or Central Market is a great place to scour for local knick-knacks, souvenirs and art. Initially built as a wet market in the late 1920s, Central Market was converted into a creative hub in the 1980s.
If you are a fan of arts and culture, there are museums and galleries, such as Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia and Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery, that you might want to include in your travel plan.
The Garden Of Evening Mists
The rolling hills and lush meadows of Pahang’s Cameron Highlands were the backdrops of the 2019 Malaysian film The Garden Of Evening Mists.
It tells the story of Yun Ling, who was imprisoned during Japan’s occupation of Malaya but now finds peace while working at a Japanese garden in the highlands.
Cameron Highlands’ verdant tea plantations served as a scenic setting for the film. While the name of the plantation isn’t mentioned, you can head to Boh Tea Plantation and Mount Batu Brinchang to enjoy the panoramic landscapes.
Other activities that you can explore in the highlands are the Cactus Valley, Sheep Sanctuary and Flora Park’s Hobbiton Village.
