With film fans excited for Bond 26 and the potential search for the next James Bond, we had realisation. There has never been a Bond film shot in Malaysia or any spy films as a matter of a fact. Why is this the case? After all, Malaysia is filled with so many places and locations that belong in a globetrotting spy film like the Bond franchise.
The kinds of locations we are looking in our imaginary spy film locations in Malaysia come from locations we’ve seen in films like The Man from Uncle, The Mission Impossible films, and of course the James Bond franchise. Five-star hotels to check-in under a secret alias, swanky bars to gather information from a femme fatale, and secret illegal facilities to obtain the McGuffin and sneak in and out of.
So to give budding travelers a checklist of places to visit to make them feel like superspies (and to make future location scouters jobs a lot easier), we have compiled a list of various places in Malaysia we think should be in a spy film. From the the luxurious colonial-style interiors of the Majestic Hotel, to the futuristic monolith of The Exchange TRX, and the pristine sandy beaches of Pangkor Laut Island. Grab your suitcase, passport, and laser-shooting watch as we share the best spy film locations in Malaysia that will be just the right stopovers of a sophisticated secret agent.
(Hero image credit: Instagram/pangkorlautresort / Feature image credit: Instagram/easternoriental)
The 7 best places in Malaysia that should be locations in a spy film.
1. The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
The perfect rendezvous for a travelling agent.
If you’ve ever read a description of a hotel from a classic spy novel from the 1960s, The Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur would fit the bill exactly. The original Hotel Majestic was built in 1932 and was one of the most luxurious and popular hotels in it’s heyday. It was visited by international artistes, royalty, and we’re quite convinced actual spies were staying over at the iconic hotel. Today the landmark is renamed to The Majestic Hotel and is located right in the heart of KL city next to the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It still has art-deco interiors and a bar and casino room reminiscent of Hotel Spendide, in Montenegro from Casino Royale. If you’re in need of secret intel from a terrorist or need a good drink and a game of poker, look no further.
Location: 5, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Tasik Perdana, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603-2785 8000
Book a room here.
2. Pangkor Laut Resort
A beautiful island where deadly secrets lie.
There’s something about Pangkor Laut Resort that keeps people coming back for more. Located in Perak, it has been a go-to destination for celebrities, tourists, and locals. Maybe it’s the pristine waters of Emerald Bay and the smooth sand with a breathtaking view of the sea and the sun. Or the rooms right on top the sea that make you feel closer to the water. Or perhaps it’s the excellent service that caters to almost every of your needs as a traveler and an agent (except hidden weapons). A visit on this resort will definitely make you feel like you’re a spy on a mission, even if all you will do is eat seafood and take naps by the pool all day. But as a spy film location we definitely see a secret agent walking by the beach, romantic encounters as the sun sets, and dangerous brawls with henchmen in the middle of the night.
Location: Pangkor Laut Island Pangkor Laut, 32200 Lumut, Perak
Contact: +605-699 1100
Book a room here.
3. Eastern & Oriental Express
Strangers on a train, what could possibly go wrong?
For an old-school experience, a time where people used trains instead of planes, we recommend the luxury of the Eastern & Oriental Express. The luxury train ride offers different service to different scenic locations in Malaysia like Langkawi and Penang. Experience the natural beauty of the Malaysian landscape while dining into the cuisine of a Michelin-star chef. In the evening, try to get dizzy as you sip and sway to the train’s cocktail party. Riding on a train and bumping into strangers really puts you in the world of espionage. As you never know who may be an enemy in disguise or when everyone will be woken up to the murder of a fellow passenger. Just make sure to check the emergency exits so you know where to kick the bad guys out of the train.
Book a journey here.
4. Merdeka 118 / Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Hotel
A towering skyscraper that could a terrorist network’s facility.
Yes we know this place has already been included in films like Thunderbolts* as a sci-fi research facility. But with it being the second tallest building in the world and having such a unique and iconic design we simply couldn’t resist including it in. The building has become Malaysia biggest landmark, even surpassing the Petronas Twin Towers. It also doubles as Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Hotel where you can experience five-star facilities and fine-dining above the KL skyline.
We can imagine a thrilling stunt sequence of an super spy climbing it or falling down from it ala Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. Or even sneaking into it to recover the plot device the villain of the film has coveted over. It’s a versatile backdrop for any action scene and we believe it’s only a matter of time before it’s used in a Bond film.
Location: Menara Merdeka 118, Presint Merdeka 118, 50118 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Book a room here.
5. Encore Melaka
A night at the theatre that turns into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse.
One of Melaka’s famous landmarks and a celebration of it’s rich heritage, Encore Melaka seems fitting for a shoreside set spy film. Completed in 2018, the building is able to seat 2000 people and is known for it’s show, Encore Melaka which features a 360 degree rotating stage. It tells the story of the history of Melaka and Peranakan culture in an immersive stage and lightshow. It would make the perfect tense scene where an agent goes to the theatre on a gala night on a mission to kill someone. With a rotating stage, it also gives unique possibilities to create a suspenseful sequence that will leave audiences on the edge of the seat.
Location: Impression City, No. 3, Jalan KSB – Impression 8, Kota Syahbandar, 75200 Melaka
Contact: +606-270 7777
Book a show here.
6. The Melaka River
A scenic drink by the river followed by a boat chase.
There’s something about canals and boat rides that feel so elegant yet mysterious, like an agent riding a boat into a hidden secret base. Though we’re not sure if there are underwater fortresses at The Melaka River, we do know you can take a tour ride that will take you around the whole of Bunga Raya and Jonker Walk. With historic sites and restaurants on the side of the river to enjoy the view, it’s Melaka’s own Canal du Midi. We can imagine a clandestine meeting with another operative, followed by a thrilling chase with speedboats and gunfire to shake off the bad guys.
Location: Jalan Persisiran Bunga Raya, 75100 Melaka
Operating hours: 9AM – 11PM (Monday – Thursday), 9AM – 10:30PM (Friday)
Contact: +606-281 4322
Book a ride here.
7. Sky Casino
A high stakes game of cards were duty and cash are on the line.
It wouldn’t be a spy film if a game of cards wasn’t involved in some way. When one wants to play his luck he goes to Genting, the Vegas of Malaysia. Part of Resort World Genting, Genting Casino, in particular is the go-to spot for those itching to roll some dice or flip their cards. From slot machines, to tables upon tables of blackjack and poker one can try their luck as many times as the please (or can afford). While we don’t see a secret agent playing against a slot machine, they can be playing at the highest table or stopping by the bar for a drink that’s shaken, not stirred.
Location: Genting Hotel, Genting Grand, Genting Highlands Resort, 69000 Genting Highlands, Pahang
Operating hours: 10AM – 2AM
Contact: +603-6101 1118
Find out more here.
