Set-Jetting in Malaysia: Step into the Scenes of Hollywood’s Biggest Blockbusters Untitled

As global audiences continue to fall under the spell of the silver screen, an increasing number of travellers are turning their favourite films into travel inspiration. “Set-jetting” - the practice of visiting real-life locations featured in movies and television - is gaining momentum, with recent studies showing that many travellers begin planning their next getaway even before the credits roll, inspired by the destinations portrayed on screen.   

With its lush rainforests, cosmopolitan cities, and breathtaking coastlines, Malaysia has emerged as a standout destination for international film productions - and now, for fans eager to follow in the footsteps of their favourite stars.  

From Hollywood blockbusters to romance dramas, Malaysia’s diverse landscapes and striking architecture have provided the perfect backdrop for a range of unforgettable scenes. The Government of Malaysia has developed incentives for the production of creative content specifically for film, television, and screen production. The Government of Malaysia expects that these incentives will encourage production activities and enhance skills that will become international standards across the entire creative content industry ecosystem. This encouragement and assistance are vital to the country’s economic, social, and intellectual development. The Government of Malaysia believes that this effort will be a significant decision that will bring benefits in building and continuously supporting the creative content industry, particularly in Malaysia. 

These incentives will not only encourage the production of high-quality creative content, but will also position Malaysia as a preferred filming destination and hub. The Government has introduced the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) to provide additional financial incentives for creative content production in Malaysia, thereby indirectly offering support and encouragement to producers in creating quality creative content. 

To support this initiative, the Government has introduced the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), which offers a cash rebate of 30% + 5% on the Qualifying Malaysian Production Expenditure (QMPE), subject to compliance with the prescribed criteria. 

In Marvel’s much-anticipated Thunderbolts, Kuala Lumpur takes centre stage, with key scenes filmed at Medan Pasar and the iconic Merdeka 118 - the world’s second-tallest skyscraper. In a gripping opening sequence, Florence Pugh’s character performs a breathtaking leap from the tower, spotlighting the adrenaline-charged allure of Malaysia’s urban skyline. Recently released to strong reviews, the film not only showcases Kuala Lumpur’s cinematic potential but is also expected to spark fresh interest in the city among travellers eager to visit its dramatic filming locations. 

Although set in Singapore, this global sensation was largely filmed across Malaysia, showcasing the country's opulent architecture and lush landscapes. From the elegant E&O Hotel in Penang (standing in for London’s Calthorpe Hotel) to the striking Putrajaya campus that posed as NYU, Malaysia played a starring role behind the scenes. The iconic mahjong showdown between Eleanor Young and Rachel Chu was filmed in George Town’s Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, while Carcosa Seri Negara in Kuala Lumpur served as the ancestral estate of the Young family. Langkawi doubled as the idyllic Rawa Island for Colin Khoo’s bachelor party and also hosted Araminta Lee’s bachelorette weekend at the Four Seasons Resort. Other standout locations include BLVD House at Naza Towers (where Rachel and Nick’s romance deepens) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport, cleverly dressed up as JFK. The film’s most extravagant homes and gardens were also brought to life in Langkawi and Penang - offering viewers a glamorous glimpse of Malaysia’s luxury, heritage, and natural beauty. 

The globally successful Marvel film Venom, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide, opens in the lush, tropical landscapes of Malaysia. In a striking opening sequence, a symbiotic alien crash-lands in the country, immediately setting a unique tone for the story. Malaysia is even referenced by name, with Sibu mentioned early in the film. In a nod to local culture, a paramedic character delivers lines in Malay - adding a moment of linguistic authenticity. Though the actress herself wasn’t Malaysian, her accurate delivery stood out. These subtle yet meaningful inclusions, paired with Malaysia’s rich biodiversity and dramatic natural backdrops, highlight the country’s growing appeal as a fresh, distinctive setting for major international productions. 

Starring Chris Hemsworth, Blackhat is a gripping cyber-thriller that prominently features Malaysian locations. The Perak town of Seri Manjung plays a pivotal role, providing an atmospheric and authentic backdrop for the film’s Southeast Asian sequences. Additional Malaysian sites such as Kuala Lumpur, Port Klang, Pulau Pangkor, and Putrajaya further enrich the film’s international appeal and cyber-noir aesthetic. These diverse settings highlight Malaysia’s versatility as a filming destination, capable of standing in for a range of global urban and coastal environments. 

 A Blockbuster Journey Beginning in Malaysia 

In addition to these standout titles, Malaysia has long served as a captivating backdrop for international productions. Lost in Translation (2003) featured scenes shot in bustling Kuala Lumpur, capturing the city’s unique blend of modernity and tradition. Anna and the King (1999), starring Jodie Foster, filmed key sequences in the historic city of Kuala Kangsar, Perak, showcasing Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage. More recently, the live-action Keluang Man (2025), a locally beloved Malaysian superhero film, was shot across various locations including Kuala Lumpur, Kluang, Ipoh, and Klang, which are now attracting fans eager to visit these sites. Other recent films like Behind the Shadows (2023) and Magik Rompak (2024) also chose Malaysia’s urban and studio settings, further reinforcing the country’s appeal as a versatile filming destination. Together, these films fuel the growing trend of set-jetting, inspiring travellers to explore Malaysia through the scenes of their favourite films. 

From thrilling jungle adventures to breathtaking rooftop chases, Malaysia offers film enthusiasts a unique chance to step into the scenes of some of the world’s most iconic movies. Whether following in the footsteps of a Marvel superhero or revisiting a memorable romantic moment, Malaysia warmly invites visitors to turn their favourite screen dreams into unforgettable real-life experiences. 

Tourism Malaysia, officially known as the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, operates as an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. Tasked with the comprehensive promotion of Malaysia as a prime tourism destination, Tourism Malaysia has established itself as a prominent entity within the global tourism landscape. Its efforts have borne fruit, with Malaysia attracting a significant influx of tourists, registering an impressive 26.1 million arrivals in 2019 alone. This places Malaysia firmly among the ranks of the world's leading tourism destinations.   

Press Contact:   

C/O ATW Travel Marketing  

Jess Hopton - PR Director  

Email: jess@atwtravelmarketing.com 

Press Centre: https://atw-travel-marketing.prowly.com/releases/tourism-malaysia  

Images and Press Kit: https://atw-travel-marketing.prowly.com/presskits/tourism-malaysia