The 6 Best Locations that Survivor Was Filmed

Survivor premiered on May 31, 2000, and for the past 23 years, fans have fallen in love with the show. Many people watch for the competition, some for the drama, and others for the location. However, it’s not always about who gets voted off or where the alliances shift. Jeff Probst and the CBS team have spent decades choosing many different places to film the reality show. Some have been huge hits, while others were major flops.

Meanwhile, this hit reality television show has been to South America, Africa, Asia, and back again. The past 45 seasons of Survivor have taken us around the world. A few locations were so bad that only one season was filmed there. However, others ended up being the perfect location, and the crew didn’t want to leave. Well, the tribe has spoken, and here are 6 of the best locations where Survivor was filmed.

1. Pearl Islands, Panama (Seasons 7, 8, 12)

Panama ended up being a great choice for the show. A total of three seasons were shot here. Pearl Islands is in the Gulf of Panama, 30 miles off the Pacific coast of Panama in Central America. This beautiful area of Panama has over 150 different islands. However, only a few were used for Survivor. Throughout the season, the show took us through a quaint village, beaches, as well as serene islands, offering bird’s-eye views of the Caribbean paradise where the challenges were set.

2. Sabah, Malaysia (Season 1)

Occupying the northern region of Borneo sits Sabah, Malaysia. It was a beautiful setting for the very first season of Survivor. Besides the weather being a little on the hot side, this setting was one of the more ideal locations for the show. The beach was steps away from the tribe’s campsite, so it was easy for them to take a dip during their off time. As far as food goes, there was seasonal fruit all around for them to enjoy.

3. Cagayan, Philippines (Seasons 27, 28)

These two seasons were filmed at Palaui Island, in Santa Ana, Cagayan, in the Philippines. It is located off the northeastern side of Luzon Island and has earned a reputation as one of the world’s best beaches and an eco-tourism destination. Most of the island is covered with forest, and it is also surrounded by coral reefs. Being only 6.2 miles long and 3.1 miles wide, it became a small slice of heaven that the cast and crew did not want to leave after filming.

4. Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia (Season 4)

Season four was filmed on the island of Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands, which are part of French Polynesia. These stunning islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean and consist of twelve volcanic islands and atolls. Marquesas was the first season of the popular reality TV show to be shot in a location other than the United States. Additionally, the scenery, seclusion, and rich cultural history played a major role in why the production company chose this location.

5. Mamanuca Islands, Fiji (Seasons 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)

This location has become a landmark for Survivor. For the past 13 seasons, the popular reality television show has been filmed here. In addition, Fiji is beautiful for viewers of the series. Likewise, it has amazing beaches, crystal clear water, vibrant fish, and wildlife. According to producers and the show’s host, Jeff Probst, Fiji has become the optimal location for Survivor. However, from a filming standpoint, there are many obstacles to look out for. There are the weather patterns, population, economy, and political unrest. Fiji has proven to be the perfect location for the show.

6. Koh Rong, Cambodia (Seasons 31, 32)

Koh Rong is an island located off of the coast in the Gulf of Thailand and is Cambodia’s second largest island. This location of Survivor has plenty of coverage, creaks and mountains, and waterfalls for showering. Season 31 is the first time that Survivor has moved to a new location since season 25. Meanwhile, from season 19 to 25, Survivor rotated between the same three places: Samoa, Nicaragua, and the two places in the Philippines. Koh Rong is also the last location before the show moved permanently to the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji.

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