Before Jeff Probst decided that Fiji would be the permanent filming location for the series, Survivor journeyed into territories rarely seen on television. The beauty of remote islands in Gabon, Vanuatu, and other countries was placed in the spotlight while hidden getaways in well-traveled countries like Australia were revealed. Beautiful backdrops provided an exotic playground for contestants like Cirie Fields, Jon Misch, and Parvati Shallow to transform into characters.
Part of the reason the show is now stuck is that lugging an entire film crew into protected areas requires government support and stability. The process for an individual is rarely as demanding.
Check this list of 20 countries to find some of the show’s most stunning locations that are open to visitors.
20 "Survivor: Redemption Island" in San Juan Del Sur
A head-to-head showdown between masterminds Rob Mariano and Russell Hantz occurred in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. The season also introduced Redemption Island where voted off contestants were banished into seclusion. Although the show highlighted the area’s isolation, most of the coast is a vibrant beach town.
19 "Survivor: Nicaragua" On the Ash Volcano Cerro Negro
The season before Redemption Island gives another example of less isolated Nicaraguan attractions. Reward winners were flown to the Maribios mountain range to surf down the ash slopes of Cerro Negro, a dormant volcano. Getting to this place is easy, but the risk of injury keeps it off many itineraries.
18 "Survivor: Marquesas" in Nuku Hiva
Traveling to the tiny territory of French Polynesia to get to the tinier island of Nuku Hiva doesn’t cross a lot of minds. We recommend making the journey into the Pacific Ocean for two reasons: it’s where Survivor legend “Boston Rob” got his start and it’s absolutely gorgeous.
17 "Survivor: Guatemala" in the Mayan Ruins of Yaxhá
When the series was shot in Guatemala, tribal council was held on top of pyramids seen in the above image. At night, the ancient stone staircases were lit with torches as they would’ve been centuries ago. Some tours of the archaeological site include trips across the lake to other ruins.
16 "Survivor: Thailand" in Ko Tarutao
This island's previous use as a prison has kept it free from transformation by tourism. Its rocky cliffs and unexplored jungles remain hostile. While it’s not the ideal location for luxury, it is ideal for those who want a light survivor experience. Mountain bike rentals can make things somewhat easier.
15 "Survivor: Vanuatu" on a volcanic island
The average person wouldn't consider the mouth of an inactive volcano the prime location for a nice picnic. Season nine's Julie Berry and Leann Slaby seemed to enjoy themselves up on Ambrym island though. The contestants visited the Marum cone, but its twin Benbow is open for exploration too.
14 "Survivor: Pearl Islands" in a Panamanian Archipelago
Legends of pirates in the Pearl Islands influenced a season theme that paired perfectly with a cast of scoundrels, underdogs, and naive targets to create one of the show’s most memorable seasons. The actual islands are more peaceful than portrayed. Popular activities are bird watching, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
13 "Survivor: Gabon" in Wonga-Wongué Presidential Reserve
Getting into this park is doable but difficult. As a presidential reserve, it is said to require permission from authorities to enter. However, many have visited and been amazed by the wildlife and landscapes. This level of protection has preserved the grassy lowlands and kept its elephant inhabitants safe.
12 "Survivor: Africa" In The Skies Of Maasai Mara
At the break of dawn, contestants Lex van den Berghe and Tom Buchanan climbed into a hot air balloon for a ride over the Maasai Mara game reserve in Kenya. Their balloon came remarkably close to the backs of elephants and gazelles before setting them back down.
11 "Survivor: Heroes vs. villains" in Upolu Island
Barren beaches are a reality in Upolu, but it’s also the most populated island in Samoa. Enter the city to experience the local culture in the form of dance, music, and handicrafts. A natural attraction is the Sua Ocean Trench, a water-filled sinkhole surrounded by mossy rocks and vines.
10 "Survivor: China" in Zhelin Reservoir
Descriptive names provide a directory of the 1,000 islands floating on this lake. Peacock and Golden Monkey Island make their exotic populations obvious. Less obvious is Folk Culture Village where different ethnic groups gather for a cultural exchange. Head to one of many nameless areas for a truly uncharted adventure.
9 "Survivor: Africa" in Shaba National Reserve
A barbed barrier was the only thing that stood between contestants and curious lions in this season. Lions are one of many exotic speeches that roam the wide plains of the Kenyan reserve. Oryxes, ostriches, and zebras can be found on guided safaris before turning in at an onsite campsite.
8 "Survivor: Borneo" in Pulau Tiga
The very first season of Survivor brought us to the uninhabited islands of Malaysia. For viewers stuck at home before the age of Wikipedia, the blue-tinged beaches and untamed jungles were astounding. Malaysia is now a more popular destination for some, but islands like Pulau Tiga remain untouched.
7 "Survivor: The Australian Outback" in Goshen Station
Tall eucalyptus trees line the edge of the tranquil Herbert River at this location in Queensland. It's clean, perfect for canoeing, and inhabited by friendly cows. Yet mandatory reservations keep the crowd away. Low fees and little profit means that the only option here is roughing it.
6 "Survivor: Palau" in Koror
This location gave the title “Survivor” new meaning when one contestant spent the night alone in a cave as the sole survivor of her team. Various caves with less misery associated can be explored in Palau. The Chandelier Cave is a glittering example with its sparkly stalactites and stalagmites.
5 "Survivor: Blood vs. Water" in Palaui: thelostkids
Tourism is big in this area of the Philippines, but visitors come for the wild forests and waters meaning that human interaction isn’t a requirement unless you're visiting a landmark. The Cape Engaño Lighthouse makes the return to civilization worth it. It gives a startling island view from above.
4 "Survivor: Tocantins" in Jalapão
The region of Jalapão is an interesting mix of biomes with mountains that slope down into dense forests before staggering to the edge of orange sand dunes. Capturing so many landscapes on screen at once is impossible which makes this location one of the most rewarding to witness firsthand.
3 "Survivor: Philippines" in Jellyfish Lake
Peachy jellyfish about the size of a fist fill Jellyfish Lake in the Philippines. Winning a reward challenge got the Ulong tribe the opportunity to swim among this special species. Weak stingers with negligible zapping power make them harmless. Lake entry is $100 for 10 days of underwater exploration.
2 "Survivor: Kaôh Rōng" on Cambodia's Second Largest Island
Beach development has riddled some of this island’s shorelines with bars, restaurants, and resorts, but deep in the dense jungle, the essence of Survivor can still be found. However, don’t discount spending some time amongst the colorful, thatch-roofed beach buildings since the Cambodian village culture is equally worthwhile.
1 "Survivor: Philippines" Underwater With Whale Sharks
The Philippines makes the list again, this time with its underwater landscapes. Michael Skupin won a reward challenge and took Lisa Whelchel and Malcolm Freberg into the ocean to swim alongside massive whale sharks. Divers take tourists into the same Caramoan waters with the potential to spot other exotic species.