Discover the Charm of Palau Through Its Iconic Film Settings

From the pristine beaches of Koror to the mystique of the Rock Islands, Palau is a hidden gem of the Pacific that has captured the imagination of filmmakers, authors, and television producers. This guide aims to take you on a cinematic journey through Palau, exploring the locations that have served as the backdrop for various TV shows, films, and books.

Cinematic Palau: 10 Famous Films Shot in Palau

Palau’s tropical beauty and unique landscapes have been immortalized on the silver screen in numerous films. Here are ten that have showcased the enchanting allure of this Pacific paradise:

1. “Survivor Palau” (2005) – This reality TV series turned the islands into a battleground of human endurance and strategy, highlighting the breathtaking scenery of Koror and the Rock Islands.
2. “Hell in the Pacific” (1968) – This war film utilized the dense jungles and serene beaches of Palau to depict the isolated confrontation between an American and a Japanese soldier.
3. “The Silent War” (2018) – Set against the backdrop of Palau’s lush landscapes, this film chronicles the story of a man trying to find his place in the world.
4. “Island of the Sharks” (1999) – This documentary explores the rich marine life of Palau, showcasing the underwater beauty of the islands.
5. “Jellyfish Lake” (2002) – This film delves into the unique ecosystem of Palau’s Jellyfish Lake, a body of water teeming with millions of harmless golden jellyfish.
6. “The Last Reef” (2012) – This IMAX documentary captures the vibrant life and stunning beauty of Palau’s coral reefs.
7. “Palau Pledge” (2017) – This short film promotes environmental conservation in Palau, featuring the island’s stunning natural beauty.
8. “The Lost City of the Monkey God” (2018) – Although not filmed in Palau, this documentary features Palauan divers exploring underwater caves in Honduras.
9. “Distant Thunder” (1988) – This film uses the serene and isolated landscapes of Palau to portray a story of a Vietnam War veteran’s struggle with PTSD.
10. “Pacific Adventure” (1947) – This classic film captures the culture and natural beauty of the Pacific islands, including Palau.

Television Takes on Palau: 5 TV Shows Set in Palau

Apart from films, many television shows have chosen Palau as their setting, further showcasing the island’s beauty and charm. Here are five noteworthy ones:

1. “Survivor: Palau” (2005) – This season of the popular reality show turned the islands of Palau into a battleground of human endurance, strategy, and social dynamics.
2. “The Amazing Race 10” (2006) – The final leg of this globe-trotting reality competition took place in Palau, with contestants racing through Koror and the Rock Islands.
3. “Locked Up Abroad” (2007) – One episode of this docudrama series tells the story of an American woman imprisoned in Palau for drug smuggling.
4. “Pacific Warriors” (2015) – This documentary series explores the lives of the traditional Palauan fishermen, showcasing their unique fishing techniques and the stunning marine life of Palau.
5. “Dive Into WWII: Our Secret History” (2020) – This documentary series dives into the waters of Palau to explore sunken WWII warships.

Animated Palau: 5 Animated Films Set in Palau

The charm and wonder of Palau have also found their way into animation. Here are five animated films that bring the spirit of Palau to life:

1. “The Legend of Ngkeklau” (1990) – This Palauan animated film tells the story of a local hero and his adventures in the archipelago.
2. “The Forbidden Sea” (2008) – This animated film explores the marine life of Palau, focusing on the conservation efforts for the region’s endangered species.
3. “Palau Pledge” (2017) – This animated short film promotes environmental conservation in Palau, featuring the island’s stunning natural beauty.
4. “Adventures of the Pacific” (2019) – This animated series features an episode set in Palau, exploring the local legends and myths.
5. “Palau: The Coral Paradise” (2020) – This documentary-style animation showcases the stunning marine life and the importance of coral reefs in Palau.

Literary Palau: Famous Books Set in Palau

The enchanting landscapes and unique culture of Palau have inspired many authors. Here are three classic and three contemporary books set in Palau:

Classic:

1. “The Devil’s Causeway” by Matthew Westfall – A historical account of an obscure yet significant event in Palau’s history during the Spanish-American War.
2. “Palauan Social Structure” by C.R. Spoehr – A classic anthropological study of traditional Palauan society.
3. “Myths and Legends of Palau” by N. Mellen – A compilation of traditional Palauan myths, legends, and folktales.

Contemporary:

1. “The People of Palau: Life and Adventure Among the Natives of the Pacific Islands” by F.W. Christian – A contemporary account of life in Palau, showcasing the island’s culture, history, and natural beauty.
2. “The Palau Guide: A guide to yachting and tourism in the most magical islands of the Pacific” by Ellen McNeil – A comprehensive travel guide to Palau, featuring the island’s best tourist spots, including many famous film locations.
3. “Palau: Paradise of the Pacific” by Francis Toribiong – A contemporary account of Palau’s history, culture, and natural beauty, written by a native Palauan.

Exploring Palau’s Filming Locations – Where to Go

Palau’s diverse landscapes and iconic landmarks have long been a favored canvas for filmmakers. If you’re eager to soak up the cinematic history of this vibrant country, here are some essential filming locations in Palau you must visit:

1. Koror – Featured in “Survivor Palau” and “The Amazing Race 10,” this bustling city offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions.
2. Rock Islands – These picturesque islands have been featured in many films and TV shows, showcasing the stunning underwater life and the unique Jellyfish Lake.
3. Peleliu – Featured in “Distant Thunder” and “Dive Into WWII: Our Secret History,” this island offers a glimpse into Palau’s WWII history.
4. Babeldaob – The largest island in Palau features diverse landscapes and has been featured in “The Legend of Ngkeklau” and “Pacific Warriors.”
5. Jellyfish Lake – Featured in “Jellyfish Lake” and “The Last Reef,” this marine lake is one of Palau’s most popular tourist attractions.

Where to Sleep in Palau: From Budget to Luxury

Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodation or budget-friendly options, Palau offers a wide range of places to stay. Here are three cheap and three luxury accommodations:

Budget:

1. Ms. Pinetree’s Hostel – Located in Koror, this budget-friendly hostel offers comfortable accommodation with great facilities.
2. DW Motel – This budget motel in downtown Koror offers clean rooms and is within walking distance to many attractions.
3. Palau Central Hotel – This budget-friendly hotel in Koror offers modern rooms with great amenities.

Luxury:

1. Palau Pacific Resort – This luxury resort offers beachfront accommodation with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
2. Palau Royal Resort – Located on its private beach, this resort offers luxury accommodation with a range of recreational facilities.
3. COVE Resort Palau – This waterfront resort features chic accommodations and a beautiful infinity pool.

A Taste of Palau: Where to Eat From Budget to Luxury

Palau offers a myriad of dining options, from budget-friendly local eateries to upscale restaurants. Here are three budget and three luxury options:

Budget:

1. Kramer’s Cafe – Known for its seafood dishes and local cuisine, this restaurant offers great food at reasonable prices.
2. Yano’s Cafe – This budget-friendly cafe in Koror offers a variety of local and international dishes.
3. Taj – A popular Indian restaurant in Koror, offering delicious and affordable meals.

Luxury:

1. Elilai – Located in Koror, this upscale restaurant offers a fusion of Pacific Rim and international cuisine, with stunning views of the Rock Islands.
2. The Taj – This luxury restaurant in Koror offers fine Indian cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
3. Dragon Tai – This upscale Chinese restaurant in Koror offers a variety of dishes in a contemporary setting.

Explore Palau’s Filming Locations: A Detailed Itinerary

Experience the cinematic charm of Palau with this five-day itinerary, discovering famous filming locations and immersing yourself in the country’s rich culture and history.

Day 1: Koror – Start your tour in Koror, visit the Belau National Museum featured in “Survivor Palau” and explore the city’s bustling downtown.

Day 2: Rock Islands – Take a boat tour of the Rock Islands, a filming location for many films and TV shows. Don’t miss to swim in the famous Jellyfish Lake.

Day 3: Peleliu – Visit Peleliu, featured in “Distant Thunder” and “Dive Into WWII: Our Secret History.” Explore the WWII relics and the Peleliu War Memorial.

Day 4: Babeldaob – Take a day trip to Babeldaob, visit the traditional Bai (meeting houses) and the Palau’s stone monoliths, both featured in “Pacific Warriors.”

Day 5: Ngardmau Waterfall – End your cinematic journey in Palau with a visit to the breathtaking Ngardmau waterfall, featured in “The Legend of Ngkeklau.”

Mysterious Palau: Cryptid Legends and Curiosities

Beyond its cinematic charm, Palau is also a land of legends and mysteries. One of the most famous legends in Palau is the “Milad,” a mermaid-like creature often told in local folklore. The legend of Milad has inspired various local films and stories. Another fascinating mystery is the “Ngasech,” a traditional Palauan ceremony believed to welcome the spirit of a newborn. The ceremony has been the subject of several local films and documentaries.

Hidden Gems in Palau

While Palau’s famous landmarks are popular filming locations, the country also boasts several lesser-known locales that are equally cinematic. Here are a few hidden gems:

1. Ngardmau Waterfall – This stunning waterfall is one of Palau’s best-kept secrets and has been featured in local films.
2. Badrulchau Stone Monoliths – These mysterious ancient stone monoliths in Babeldaob have been featured in “Pacific Warriors.”
3. Milky Way Lagoon – This beautiful lagoon, known for its milky white mud, is a popular location for local film productions.

What to Pack for a Trip to Palau

Packing for a trip to Palau involves considering the tropical climate and the activities you plan to do. Here are some essentials:

1. Beachwear – Don’t forget your swimsuits, beach cover-ups, and flip-flops.
2. Snorkeling gear – Palau is a snorkeling paradise, so bring your snorkel and mask.
3. Sun protection – Pack plenty of sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect against the tropical sun.
4. Camera – To capture your own cinematic memories.
5. Travel guide and map – For finding those famous filming locations and hidden gems.

Transportation Tips for Getting Around Palau

Getting around Palau is relatively easy, thanks to the country’s well-developed infrastructure. Here are some tips:

Car Rental – Renting a car is the best way to explore Palau at your own pace. Note that you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid driver’s license.

Boat – To explore the Rock Islands and other remote areas, you’ll need to rent a boat or join a guided tour.

On Foot – In Koror, most attractions are within walking distance.

Travel Documents Needed for Visiting Palau

When planning your trip to Palau, it’s crucial to have the right travel documents:

1. Passport – Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure from Palau.
2. Visa – Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Palau. Check with the Palau Embassy or Consulate in your country for requirements.
3. Travel Insurance – It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.
4. International Driving Permit (IDP) – If you plan to rent a car, an IDP is required along with your valid driver’s license.

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Guide to Palau’s Cinematic Landscape

From the bustling city of Koror to the serene Rock Islands, Palau offers a cinematic journey like no other. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a book lover, or simply a traveler in search of unique experiences, Palau is a destination that promises to captivate and inspire. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on a cinematic adventure in the heart of the Pacific. Safe travels!