Bales Blog | Top 5 TV & Film Locations

Galapagos – Sir David Attenborough

Sir David Attenborough returned to the screens in the New Year with a ground-breaking new 3D series, showcasing Darwin’s living laboratory - the stunning archipelago of theGalapagos Islands. It delivered a view of these enthralling landscapes that has never yet been seen.

The series charted the evolution of the Galapagos Islands from how the islands rose explosively from the ocean four million years ago to the evolutionary innovations which helped life develop into a unique and spectacular form. The final episode promised an exploration of the differences between the islands and their myriad of unique and bewildering wildlife. It also included the last known footage of what was the islands’ most famous inhabitant, the giant tortoise Lonesome George, the last survivor of his species.

If you wish to tread in the footsteps of this pioneering broadcaster and witness for yourself the surreal volcanic landscapes and variety of bird and marine life; from land iguanas to blue–footed boobies and sea turtles, then Bales Worldwide offer a variety of cruise vessels and itineraries to guarantee a remarkable series of life-changing experiences. 

Tokyo, Japan – Lost in Translation 

Awarded with three Golden Globes, the acclaimed film “Lost in Translation” was filmed entirely on location on the streets of Tokyo. Dotted throughout the film are such icons as the Tokyo Tower and the Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba. Visitors to the city can re-trace the footsteps of Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson throughTokyo’s lively Shinjuku and Shibuya districts and immerse themselves in some of the sights and sounds of the area. Aficionados of the film will recognise the iconic Park Hyatt Hotel which towers over the entertainment district of Shinjuku. The New Yorkbar occupies the top floor of this 52 storey edifice and guests are rewarded with panoramic views of downtown Tokyo for a minimum cover charge of £20. Delve deeper into the area and you will find the temple which Scarlet’s character visits at the start of the movie.

If you are wondering where the huge crowds crossing a pedestrian crossing amidst neon-fuelled advertising boards was filmed, then head to Shibuya Station's Hachiko Exit. No visit to Tokyo is complete without trying Japan’s national pastime – karaoke. Karaoke booths are located throughout Tokyo but if you want to experience karaoke the “Lost in Translation” way then head to Shibuya branch of Karaoke-kan less than five minutes from Shibuya Station by foot.

Tokyo wasn’t the only star of the film and the famous bullet train features on Scarlett’s journey to Kyoto where she visits Heian Shrine and Nanzenji Temple. No film set in Japan would be complete without at least a nod to Mt Fuji and it certainly provides a breathtaking backdrop to the round of golf depicted in the film.

If you haven’t watched the film for a while, then maybe it is time to re-visit it or go one step further and head to Japan yourself. Tokyo, Mt Fuji and Kyoto can all be visited on our 15 day escorted Japan Panorama tour. Time your visit for April and you can enjoy these movie locations against the backdrop of the colourful Cherry Blossom festival.

Shanghai, China – Skyfall

Celebrating 50 years of James Bond, Skyfall headed to mainland China for the first time in the franchise’s history.  Some of the film’s dramatic and most memorable scenes were shot in this eclectic city including the car chase from Pudong airport to Lujiazui. It is hard to find anywhere that could compete with Shanghai for its awe-inspiring skyline and exotic location. The film pays particular homage to Shanghai at night showcasing its neon-fuelled panorama including the electric blue of the Yanan Elevated Expressway.

For anyone visiting Shanghai, there are a number of landmarks iconised in the film. There are beautiful shots of Bond gazing out across the Huanpu River. Tourists visiting the city can take a river cruise along the Huangpu from the Bund, Shanghai’s renowned waterfront, to witness some of Shanghai’s principal attractions.  One of Shanghai’s fastest growing areas is Lujiazui with its international hotels and shopping malls. It should be on any visitor’s list for dining experiences and shopping. Lujiazui is also home to hundreds of futuristic skyscrapers comprising one of the world’s most recognizable skylines, including the Shanghai TV tower, Jin Mao Tower and the tallest building inChina, the Shanghai World Financial Centre.

Whilst any visit to Shanghaimay not offer the same adrenalin rush or drama as it did for James Bond, this vibrant east coast city never fails to deliver on things to do. It may not be a dry martini but a tea ceremony should be high on the agenda. Set in the beautiful Yu Yuan Gardens, the famous Mid Lake Pavilion teahouse dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Here you can enjoy a tea ceremony with a demonstration of the process before sampling your choice. And a visit to the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe show will definitely leave you ‘shaken and stirred’ at the sheer dexterity of the performers.

Shanghai and Hong Kong, also featured in the movie, can be visited on any Bales Worldwide Escorted tour of China or be included as part of any tailor made holiday to the region.

Arctic – The Polar Bear Family & Me

The recent BBC mini-series ‘The Polar Bear Family & Me’, was centred around the Svalbard Islands of Norway, deep within the Arctic Circle - a haven for Polar Bears during the northern hemisphere summer. The series focuses on cameraman Gordon Buchanan filming and following a Polar Bear and her young cubs through the seasons of spring, autumn and winter.

From the cubs first playful steps out of their den in spring, to the family’s trials and tribulations in their hunt for food as the sea ice melts away, the series was captivating viewing and showed the realities of life for these impressive animals as temperatures in the Arctic continue to get warmer.

One of most amazing moments of the series was when Gordon and his team left the family they were following. They headed further north among the Svalbard islands, to an area of sea ice were they found themselves in the company of 13 Polar Bears in one location. Whilst you may not be fortunate to see that many in one place, Svalbard, and its main islandSpitsbergen, is the place to go if you want to see these amazing creatures. 

If the series has kindled your interest in seeing Polar Bears in their natural habitat, our Bales Worldwide Arctic expedition cruises are perfect for you. The cruises are centred around Svalbard and take you along the islands coastlines taking in the amazing scenery of fjords, islands, sea ice and glaciers on the search for Seals, Walruses, Whales and of course Polar Bears. 

Jordan - Laurence of Arabia

David Leans epic film about the controversial military figure Lawrence of Arabia recently celebrated its 50^th year since release. Coincidently Jordan, where the majority of David Leans film was based celebrated an even larger event, that of Petra 200^th year since rediscovery. Carved from rock by the ancient Nabateans, the city was ‘lost’ to the world for nearly 500 years, before its rediscovery in 1812 by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, who tricked his guides into revealing the entrance to the city.Petra didn’t give up its secrets so easily though. Burckhardt died just five years later and it wasn’t until his journals were published in 1822 that the world finally discovered the whereabouts of the ‘LostCity’ ofPetra.  

If you would like to discover the mystical delights and history of Jordan, our Bales Worldwide tours to Jordan will uncover the beauty of this land of breathtaking diversity.