Where was Apocalypse Now filmed?

In an unusual and iconic move, this Apocalypse Now film scene opens to the tune of The Doors’ “The End.” The jungle landscape is under attack and flashbacks provide our first glimpse of Willard, drunk and emotionally spent in a Saigon hotel room, tying together the atrocities of war with a dark song that speaks of the end at the very beginning. Willard tells us that, “Everyone gets everything he wants. I wanted a mission, and for my sins, they gave me one. Brought it up to me like room service. It was a real choice mission, and when it was over, I never wanted another.”

Unfortunately, the original Apocalypse Now film set for this scene was destroyed when Hurricane Olga devastated Luzon. Today, public transportation allows for visits to the site where much of Apocalypse now was filmed. Iba can be reached via Jeep or train following LRT1.

The film opens with a helicopter strike on a small village on the Filipino island of Luzon. The footage was shot in Baler. The helicopters used for this opening sequence where an attack was launched to the backdrop of the Wagnerian classic Ride of the Valkyries were given for use in the film by President Marcos.

There is no dialogue in this powerful footage. Instead, the soundtrack provides all of the speaking needed to convey the emotion of this scene.

Travelling to Baler from Manila is best achieved via SCTEX at the La Paz, Tarlac toll gate.

The filming location of Apocalypse Now’s napalm strike on the surfing beach is one of the most striking sequences of the film. The attack was initiated and overseen by Colonel Gilgore who remarks in one of the most well-known lines from the film, “I like the smell of napalm in the morning. It smells like... victory."

One of the best places in the region in which to do some surfing, Baler Bay is located approximately 120 miles from Manila and can be accessed via bus; however, it is an arduous seven-hour trip.

Often ranked among the best scenes in Apocalypse Now, fans rave about the footage that shows Willard and his team’s arrival at Kurtz’ compound. Horrified by the carnage that surrounds him, Willard is first greeted by an American journalist who is one of Kurtz’ most devoted fans. Willard is then introduced to Kurtz himself who informs him, “You’re an errand boy, sent by grocery clerks, to collect a bill.”

The location of Kurtz’ compound is approximately a 90-minute drive from Manila. If travelling here to view this movie location, it’s well worth your time to make a trip to see the spot that was once home to the iconic Do Long bridge.

Upon meeting Kurtz, Chef takes a negative view of the Colonel, believing he is not only mentally ill but also evil. Instructed by Willard to call an air strike should he be harmed or killed by Kurtz, Chef attempts to fulfill his orders but is murdered then beheaded. Kurtz, who has decorated himself with war paint, tosses Chef’s head at Willard, where it lands in his lap.

Prior to this death, Chef shares these words in a profanity-laced speech about Kurtz, “This Colonel guy? He's wacko, man! He's worse than crazy. He's evil. It's f***in' pagan idolatry. Look around you. S***! He's loco...I ain't afraid of all them f***in' skulls and altars and s***. I used to think if I died in an evil place, then my soul wouldn't be able to make it to Heaven. But now? F***! I mean, I don't care where it goes, as long as it ain't here. So whaddya wanna do? I'll kill the f***.”

To reach Pagsanjan, experts recommend travelling along the South Expressway, turning left at Calamba, then right where you will note a sign indicating you have arrived at your destination. Transport is also available via bus and boat; however, these journeys are best left to the very adventurous.

Shot at the same Apocalypse Now filming location as the murder of Chef, the death of Kurtz is a particularly traumatic scene. Willard attacks Kurtz with a machete, inflicting a wound that will claim his life. As the scene fades to black, Kurtz repeatedly utters the phrase, “…The horror…the horror…” These same words are ironically featured in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, tying the novella into the film.