Updated on June 20, 2025

The famous James Bond Island – immortalized by the 1974 James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun, has become a top tourist attraction in Phuket. Visited by thousands every day, it is a majestic, gravity-defying structure that rises in the middle of a body of water, creating a unique island formation that captured the imaginations of the very people that made the movie franchise a worldwide phenomenon.

Related article: Island Hopping from Phuket

5 Facts You Need To Know About James Bond Island

While the intriguing formation continues to stand in Phang Nga Bay, many guests in Phuket ask the same questions about James Bond Island: What is it made of? How does it stand in the middle of the ocean? And how did James Bond manage to get in trouble there? Consider this list as a set of answers to all your burning questions about the island.

1. It Has a Real Name

James Bond Island is called Ko Tapu, which means “nail” or “spike” island in Thai. The island belongs to the group of islands called Khao Phing Kan, which in Thai means “the island with hills leaning together.” The name represents the nature of the area that consists of connecting islands. Ko Tapu itself is located 40 meters from the shore of one of the two main islands of Khao Phing Kan.

According to legend, a fisherman used to fish in the waters where Ko Tapu is located today. This fisherman caught plenty of fish every day, but one day, all he caught with his net was a piece of nail. He threw the nail back into the water, but when he threw his net, he would catch it again – with no fish in sight. In a rage, he hit the nail with a sharp object with all his might, forcing one-half of the nail to jump into the water, which led to the rising of a rock formation. Thus, Ko Tapu was born.

Of course, science has a different and more logical explanation, which we will discuss in the next fact.

2. It’s Made Out of Limestone

James Bond Island is located within Phang Nga Bay, and it consists mainly of limestone like the other formations that rise from the sea in the area. The island is 20 meters tall, with a diameter of 4 meters at the bottom, and 8 meters at the top. The limestone tower karsts that make up the island were likely developed around 250 million years ago during the Permian period.

The area is thought to have been a barrier reef, and due to tectonic movements, the reef ruptured, and several of its parts were dispersed in the waters. Elements such as the wind, water currents, waves, and tides eventually eroded the reefs, creating peculiar shapes, with Ko Tapu being one of these formations.

3. The Island Plays The Role of Villain’s Lair

It was The Man with The Golden Gun that cemented Ko Tapu as a top tourist attraction in the region. Before the film, it was a mere limestone formation that generated less interest from locals and tourists.

In the film, the island served as the hideout of Bond’s archenemy Scaramanga, with the top of the island featuring solar panels that powered the villain’s laser gun. The scene starts with James Bond (played by Roger Moore) flying over Phang Nga Bay, and making his way to the rock island, where Scaramanga (played by Christopher Lee)  welcomes him inside his lair.

The movie depicted the rock island to have a hidden lair inside, where Scaramanga stayed and operated his world domination plans. Contrary to the film’s depiction, the island is too small for any structure to be built inside it.

Related article: Phuket’s Underground Caves and Hidden Lagoons

4. Tourists Are Restricted From Coming Too Close

Immediately after the release of The Man with The Golden Gun in 1974, Ko Tapu was colloquially renamed as James Bond Island to make it easier for locals and tourists to recognize the island. Tourists began to flock to the famous movie location, gradually contaminating the water with household litter.

In 1981, the island was included in the marine protected area of the Ao Phang Nga Marine National Park, and thus, measures to protect the island began to take place. In 1998, however, tourist boats were forbidden from getting close to the island as an aim to stop the erosion of the limestone rocks, since it could eventually lead to the islet’s collapse.

5. The Island Is Still Worth Visiting

James Bond Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Phang Nga Bay, and many boat tours, including island-hopping yacht charters, operate itineraries that take tourists around the area. You can also take the opportunity to go kayaking in the waters of Ao Phang Nga National Park. Keep in mind that, as with many of Thailand’s marine national parks, Ao Phang Nga closes down during the low season to protect the karsts and natural wildlife.

Related article: Discovering Nature’s Beauty: 10 Incredible National Parks to Explore in Thailand

Plan Your Trip to James Bond Island Wisely

Before planning a trip to James Bond Island, guests of The Private World’s luxury villas in Phuket are encouraged to make arrangements with the Guest Experience Services at their villa prior to their arrival. This will ensure that they will get the best options for tours, transportation, and activities, as well as the best schedules for visiting Ao Phang Nga National Park.

After your visit to James Bond Island, you may be tempted to “revisit” it by streaming The Man with The Golden Gun from the comfort of your villa. Watch it again with fresh eyes, and see how James Bond Island has put Phuket on the cinematic map for years to come.

Experience new adventures with our Phuket Travel Guide.