Is El Nido safe?
Safe for a tourist town. Boat safety, theft from rooms and beaches, and rough roads matter more than violent crime.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-07.
- Homicide rate in Philippines: 4.3 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Philippines: 12.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 911.
Safety in El Nido at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Theft of belongings left on beaches or in bags on tour boats, and scams around tours and transport. |
| At night | Poblacion bars are lively until late and generally safe. Roads beyond the town are unlit; take a tricycle, not a scooter, after drinking. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women. Join group tours, watch drinks at bars and use tricycles after dark. |
| Other risks | Boat trips cancelled for storms and rough seas; Reef cuts and jellyfish; Road accidents on the Puerto Princesa highway |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Tour touts selling 'private' boats that turn out shared
- Overpriced tricycle fares from the van terminal
- Adding unexpected 'environmental fee' charges to tour prices
Take care
- Island-hopping in rough seas: check life jackets and weather
- Unlit roads at night: potholes, tricycles without lights
- Reef cuts and sea urchins while snorkeling
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Smoking and vaping in public places are banned in many cities, with fines
- Drug laws are harsh; even small amounts can mean long detention
How El Nido compares in Philippines
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Boracay | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Palawan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| El Nido | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Siargao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Coron | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bohol | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Panglao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Makati | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Moalboal | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Baguio | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| La Union | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Davao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Dumaguete | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Siquijor | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Galera | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Malapascua | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Port Barton | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Tagaytay | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sagada | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Banaue | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Vigan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Iloilo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| BGC | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bantayan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Manila | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cebu | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Angeles City | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is El Nido safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women. Join group tours, watch drinks at bars and use tricycles after dark.
Is El Nido safe at night?
Poblacion bars are lively until late and generally safe. Roads beyond the town are unlit; take a tricycle, not a scooter, after drinking.
What is the crime rate in El Nido?
Theft of belongings left on beaches or in bags on tour boats, and scams around tours and transport. Nationally, Philippines records 4.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in El Nido?
All emergencies 911.
More about El Nido
Going to El Nido solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- El Nido Tourism (Municipality of El Nido)
- Department of Tourism
- Philippine Airlines
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.