Is Malapascua safe?
Small, friendly and safe. The real risks are boat crossings in bad weather, dive-site currents and minor theft from beach rooms.
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 Malapascua at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Petty theft from rooms and beaches; violent crime against visitors is rare. |
| At night | Quiet by 10 pm. Paths are unlit and sandy; carry a torch. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women, with many solo female divers. Use normal care on unlit paths at night. |
| Other risks | Strong currents at some dive sites; Rough ferry crossings in bad weather; Typhoon damage and power loss |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Boat operators demanding higher fares than the posted rate
- Dive packages with hidden fuel or equipment charges
- Unofficial 'environmental fee' collectors; ask for a receipt
Take care
- Night swimming near boat lanes at Bounty Beach
- Thresher dives: strong currents and early dark departures
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 Malapascua 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 Malapascua safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women, with many solo female divers. Use normal care on unlit paths at night.
Is Malapascua safe at night?
Quiet by 10 pm. Paths are unlit and sandy; carry a torch.
What is the crime rate in Malapascua?
Petty theft from rooms and beaches; violent crime against visitors is rare. Nationally, Philippines records 4.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Malapascua?
All emergencies 911.
More about Malapascua
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Philippine Department of Tourism
- Chong Hua Hospital
- 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.