Island, Philippines
Is Palawan safe?
Safe for most travelers; theft and boat accidents are the main concerns.
Is Palawan safe?
Safe for most travelers; theft and boat accidents are the main concerns. Roads are poor and medical care is limited outside Puerto Princesa.
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 Palawan at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Theft from bags and rooms, motorbike snatchers in towns, and occasional scams around tours and transport. |
| At night | Towns are quiet after 10 pm; main bar streets in El Nido and Coron are fine. Avoid unlit roads and unlicensed rides. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women in tourist towns. Use group tours on remote islands and avoid empty roads at night. |
| Other risks | Boats cancelled and rough seas Jun–Oct; Long van rides on winding, rough roads; Typhoons, mostly Aug–Nov |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Tour touts selling 'private' trips that are shared boats
- Tricycle drivers quoting double fares to visitors
- Overpriced ATM or exchange offers in tourist towns
Take care
- Rough-sea island-hopping days: check the weather and life jackets
- Night roads between towns: potholes, no lighting, drunk riders
- Isolated beaches: theft from unattended bags
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 Palawan 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 Palawan safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women in tourist towns. Use group tours on remote islands and avoid empty roads at night.
Is Palawan safe at night?
Towns are quiet after 10 pm; main bar streets in El Nido and Coron are fine. Avoid unlit roads and unlicensed rides.
What is the crime rate in Palawan?
Theft from bags and rooms, motorbike snatchers in towns, and occasional 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 Palawan?
All emergencies 911.
More about Palawan
Going to Palawan solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Palawan meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- 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.