Is Panglao safe?
Safe for a resort island. Scooter crashes, strong currents and theft from rooms are bigger worries than 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 Panglao at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Petty theft from rooms and beach bags, overcharging by touts on Alona, and occasional bag snatching at night. |
| At night | Alona is lively until late and feels safe. Roads are unlit; use tricycles after drinking. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women. Watch drinks at beach bars and avoid empty stretches of beach after dark. |
| Other risks | Strong currents and jellyfish at times; Typhoons and rough seas Oct–Dec; Scooter crashes on busy roads |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Beach touts selling island-hopping trips at inflated rates
- Tricycle drivers quoting tourist-only fares from Alona
- Dive operators without proper safety standards
Take care
- Alona Beach at night after drinking: swimming accidents and theft
- Boat trips to Balicasag in rough seas
- Scooter riding after dark on unlit roads
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 Panglao 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 Panglao safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women. Watch drinks at beach bars and avoid empty stretches of beach after dark.
Is Panglao safe at night?
Alona is lively until late and feels safe. Roads are unlit; use tricycles after drinking.
What is the crime rate in Panglao?
Petty theft from rooms and beach bags, overcharging by touts on Alona, and occasional bag snatching at night. Nationally, Philippines records 4.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Panglao?
All emergencies 911.
More about Panglao
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Bohol Tourism (Provincial Government of Bohol)
- Department of Tourism
- Cebu Pacific
- 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.