Is Siargao safe?
Safe and relaxed. Surf injuries, scooter crashes and rough boat crossings are bigger risks than crime; hospital care on the island is basic.
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 Siargao at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Occasional theft of phones and wallets from bags on the beach or at parties, and bike thefts; violent crime is rare. |
| At night | General Luna's bars stay lively until late and feel safe. Roads are unlit and busy with scooters; walk or take a tricycle after drinking. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women, with many solo travelers. Watch drinks at parties and avoid empty beaches and roads late at night. |
| Other risks | Reef cuts and surf injuries at Cloud 9; Scooter crashes, especially after rain; Typhoons, mostly Sep–Dec |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Tricycle or van drivers quoting double fares to arrivals
- Rental scooters with undisclosed damage claims on return
- Overpriced surf lessons from unlicensed touts
Take care
- Cloud 9 reef at low tide: shallow coral causes cuts and injuries
- Island roads at night: potholes, dogs and drunk riders
- Boat crossings to Sohoton and Naked Island in rough seas
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 Siargao 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 Siargao safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women, with many solo travelers. Watch drinks at parties and avoid empty beaches and roads late at night.
Is Siargao safe at night?
General Luna's bars stay lively until late and feel safe. Roads are unlit and busy with scooters; walk or take a tricycle after drinking.
What is the crime rate in Siargao?
Occasional theft of phones and wallets from bags on the beach or at parties, and bike thefts; violent crime is rare. Nationally, Philippines records 4.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Siargao?
All emergencies 911.
More about Siargao
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Department of Tourism
- Cebu Pacific
- 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.