Palawan Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Palawan trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Palawan is generally considered one of the safer destinations in the Philippines for tourists, with the main tourist areas of Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron experiencing low levels of serious crime. The primary risks are weather-related maritime incidents, petty theft, and health issues from the tropical environment.
Palawan is a pristine island province in the western Philippines, often called the Philippines' Last Frontier for its untouched natural beauty. Home to the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and the stunning limestone karst landscapes of El Nido and Coron, Palawan offers some of Southeast Asia's most dramatic scenery. Its turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and white-sand beaches consistently earn it recognition as one of the world's best island destinations.
Current Advisory
The Philippines as a country has a Level 2 advisory (Exercise Increased Caution) from the US State Department. Palawan Province is broadly safe for tourism, though remote southern areas near the Sulu Sea have historically had security concerns related to armed groups. The main tourist areas (Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Coron) have no active security advisories as of 2025.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Exercise increased caution in the Philippines due to crime and terrorism. The southern island group and Sulu Archipelago carry higher risk. The main tourist areas of Palawan including El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa are not subject to heightened advisories.
UK FCDO (for specific areas only)
The UK FCDO advises caution in some parts of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago but makes no specific restrictions for Palawan's main tourist areas. Travelers should check the latest guidance before visiting remote southern Palawan.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Tour price inflating
Touts near boat terminals and tourist areas offer tours at inflated prices claiming they are official tour operators
Tricycle overcharging
Tricycle drivers charge tourists 3-5x the local rate, especially at airports and ferry terminals
Unofficial guides at underground river
Unlicensed guides approach tourists near Sabang offering tours without official permits
Fake dive certifications
Poorly qualified dive instructors offering certification courses at unusually low prices in Coron
Short-weighted seafood
Some seafood restaurants weigh seafood with water or ice included in the price-per-kilo charge
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Register your itinerary with your accommodation and embassy if visiting remote areas of Palawan
Always check sea and weather conditions before joining any boat or island-hopping tour
Only book island-hopping tours with licensed, accredited operators registered with El Nido or Coron tourism offices
Keep all valuables in a waterproof dry bag on boat trips — bags and gear can get wet on bangka boats
Carry emergency cash in Philippine pesos as ATMs in El Nido and Coron frequently run out of money
Apply reef-safe sunscreen and wear rash guards for long days of snorkeling — jellyfish and fire coral are present
Never swim alone at remote beaches — strong currents exist at some Palawan beach locations
Use only bottled or filtered water throughout Palawan — tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in the province
Secure your belongings when travelling on tricycles — bag snatching from moving vehicles has been reported in Puerto Princesa
Follow all park rules at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River — the cave has bats whose guano creates health risks
In case of severe weather, do not attempt boat crossings between El Nido and Coron — numerous capsizing incidents have occurred in rough weather
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation before visiting Palawan, as evacuation to Manila may be necessary for serious injuries
Avoid displaying expensive cameras, phones, or jewelry at crowded markets and boat terminals
Check US State Department, UK FCDO, or your government's travel advisory for the latest security situation in Palawan before traveling to remote southern areas
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Palawan is generally safe for solo travelers. Tips: Stay at social hostels in El Nido for built-in companionship for tours; join group island-hopping rather than going alone; share tour costs with other travelers; inform accommodation of your plans when going to remote beaches; female solo travelers should exercise extra caution when returning late from bars.
Female Travelers
Palawan is considered safe for female solo travelers with normal precautions. Tips: Use Grab (not street taxis) alone at night in Puerto Princesa; stay in well-reviewed guesthouses with good security; join organized tours rather than hiring private boats alone; be aware that some beach bars have very late-night atmospheres — trust your instincts.
Families
Palawan is excellent for family travel. Tips: Choose Tour A for island-hopping (calmer waters suitable for children); apply reef-safe sunscreen regularly to children; keep children hydrated in the tropical heat; Honda Bay is calmer than open-ocean sites and more suitable for young children; child-appropriate life jackets are required and available on all licensed boats.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships are not criminalized in the Philippines, and Filipinos are generally tolerant and friendly. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may attract attention in small towns and conservative areas but are generally not dangerous. El Nido has the most cosmopolitan and accepting atmosphere for LGBTQ+ travelers in Palawan. There are no specific LGBTQ+ venues in Palawan but all mainstream restaurants and hotels welcome all travelers.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Recommended vaccines for Palawan: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for rural areas of Palawan (not typically required for Puerto Princesa city, El Nido town, or Coron town). Dengue fever is present — use insect repellent.
Water Safety
Tap water is NOT safe to drink anywhere in Palawan. Use bottled water (₱30-50 for 1.5L) or hotel-provided filtered water.
Food Safety
Cooked food from reputable establishments is generally safe. Be cautious with raw shellfish and tamilok (woodworm) from unknown sources. Street food is generally safe when freshly cooked.
Medical Facilities
Puerto Princesa has the Palawan Doctors Hospital and several clinics. El Nido has a small rural health unit. Coron has a small district hospital. Serious injuries may require evacuation to Manila. Medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended.
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Palawan
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide