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.
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.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
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
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution
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.
Advise against all but essential travel
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.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
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
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Tour price inflating
Touts near boat terminals and tourist areas offer tours at inflated prices claiming they are official tour operators
How to avoid: Book island-hopping tours through your accommodation or directly at the accredited El Nido or Coron tourism offices
Tricycle overcharging
Tricycle drivers charge tourists 3-5x the local rate, especially at airports and ferry terminals
How to avoid: Ask your accommodation for standard fare guidelines and agree on a price before boarding
Unofficial guides at underground river
Unlicensed guides approach tourists near Sabang offering tours without official permits
How to avoid: Only purchase underground river permits and tours through the Puerto Princesa City Tourism Office or accredited operators
Fake dive certifications
Poorly qualified dive instructors offering certification courses at unusually low prices in Coron
How to avoid: Only take PADI or SSI certification courses with operators displaying official certification materials
Short-weighted seafood
Some seafood restaurants weigh seafood with water or ice included in the price-per-kilo charge
How to avoid: Watch the weighing process and use reputable restaurants recommended by your accommodation
Health considerations
Staying healthy on 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
- Tap water is NOT safe to drink anywhere in Palawan. Use bottled water (₱30-50 for 1.5L) or hotel-provided filtered water.
- Food
- 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.
- 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.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
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 travellers
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+ travellers
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.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 117
- Medical
- 911 or Palawan Doctors Hospital: +63 48 433 2150
- Embassy
- Nearest embassies are in Manila. US Embassy Manila: +63 2 5301 2000
- Tourist Police
- +63 48 433 2983 (Puerto Princesa City Tourism Office)