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Philippines · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, El Nido scores 72/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. El Nido is generally safe for tourists, but requires awareness of petty crime and adherence to official advisories. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Philippines · Assessed 13 October 2026
72
/ 100
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago FCDO advises against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.”
Updated 2026-10-07T11:19:22Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Philippines: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-09-25T07:02:51.804176-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowWhile violent crime is rare in El Nido, a recent incident of a tour guide being beaten and robbed highlights the need for vigilance.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur in busy tourist areas, markets, and transport hubs.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
82/100
Travel websites and blogs generally portray El Nido as a beautiful destination with a positive visitor experience, though some mention the need for caution regarding petty crime.
El Nido is generally safe for tourists, but requires awareness of petty crime and adherence to official advisories.
While El Nido itself experiences relatively low crime affecting tourists, the broader Philippines has regional advisories. Travelers should be aware of common scams and opportunistic theft, especially in crowded areas.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
El Nido is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, and most visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. However, it is important to be aware of the potential for petty crime and to follow official travel advice. The Philippines as a whole has regional advisories, with the Canadian government advising travelers to exercise a high degree of caution.
Recent reports indicate that opportunistic theft remains a concern. In June 2026, a tour guide in El Nido was reportedly beaten and robbed, underscoring the need for vigilance. While violent crime is not widespread in El Nido, pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur in crowded tourist spots, markets, and during island-hopping tours. Travelers should keep their valuables secure and out of sight.
Scams targeting tourists can include inflated prices for tours or transportation, and the imposition of unofficial fees. It is advisable to book services through reputable operators and to clarify all costs upfront. While El Nido itself is not specifically mentioned in major crime reports, the general advice for the Philippines includes being aware of your surroundings and avoiding displaying wealth.
Travelers should also be mindful of health advisories, including global notices for Polio, Dengue, and Measles. The region experiences heavy rain and potential flooding in October. Staying informed about local conditions and heeding any advisories from your embassy are key to a safe trip.
Was this El Nido, Philippines report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 6 El Nido districts for visitors: 4 safer, 2 needing caution. See them plotted on the El Nido safety map.
El Nido Town PropercautionMain tourist hub, moderate risk of petty theft.
Corong CorongcautionPopular with backpackers, some reports of petty crime.
Las Cabanas Beach AreasaferGenerally safe, popular for sunset views.
Nacpan Beach AreasaferMore remote, but generally safe for day visitors.
Duli Beach AreasaferRemote surf spot, low crime risk.
Bacuit Bay Islands (e.g., Miniloc, Lagen)saferResort islands with high security.
07 · After Dark
While violent crime is rare in El Nido, a recent incident of a tour guide being beaten and robbed highlights the need for vigilance.
After dark, be most careful around El Nido Town Proper, Corong Corong. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
El Nido is generally safe for tourists, but requires awareness of petty crime and adherence to official advisories. While El Nido itself experiences relatively low crime affecting tourists, the broader Philippines has regional advisories. Travelers should be aware of common scams and opportunistic theft, especially in crowded areas. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this El Nido report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
El Nido ranks #5 of 9 Philippines destinations we've assessed, scoring 72/100. See the Philippines safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 13+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: el-nido.json (CC BY 4.0).
