Is Palawan safe? 🇵🇭

Palawan’s main tourist zones—Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron—continue to benefit from strong local security efforts and tourism-focused infrastructure, contributing to a generally safe environment for visitors. The province saw a 23% drop in crime across the MIMAROPA region in mid-2026 under the ‘Safer Islands’ initiative, reinforcing its reputation as one of the Philippines’ safer destinations. Travelers consistently describe feeling secure during daytime activities, particularly in well-lit, populated areas with visible police and community vigilance.

However, risks persist in the form of petty theft and scams. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are reported in crowded settings such as Puerto Princesa’s public markets, jeepney terminals, and popular attraction queues. Scams remain a concern, including airport taxi touts who refuse to use meters or charge inflated fares, fake police officers demanding bribes for minor issues, and digital fraud via GCash or similar platforms. Isolated beaches and poorly lit roads after dark should be avoided, as armed robbery, while rare against tourists, has occurred in such settings.

Recent developments show both progress and ongoing challenges. In October 2026, Globe launched digital safety training in El Nido to help tourism workers identify and prevent online scams targeting visitors. Earlier in April 2026, four police officers were detained following a shootout in Palawan, underscoring occasional lapses in law enforcement conduct. Meanwhile, environmental and social tensions linger, with indigenous groups and civil society continuing to oppose destructive mining projects in southern Palawan, as noted in reports from May 2026 and reiterated by Amnesty International in early 2025. Visitors should stay informed, stick to licensed tour operators, and maintain standard precautions—especially at night and in less frequented areas—to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.