Philippines · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Palawan scores 70/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Palawan is one of the Philippines' safest destinations for visitors, but exercise a high degree of caution due to petty crime and natural hazards. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Philippines · Assessed 29 July 2026
70
/ 100
Safer than ~72% of countries
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 2026-07-15T08:55:25Z
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 2026-07-07T09:02:08.170000-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery are rare in tourist corridors but can occur in isolated areas after dark
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag‑snatching are most common in crowded markets and ferry terminals
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
86/100
Recent traveler reports describe feeling comfortable during daylight hours in Puerto Princesa and El Nido, with occasional unease after nightfall in less‑lit neighborhoods
Yes — Palawan is one of the Philippines' safest destinations for visitors, but exercise a high degree of caution due to petty crime and natural hazards.
Palawan's composite safety score of 83/100 reflects low violent crime against tourists, yet recent reports highlight scams and environmental risks that require vigilance.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Palawan remains one of the Philippines’ safest tourist islands, with violent crime against visitors being rare and most travelers reporting a comfortable experience during daylight hours. The province’s low homicide rate (4.3 per 100 k) and strong tourism‑focused policing contribute to its “Low” robbery risk and “Moderate” pickpocketing risk, primarily in busy markets and ferry terminals. However, recent incidents underscore natural and human‑made hazards: a tourist yacht grounded at Tubbataha Reef in June 2026, a police shootout tied to wildlife trafficking in April 2026, and a Canada‑issued regional advisory in mid‑2025 warning of rising petty crime in certain parts of Palawan. Scams targeting tourists — such as overpriced or cancelled island‑hopping tours, fake police bribery attempts, and unlicensed boat operators inflating fees — are the most frequent safety concerns. To stay safe, use only DOTC‑registered boat operators and wear life jackets at all times, negotiate fares before boarding taxis or tours, carry minimal cash and keep valuables out of sight, and avoid walking alone after dark in poorly lit neighborhoods like parts of Barangay Bagong Sikat in Puerto Princesa. By following these practical steps, visitors can enjoy Palawan’s natural beauty while minimizing the modest risks that do exist.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Palawan districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Palawan safety map.
Barangay Bagong Sikat (Puerto Princesa)avoidreports of petty theft and occasional violent incidents; avoid after dark
Bataraza Coastal Areaavoidisolated beaches with limited services and higher risk of typhoon‑related flooding
El Nido Tourist Zonecautionpopular but watch for overcharging and boat‑safety lapses after dark
Coron Islandcautionremote tours require life‑jacket compliance; night travel limited by ferry schedules
Busuanga (including Coron town)cautiontourist hub with occasional scams; stay alert on transport and dive‑shop deals
Puerto Princesa City Centersaferwell-lit streets, visible police, strong tourist infrastructure and frequent patrols
Cuyo Islandssafersmall community, low crime, but limited medical facilities
Araceli (Cagayancillo)saferquiet fishing village with minimal reported incidents
07 · After Dark
Mugging and armed robbery are rare in tourist corridors but can occur in isolated areas after dark
After dark, be most careful around Barangay Bagong Sikat (Puerto Princesa), Bataraza Coastal Area, El Nido Tourist Zone, Coron Island. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Palawan's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Palawan is one of the Philippines' safest destinations for visitors, but exercise a high degree of caution due to petty crime and natural hazards. Palawan's composite safety score of 83/100 reflects low violent crime against tourists, yet recent reports highlight scams and environmental risks that require vigilance. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Field research flags Barangay Bagong Sikat (Puerto Princesa), Bataraza Coastal Area as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Palawan ranks #2 of 9 Philippines destinations we've assessed, scoring 70/100. See the Philippines safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Philippines safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: palawan.json (CC BY 4.0).
