Is Philippines safe for solo female travelers?

The Philippines can be a captivating destination for solo female travelers with its incredible landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm people. However, safety is a mixed bag here. In general, the locals are hospitable and respectful to female travelers. Major cities and tourist spots are policed and quite safe. However, occasional reports of street harassment, pickpocketing, and scammed can occur. Off-the-beaten-path and remote areas may pose additional risks due to less police presence and medical facilities. It's advisable to avoid travel in the southern province of Mindanao due to unrest and potential terrorist threats. Always be aware of your surroundings, follow local norms, and secure your belongings. The country is generally safe with appropriate caution.

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How safe is Philippines for female travelers?

Travel safety index

4.2 /5

based on 33 experiences from female travelers

Palawan, Family travel

The culture is really different from my country. The housses are made with the things they had nearby but not with bricks. They don't care about animal, dogs are everywhere no leash and they are like trophies, I won't even talk about zoo and "farms". But even after all of this (and that's just a little part) it is beautiful landscape and beaches, so cheap when you don't go to tourist trap. I went to Puerto Princessa and Port Barton both in Palawan Island and loved it. I don't think I will come back one day but it was a thing to do, a whole other experience.

Posted: August 21, 2025Experienced: July, 2025
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Mitee

Mitee

India

Philippines, Solo travel

There are a lot of things to look at, especially the beaches. The water is clear and blue. And Mall of Asia is also there which is huge with a lots of shops and activities. There is a Venice mall too.

Posted: August 16, 2025Experienced: March, 2025
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Philippines, Solo travel

I’ve been in the Philippines as an intern in English school in Cebu. There are numerous schools like this with many Asian students of all ages. So, I lived in the dormitory. I felt unsafe in the streets because the Philippines is kinda criminal country and you may be robbed by a local guy in broad daylight. But I’m Russian crazy girl and often walked alone 😅 This country is really beautiful and expenses are very low. If you have company, I advise you to visit the Philippines. Or, you may go study alone like me)

Posted: July 31, 2025
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Nicole

Nicole

Philippines

Cebu City, Solo travel

Fairly safe because I went to an urban area. Fewer people and less traffic when you go in the middle of the day between 10 am to 2 pm. I stayed at an air bnb in Lapulapu area and it was 1,500 per night. It has a pool area and for the transportation, you can get by with grab taxi, a jeepney or when you're feeling brave like me, I use Mototaxi (motorcycle 🏍️) to get by places. So much faster and affordable. But you can rent a car too if you know how to drive which unfortunately am not. So far, lots of good restaurants everywhere and good food to eat in places like SM and Ayala.

Posted: July 29, 2025Experienced: June, 2025
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Megan

Megan

United States

Philippines, Group travel

We went to Manila because our plane landed here and we shopped in the malls around Chinatown. This area is the area we felt the least safe in overall during the trip, but it wasn't bad. The city is overpopulated and there was a lot of trash and pollution. We were also the only people who were visibly tourists since we are White and there were no other White people in the area. The shopping was generic and the street food made us sick. I don't recommend Manila. Cebu was great! We went down to Moalboal to swim with the whale sharks, go to Kawasan Falls (we didn't go canyoneering, just walked to the falls), and saw the sardine run. Everything was lovely. Still a little dirty but it is a third-world country. If you go to the whale shark tour, make sure you arrive at the viewing site by 5am. If you're later than that, you'll wait quite a while. Also, whale sharks don't like sun. If possible, go on a cloudy day. We also took a ferry from the cebu city area over to Bohol. We left from the Tag port which I recommend. It's closer to the Tarsier sanctuary. A storm delayed our trip to Bohol a few hours and that was a shame because Bohol was my favorite place we went. We also we to Siargoa. I'll return to write more details later. If anyone is planning a trip to the Philippines, feel free to reach out.

Posted: July 4, 2025Experienced: March, 2025
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How safe is Philippines for women?

Local safety index

3.7 /5

Based on 64 local experiences

Local crime index

2.6 /5

Based on 64 local experiences

Aly

Aly

Cebu

So far, it has been safe for me. but i've seen on the news the crimes around here. Especially at night. it's safe to go in groups or have 1 male with you. being alone in Cebu at night is moderate to high risk. but in the morning, it's all good. just avoid Downtown or the place where those street people are.

Posted: September 14, 2025
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Makati

It is safe being in Makati, and I can say this especially because I work midtime (4 in the afternoon till midnight) but I am not sure at times because I overthink too much. I still suggest being prepared to be safe.

Posted: September 14, 2025
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Quezon City

Generally, this city is safer than other places in Manila. It has a lot of malls, shared spaces, and events places to go to. Just keep your belongings safe and better ask authorities for directions and assistance.

Posted: September 4, 2025
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Makati

Being a business district, the people here are busy with work and commute. A lot of foreigners live here and hang around the malls. A lot of foreign travellers stay in the party areas (Poblacion). Walking around is easier and safer than most other places in Manila given that there are proper sidewalks. I would still practice caution when walking at night, so best to takea cab.

Posted: September 2, 2025
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Tarlac City

Tarlac isn’t really a tourist city so you do stand out if you are not a local. I felt safe overall since I was with my family who lives there so they helped me with navigating the area and avoiding getting overcharged. They hold conservative views so if you are wearing revealing clothing, you will get stares from both men and women. Especially if you have curves, the boys and men have no hesitation staring right at you.

Posted: August 28, 2025
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Safety in Philippines