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.

Safety rating

4.2 /5

Based on 32 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.7 /5

Based on 58 experiences from local women

Philippines is currently ranked #86 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.2 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Philippines?

Safety at night:Unsafe

Walking alone at night in the Philippines, particularly in major cities like Manila, can poses a safety risk. It's recommended to be cautious when crossing streets, due to heavy traffic and insufficient or unpredictably timed pedestrian signals. As in any city, there are areas that can be more dangerous at night, particularly if you aren't familiar. Stick to well-lit, busy areas, and preferably, not alone. Remember to always keep an eye on your belongings, and be aware of your surroundings to minimize any potential risks.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in the Philippines is generally safe but can sometimes be uncomfortable especially during peak hours. The most common modes of transportation include taxis, jeepneys, and trains. Taxis are reliable, though it's advisable to ensure that the meter is running. Be aware that some taxi drivers might try to overcharge. Jeepneys and buses are more affordable but often crowded, and there have been occasional reports of pick-pocketing. Train systems like the LRT and MRT are also quite crowded, especially during rush hours, but are relatively safe. An important precaution to remember is to always be mindful of your belongings, as petty theft can occur in public transport.

Street harassment:Moderate

Overall, the streets of the Philippines are generally safe and welcoming for solo female travelers. However, minor instances of verbal harassment such as catcalling or unsolicited comments are sometimes reported. This tends to happen in crowded, urban areas but is not typical of daily life. As always, being mindful of your surroundings should be enough to keep you safe.

Petty crimes:Moderate

While the Philippines offer fantastic travel experiences, it's moderately prone to petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and other forms of theft especially in the urban centers and tourist hotspots. Being vigilant and exercising increased caution can generally prevent most incidents.

Is Philippines worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 32 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

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

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

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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Anjo

Philippines

Busuanga, Couple travel

This is the further inland part of Busuanga Island (people may know it as Coron). We stayed near the jumpoff point to black island - so extremely far from where tourists usually stay. For this area, I'd say: - Public transport 6/10. there's set times for UV/vans going to the town. But motorcycle rentals are possible with local hotels - Food 4/10. Not much choices, even karinderyas are rare - Budget is average - Sights are 11/10. Black island is DEFINITELY a place I would recommend to visit! The boatmen, guides, and caretakers of the island are indigenous people of Busuanga. They practice utmost care for the environment and appreciate equally responsible tourists :)

Posted: June 16, 2025Experienced: September, 2023

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Is Philippines safe for women?

Safety index

3.7 /5

Based on 58 local experiences

Crime index

2.5 /5

Based on 58 local experiences

Cebu City

Locals are friendly, but pickpocketing is very common here. I've never run into trouble in public transpo, but I think I'm just lucky. I've never been robbed or assaulted, but I know enough women who have for me to encourage staying in groups and taking a GrabCar (local Uber equivalent) everywhere.

Posted: August 14, 2025

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