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 index

4.7 /5

Based on 9 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

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.

Tap water:Very unsafe

It is generally not advisable to drink tap water in the Philippines, even in capital cities. This is due to the country's infrastructure for clean water not being fully established or maintained. It's always recommended to drink bottled water to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses. You should also use bottled water when brushing your teeth. Boiling or purifying through a filter can be alternatives if bottled water is not immediately available.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 9 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4.5/5

Solo travel experience

I did my first solo trip in April to the Philippines and I felt so safe. Met so many amazing people, I stayed in Siargao, Siquijor, Moalboal, Port Barton, El Nido, and Coron. It was amazing.

Posted: October 16, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

The Philippines was one of the countries on my list during my solo trip to Southeast Asia. I also visited Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Qatar. If someone asked me which country in Asia I liked the most, I would say it was the Philippines. Somehow, I felt the best there, I felt that vibe the most precisely there. The people were wonderful, smiling, funny, talkative, and friendly. And of course, nature was breathtaking too. I stayed in hostels where I met many interesting people from different parts of the world, as well as many Filipinos. The food wasn't as exquisite as in Thailand or Vietnam, but it was quite good. I rode a motorcycle, swam under waterfalls, and indulged in Filipino beer.

Posted: October 1, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I did a month solo in the Philippines and totally loved it. People were super friendly. I went to Palawan, Coron, Cebu and felt very safe.

Posted: September 18, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I spent 4 weeks in the Philippines and absolutely loved it. My favorite was Palawan but I also loved Boracay, Siquijor, and Bohol. I recommend the 3-day 2-night expedition trip in Palawan. It was the best thing I ever did. Incredible snorkeling and the water there is unreal.

Posted: July 9, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I loved the Philippines, it was such a beautiful country and I felt very safe walking around alone.

Posted: April 23, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I have been to the Philippines twice, once for a month with 3 friends (all women), the second time by myself. I never felt unsafe and it’s one country I know that I will visit again in the future.

Posted: March 22, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I traveled to the Philippines solo and felt safe. I stayed in Makati while in Manila, went to El Nido and Puerto Princessa. I absolutely loved the Philippines.

Posted: March 11, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I did the Philippines (home for me too!) in May. I went to Siargao, Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron. Siargao was without a doubt the best time I ever had. I went alone, but never once felt lonely there.

Posted: February 17, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I loved Philippines. I stayed in Baguio most of the time which is up north, but the southern islands are gorgeous and I loved San Juan/la Union beach. For me, Manila was too crowded and busy and that part i didn’t love, but cash is king there, it rains a lot and people are usually super friendly. I made some amazing friends there.

Posted: September 3, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Philippines

Gayle

Gayle

Speaking

About Me

Hello everyone! I’m Gayle, 23. I am graduating from uni in June (yay) so I plan to just travel for a while after that. I’ve already been doing some traveling since January and have been to Thailand, Japan and just got back from Bali last week. I’m already set to backpack across SEA on October starting in Vietnam and just see where the journey leads me! Hoping to meet some friends along the way :)

Countries I’ve Visited

🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia, 🇶🇦 Qatar, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

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M

M

Speaking

About Me

Hi. Let us expand our world, make it bigger and wider by looking at strangers as a future friend.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇯🇵 Japan, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇹🇼 Taiwan

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Sharmaine

Sharmaine

Speaking

About Me

Hello, travellers! I explored 13 of 17 regions in my home country. If you need info and tips in exploring the Philippines, just ask me out. Nearest airport to me is Clark (2-3 hrs from Manila) and it is also a recommended gateway to Cebu and Palawan, so you'll skip the hectic capital. Am available on weekends. Let me know if you need travel buddy 👣 I am doing solo travel once in a while and I am completing my Southeast Asia trip this 2023. I also intend to summit the highest mountain in the Philippines this November.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇳 Brunei, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇻🇳 Vietnam

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Stay with locals in Philippines

Skyrene

Skyrene

Speaking

You can stay for:

2 days

About me

Hi I am Sky, I am currently working as a Global Application Analyst where we implement Microsoft Dynamics across the globe. The company send me to different countries to conduct training so I get the chance to do side trips after work. I do solo travel especially during weekends to see places, culture, history, food to name a few. I would also like to host female travelers when you visit Manila, Philippines.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇵🇱 Poland, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇸🇬 Singapore

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Chi

Chi

Speaking

You can stay for:

2 days

About me

Hey!, My name is Chi and I'm interested in food & cuisine, art, books, culture and business

Countries I’ve Visited

🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇲🇴 Macao, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇵🇼 Palau, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇨🇳 China

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Bea

Bea

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I’m Bea and I like travelling. Sometimes alone, sometimes with family, or friends ❤️ I have a dog named Turtle. 🐶

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇺 Australia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇻🇳 Vietnam

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Upcoming visitors to Philippines

Kristina

Kristina

About Me

Hi :) would like to explore the area, grab something to eat or join for a yoga class?

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Local discussions

TravelHow much money did you take and how much did you spend per day on average in the Philippines?

I'm going to the Philippines and I'm struggling to figure out spends and how much money to take. For those who have been: Did you take cash, a card or a combination of both. Worried I may not have access to ATMs in some of the more remote locations. How much per day did you spend? On average.

Posted: June 25, 2023
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TravelIs it safe to travel to the Philippines for New Year's Eve?

I’m planning to go to Philippine end of the year to celebrate new year. Plan is to stay in Manila first night then 3 days Boracay for New Year’s Eve then start exploring other islands for a week. Wanted to know how safe is it? Recently read few story about mugging, kidnapping tourists etc. Please do share your experience.

Posted: November 8, 2022
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Safety in Philippines