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

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How safe is Philippines?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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

4.5 /5

based on 12 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5
Angela

Angela

Spain

Boracay, Family travel

I have been to Boracay several times and it never fails to disappoint. You can choose to have an active holiday or just relax on the beach. The possibilities are endless as the island provides a multitude of activities and can accommodate different budget and travel types. In this trip, I stayed at Ambassador in Paradise with my mom, sister and brother-in-law. The room was ok, a bit too big - I say this because it wasn’t as clean as it could be, perhaps because there were too many nooks and crannies. The service was good and as is usually the case in the Philippines, they were gracious to older people and assisted my mom in various ways. I didn’t like that they were pretty useless when it came to first aid and couldn’t even provide an ice pack when my mom fell off the bed and had a huge bump on her forehead. It was during Christmas time and we couldn’t get any medical assistance at all and had to wait till we were back in Metro Manila. The trip was still a good one, in my opinion. If you have anyone who isn’t very mobile, you should book transfers in advance - the hotel had a private boat which made it convenient for my mom. The hotel food wasn’t very friendly to non-meat eaters specially during breakfast but there are many choices in the island and we enjoyed tasty food and tropical drinks. There are a range of activities available, some right outside the hotel and some accessed elsewhere. I love that during the pandemic, the government realized that they could make changes to the island to make it more sustainable and some water activities are conducted away from the shore to make it safer for swimmers and also to protect the environment. There’s something for everyone in Boracay.

Posted: September 4, 2024
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Manila, Solo travel

People of manila are very friendly and accommodating. I joined a couple of ladies for a night then head to the beach puerto galera by bus. Ferry was ok. Beach resort was marvellous. Motorcycle I rented ROCKSSS

Posted: September 3, 2024Experienced: June, 2024
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Bohol, Solo travel

I travelled solo to Bohol and hands down, it was one of the best experiences. The locals are very hospitable and when they have known that I travelled solo, they connect me to people that can help me travel. The food is really tasty. However, Alona, Panglao can be a bit pricey.

Posted: September 1, 2024Experienced: July, 2024
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Lovisa

Lovisa

Sweden

Cebu, Group travel

Cebu had very fun activities but would only recommend to stay in Cebu for about 3-5 days. There are a few very nice activities such as whale shark snorkeling, canyoneering, swim with turtles and big school of sardines, visiting waterfalls, and exploring Cebu city. Me and my friend did all of them, but only needed about 3-4 days for it. Then there weren’t that much to do. We stayed in Cebu city and Moalboal.

Posted: July 18, 2024
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Manila, Solo travel

Manila is relatively safe when you're traveling via Grab. Public commute is not advised for solo travelers and first timers in Manila. Walking around the streets require vigilance and caution. But when you are in Bonifacio Global City, Newport Manila, the vibe is different so you can be morr carefree walking alone there.

Posted: July 14, 2024
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Marion

Marion

France

Pamilacan, Solo travel

I took a boat from Baclayon to go to Pamilacan. We saw a lot of dolphins on the way. I did the best snorkeling of my life on that island. You should pay a small boat to be sure to not walk on corals but it worth it.

Posted: July 1, 2024Experienced: December, 2017
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Johanna

Johanna

Germany

Philippines, Solo travel

I felt very safe in Philipinen. I traveled about 2 months in this beautiful country and most of the time i spent it with locals.. I learned how to dance Budots, hiked on the Vulcans island, dived at beautiful coral gardens. People are so nice especially in Mindanao.

Posted: June 27, 2024
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Philippines, Group travel

Amazing destination !!!! With my best friend we’ve traveled during three weeks around Siquijor - Bohol- Coron - El Nido and Siargao ! And it was the perfect order of preferences. Island Hopping, markets, chasing waterfalls, snorkeling, diving,… there are plenty of activity so there’s no way you can get bored. One of my most beautiful trip ever.

Posted: June 14, 2024
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El Nido, Group travel

El Nido, Palawan, is a safe and wonderful place. We enjoyed the many things it has to offer, including good food and great vibes. We had such a good time that we want to visit again. However, food and drinks can be pricey, so try to get some groceries and bring them with you in your bag.

Posted: June 10, 2024
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Boracay Island, Solo travel

Boracay Island offers a mix of experiences, but my visit had its ups and downs. Safety varies significantly by location: Station 0 and Station 1 are luxurious and safe, with friendly locals, while Station 2 can be less welcoming, especially if you look Filipino. I had a few unpleasant incidents at Station 2, like not being welcomed into a bar, being asked to pay immediately while a white duo at the next table wasn’t, and receiving generally poor treatment. These experiences unfortunately tainted my overall visit. Station 3 felt too rugged and intimidating, so I avoided it. If I were to return, I'd stick to Station 1 for its safety and friendliness. When it comes to activities, the boat tours are a must-do. You don’t need to book an expensive tour; a budget-friendly option from Klook will suffice. Ensure your tour includes Crystal Cove and Tambisaan Beach—both are beautiful, and spending a day at Crystal Cove is particularly delightful. If you enjoy nightlife, the clubs at Station 2 are fun and vibrant. For food, Gerry's is the place to go for authentic Filipino cuisine. However, be prepared for high costs in Boracay. Everything is overpriced compared to other parts of Asia, with daily expenses for food, drinks, and rides adding up to around $25-35, which is quite steep. Accommodation can greatly affect your experience. I initially stayed at Belmont and regretted it due to a poor room with no view and constant construction noise. Plus, it was far from everything. Moving to Henann Park Resort significantly improved my stay, providing better comfort and a more convenient location. For transport, the bus ride service is the best option—it's cost-effective and much better than other available rides. In summary, while Boracay has its beautiful spots and enjoyable activities, the high costs and inconsistent hospitality can be off-putting. Stick to Station 1 for the best experience, enjoy the boat tours, and make the most of the beautiful beaches and local cuisine.

Posted: June 7, 2024Experienced: January, 2024
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Is Philippines safe for women?

Safety index

3.3 /5

Based on 18 local experiences

Crime index

2.3 /5

Based on 18 local experiences

Zy

Zy

Metro Manila

Metro Manila I would say is generally safe, but crime rates depend a lot on location. BGC and Makati CBD are very safe while I wouldn’t walk alone at night in places like Tondo, Quiapo, etc. In any case, stick to ares that don’t seem sketchy and always trust your gut.

Posted: October 4, 2024
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Angela

Angela

Makati

Makati is such a big city that it can be hard to say exactly how safe one can be. There are so many factors involved as well as one’s baseline. I’ve always lived in cities and I think that Makati is fairly easy to navigate. I wouldn’t be brandishing around expensive devices if I was walking on the street but I think it’s possible to stop and use my phone when I need to. I would avoid deserted streets or places without streetlights but on the whole, I find that local police are pretty helpful and locals would offer help as well if I need any.

Posted: September 4, 2024
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Is Philippines safe right now?

Before your visit to Philippines, it's essential to check travel advisories for Philippines, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises to exercise increased caution when visiting the Philippines, citing reasons such as crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. They indicate that certain areas possess higher risk. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: May 16, 2024
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in the Philippines due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: October 7, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: September 10, 2024

Meet locals in Philippines

M

M

About Me

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

Speaking

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Gayle

Gayle

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 :)

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Philippines

Skyrene

Skyrene

Manila

Can host 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.

Speaking

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Khaiyir

Khaiyir

Philippines

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, my name is Khaiyir of Khaiyir TV and I am a freediver, lady spearo and solo traveller, blogger. I frequently travel to different beaches and diving spots around Philippines.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Philippines

Iris

Iris

About Me

Honduran living and working in Hamburg for two years now. I like traveling and meeting new people, share stories and specially my culture.

Speaking

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Anh

Anh

About Me

I currently in San Francisco but I was born and raised in Vietnam. Work at an environmental non-profit

Speaking

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Safety in Philippines