Solo Female Travel in Philippines

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pasig City

Pasig City is a less touristy place so if you stay long term and want to feel more local, living here is more ideal. Basic necessities are within reach including supermarkets, hospitals and malls. Rent and utilities are cheaper, too.

Some areas in the Philippines are still pretty safe for women but not in the big cities like Metro Manila. It was safe during Duterte administration but now I think it’s no longer 100% safe. Just be vigilant and cautious when you are in the big cities. If you really like to go around big cities, take “grab” as transportation. Taxi are not safe for me, I haven’t ride Taxi in years now. Safest place would probably be in Davao and famous beach areas like in Boracay, Palawan, Siargao, Cebu, Bantayan.

It's basic information but tourists often think that when they arrive in Puerto Princesa they think El Nido is nearby but some are not aware that it is 4-6hrs drive (270km) away from Puerto Princesa. El Nido is safe for women at night. My favorite gelato place is from D'factory, and crepes from Gusto. For pizza, I recommend Bellavita. Best way to get to El Nido is via a direct flight from Manila or Cebu (Airswift airlines) or from Puerto Princesa then 4-6 hrs drive.

The Philippines is a tropical paradise like no other, offering visitors a vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. With over 7,000 islands, the country boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and majestic mountains. Foodies will delight in sampling Filipino cuisine, which features bold flavors, colorful presentation, and plenty of seafood dishes. Don't miss trying adobo, sisig, sinigang, and lechon, among others. And if you're looking for nightlife, Manila has got you covered with its bustling bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. Just try to avoid strangers offering something or anything! When going out late, avoid dark empty streets. Best way to get around is via public transportation (bus, jeep, tricycle) or if you have more budget, try ride-hailing apps like Grab or Joyride. PH IS 100% VERY AFFORDABLE. You can haggle the price of goods when shopping. Find thrift stores everwhere. Of course, no visit to the Philippines would be complete without meeting the locals. Known for their warmth and friendliness, Filipinos are genuinely interested in getting to know tourists and showing them around their beloved homeland. So whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, the Philippines truly has something for everyone. Pay a visit and you’ll see!