Is Manila Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Manila can be a safe location for solo female travelers provided that precautions are taken. It's always a good idea to stay in well-populated areas, especially at night, use reliable means of transportation, and be wary of pickpockets in crowded places. Still, locals are generally friendly and helpful and as long as basic safety rules are applied, solo traveling can be rewarding in Manila.

Safety rating

2.4 /5

Based on 3 experiences from female travelers

2.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

1.9 /5

Based on 3 experiences from local women

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.

How safe is Manila?

Safety at night:Unsafe

Manila, particularly during the night, can be a challenging environment. It's imperative to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions. While certain areas like Makati, Pasay, and Bonifacio Global City are well-lit and guarded, others can be risky with higher crimes rates. Taking a taxi or using a ride-sharing app is recommended over walking alone. Practical safety measures like not displaying expensive belongings, avoiding poorly lit areas, and staying in crowds as much as possible at night are suggested. An understanding of the local language can also prove handy.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Manila, such as jeepneys, buses, tricycles, and the LRT/MRT, is widely used by locals and tourists alike. While these means are generally safe in daylight hours, there can be issues with pickpocketing or scams, especially in crowded areas. Additionally, language barriers and navigation difficulties might pose challenges. Yet, most Filipinos are helpful and will assist when asked. Night-time travel might be less safe, and it is advisable to use trusted taxi services or ride-hailing apps.

Street harassment:Moderate

In Manila, street harassment is moderately encountered and can depend on the areas visited. Manila is a bustling city with a dense population. Therefore, experiences may vary. However, local enforcement has been improving, particularly due to recent laws against street harassment. Places like Makati and BGC are considered quite safe. Local people are also generally helpful, but it's advisable to avoid late-night walks in isolated areas. Always remember to trust your intuition and stay in well-lit, populated zones.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Traveling in Manila may pose average risk for petty crimes such as pickpocketing, snatch theft, and scams especially in crowded areas like markets and public transportation. Always keep an eye on your belongings, avoid flashing valuables and be aware of your surroundings. However, most locals are friendly and approachable, and many areas are safe for tourists.

Is Manila worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.1 /5

based on 3 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

2.6/5

Safety

2.4/5

Food

2/5

Budget-friendly

2.6/5

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

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

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

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Livia

Czech Republic

Solo travel

Generally, I felt safe in Manila. The only thing that made me slightly uncomfortable was that I felt I was getting a little of attention as there are not that many western travelers. It is exhausting, because literally everyone will try to talk to you. I stayed in tge Lub D Makati hostel and I can really recommend it. It’s good value for money, good location, nice restaurant at the rooftop and you can meet expats and other travelers there. From the sights I only did the Intramuros and the Rizal park. You do both in 0.5-1 day, depending how much you want to go into detail and how quickly you walk or alternatively you can take a riksha. Always ask full clarity on prices - ask for final price that you will be paying. You can save yourself some trouble with the tricks some might try on you.

Posted: February 13, 2024

favorite_border 2

mode_comment 0

Is Manila safe for women?

Safety index

1.9 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Crime index

2.7 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Manila is not really the friendliest place for solo female travel, unless you stay within the confines of expat areas like BGC and Makati. You always have to be vigilant even in malls. Public transportation is hard and taking a Grab (ride hailing app) can be quite expensive.

Posted: July 22, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Easy to ask around as everyone can speak English. However, always be mindful of your belonging as a passersby might bump into you then all your valuables are suddenly gone. In general, still, the locals are warm, approachable, and hospitable.

Posted: June 9, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Check all reviews

Meet locals in Manila

Skyrene

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

mode_comment 0

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

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Manila

Skyrene

Manila

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Hannah

Manila

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello! I have traveled to 28 countries and have met people in my travels who became lifelong friends. My interests are diverse, from street food in Vietnam to michelin star restaurants in Paris, shopping in medelin in Marrakesh to the souks of Istanbul. I recently spent a month in an ashram in India for yoga and meditation. Now planning on a trip to south africa for a safari.

mode_comment 0

Check all hosts