Palawan Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Palawan.
Healthcare System
Palawan's healthcare system is concentrated in Puerto Princesa, with limited facilities in smaller towns and remote islands. The provincial capital has several hospitals and clinics capable of handling most medical situations, but advanced care may require evacuation to Manila. Smaller towns like El Nido and Coron have basic medical clinics suitable for minor ailments and injuries.
Hospitals
Puerto Princesa has the main hospitals including Adventist Hospital Palawan and Ospital ng Palawan (provincial hospital). El Nido and Coron have small community hospitals and private clinics suitable for minor issues like cuts, infections, or stomach ailments. For diving accidents, the nearest hyperbaric chamber is typically in Puerto Princesa, though availability should be confirmed.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are readily available in Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron, with brands like Mercury Drug, Watsons, and South Star Drug. Many common medications are available over-the-counter without prescription. Stock up on prescription medications and specialized items before traveling to remote islands, as availability becomes very limited outside main towns.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and may be required by some tour operators. Medical evacuation from remote islands can cost thousands of dollars, and many facilities require payment upfront or proof of insurance before treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit, especially when visiting remote islands where medical care may be hours away
- Bring sufficient quantities of any prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions
- Consider purchasing travel insurance that specifically covers diving accidents if you plan to scuba dive
- Download offline medical information and know your blood type before traveling to remote areas
- Keep copies of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers in multiple locations
- Water quality varies - stick to bottled water in most areas to avoid stomach issues
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Opportunistic theft of bags, phones, wallets, and cameras can occur in crowded areas, on public transportation, and at tourist sites. Snatch-and-grab thefts from motorcycles occasionally happen in busier areas.
Road conditions can be poor, especially during rainy season. Motorcycle accidents are common among tourists renting scooters without proper experience. Boat safety standards vary widely between operators.
Jellyfish stings, sea urchin injuries, coral cuts, and strong currents pose risks to swimmers and snorkelers. Rare but serious incidents include encounters with venomous sea creatures and diving accidents.
Traveler's diarrhea and stomach upsets are common, typically from unfamiliar bacteria rather than serious contamination. Tap water is not safe to drink in most areas.
The tropical climate with high heat and humidity can quickly lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke, especially during island hopping tours with limited shade.
The tropical sun is intense, and reflection off water increases exposure. Severe sunburn can occur within 30 minutes, especially for fair-skinned travelers.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Tour operators, tricycle drivers, or boat operators quote inflated prices to tourists, sometimes 2-3 times the standard rate. Some add unexpected fees after services are rendered.
Taxi or tricycle drivers claim your booked hotel is closed, full, or has problems, then take you to a different hotel where they receive commission. Some may show fake reviews or photos.
Unlicensed operators offer cheap island hopping or tour packages with substandard boats, missing inclusions, or unexpected additional fees. Some may abandon tourists or provide unsafe conditions.
Extra items appear on bills, prices are higher than menu prices, or drinks are charged at premium rates without prior disclosure. Some venues add excessive service charges.
Someone befriends tourists, offers to show them around, then either leads them to shops where they receive commission, requests money for various reasons, or sets them up for theft.
Rental shops for scooters, snorkel gear, or kayaks claim pre-existing damage was caused by the tourist and demand excessive compensation payments.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep photocopies or digital copies of your passport, insurance, and important documents separate from originals
- Register with your embassy if staying for an extended period
- Share your itinerary with family or friends, especially when visiting remote islands
- Keep emergency cash hidden separately from your main wallet
- Learn basic Tagalog phrases - locals appreciate the effort and it can help in emergencies
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it
- Avoid displaying wealth through expensive jewelry, watches, or constantly using high-end electronics
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations with good security reviews, particularly regarding locks and safe areas
- Use hotel safes for valuables, passport, and extra cash
- Check that doors and windows lock properly before settling in
- Know the location of emergency exits, especially in beach bungalows or island resorts
- Keep your room number private and don't announce it in public areas
- Be cautious about who you allow into your room, including hotel staff - request identification
Water and Beach Safety
- Never swim alone, especially in unfamiliar waters
- Check with locals or guides about currents, tides, and dangerous areas before swimming
- Wear life jackets on boat trips, even if you're a strong swimmer
- Don't dive or jump into water without knowing the depth and checking for rocks or coral
- Stay hydrated and take breaks from sun exposure during island hopping tours
- Avoid touching or stepping on coral - it damages the reef and can cause serious cuts
- If caught in a current, swim parallel to shore rather than fighting against it
Transportation Safety
- Only use licensed taxis or reputable ride-sharing services in Puerto Princesa
- Wear helmets when riding motorcycles or scooters - ensure they're properly fitted
- Avoid overloaded boats and check for life jackets before departing
- Don't travel by road at night if possible - roads are poorly lit and conditions can be hazardous
- If renting a scooter, honestly assess your driving skills and get proper insurance
- Take photos of rental vehicles/boats and document any existing damage before accepting them
- Keep your belongings secure and in sight on public transportation
Health and Hygiene
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Bring a basic medical kit including anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamines, pain relievers, and bandages
- Stay up-to-date on routine vaccinations; consider Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis
- Apply insect repellent regularly to prevent mosquito-borne diseases
- Avoid ice in drinks unless you're confident about water quality
- Be cautious with raw foods, salads, and unpeeled fruits from street vendors
- Seek medical attention promptly for persistent fever, severe diarrhea, or unusual symptoms
Money and Valuables
- Carry only what you need for the day and leave extras secured in your accommodation
- Use ATMs during daylight hours in secure locations like malls or banks
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Bring sufficient cash as ATMs can be scarce in remote areas and may run out of money
- Split your money between different locations on your person and in luggage
- Be discreet when handling money - count cash in private, not in public
- Keep small bills handy for tricycles, small purchases, and situations where exact change is needed
Environmental Responsibility
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral ecosystems (avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate)
- Don't touch, stand on, or collect coral - it's illegal and damages the ecosystem
- Refuse single-use plastics and bring a reusable water bottle with filter
- Dispose of trash properly - many islands have limited waste management
- Respect wildlife by maintaining distance and never feeding animals
- Choose tour operators committed to sustainable and responsible tourism practices
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Palawan is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Filipino culture is relatively conservative and respectful. Women traveling alone are common in tourist areas and generally don't face significant harassment. However, standard precautions for women traveling anywhere should still be observed, particularly regarding nighttime activities and alcohol consumption.
- Solo female travelers are common and generally safe in Palawan's tourist areas
- Dress modestly when outside beach/resort areas - cover shoulders and knees in towns and when visiting local communities
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers and keep your drink in sight at bars
- Avoid walking alone on isolated beaches or unlit streets after dark
- Trust your instincts - if someone makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation
- Consider staying in accommodations with good reviews from other solo female travelers
- Join group tours to meet other travelers and reduce solo vulnerability in remote areas
- Be firm but polite if you receive unwanted attention - Filipino men typically respect clear boundaries
- Keep your accommodation details private and don't share your room number publicly
- Use hotel transportation or reputable taxi services rather than hitchhiking or accepting rides from strangers
- Consider carrying a whistle or personal alarm for emergencies
- Connect with other travelers through hostel common areas or tour groups if you want company
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships are legal in the Philippines, and there are no laws criminalizing homosexuality. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and anti-discrimination protections are limited.
- LGBTQ travelers generally face few issues in Palawan's tourist areas like El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa
- Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may attract stares in smaller towns or conservative areas, though outright hostility is rare
- El Nido and Coron have LGBTQ-friendly accommodations and tour operators - look for Rainbow Flag or LGBTQ-welcoming indicators
- Urban areas and tourist zones are more accepting than rural or remote communities
- Transgender travelers are generally accepted, as the concept of 'bakla' is culturally recognized in Filipino society
- Use discretion when discussing sexual orientation with people you don't know well, particularly outside tourist areas
- Research accommodation reviews from other LGBTQ travelers to find welcoming places
- Connect with LGBTQ travel groups or forums for current information and recommendations
- While generally safe, exercise the same caution you would in any destination regarding new acquaintances
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Palawan due to limited medical facilities in remote areas, the need for potential medical evacuation, adventure activity risks (diving, island hopping), transportation safety concerns, and the possibility of trip disruptions from weather. Medical evacuation from remote islands to Manila or international facilities can cost $10,000-50,000 USD. Most local healthcare providers require upfront payment or proof of insurance before treatment.
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