Want to enjoy the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia but wondering if the Philippine archipelago is dangerous?
Before booking your trip or flight, you want to know if there are any islands or areas to avoid in the Philippines.
Most Asian countries are among the safest in the world, but is this also the case for the Philippines?
This article will tell you whether or not it is dangerous to travel to the Philippines at the moment and which places should be avoided by tourists. In addition, you will find a map that allows you to easily locate the most dangerous islands and areas of the archipelago.
And at the end of the article, I give some advice on where to go in the Philippines , the safe islands, the islands to visit and the best places to stay.
The Philippines dangerous country?
The Philippines does indeed present significant security and crime challenges, although the situation varies across regions and islands within the country.
Indeed, by 2025 the Philippines faced a relatively high crime rate compared to other Southeast Asian countries. Violent crimes, such as homicides, armed robberies, and kidnappings, contributed significantly to these statistics, particularly in Manila and Cebu.
According to the Numbeo ranking , the Philippines has a crime index of 43.40, which is quite high compared to other Asian countries but average when compared to the world level.
Many government websites ( travel.gc.ca , diplomatie.belgium.be , travel-state-gov ) recommend exercising increased caution in the Philippines due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnappings.
Indeed, some regions and provinces in the Philippines are dangerous for tourists. Kidnapping for ransom is a common activity for many extremist rebel groups, as is drug trafficking or terrorist activities.
Map of Dangerous Areas in the Philippines
The French government website warns travelers to the Philippines. It regularly publishes a list of dangerous areas in the Philippines. I recommend visiting it to check for updates: diplomatie.gouv.fr
Here is the map published on this site which indicates the areas to avoid in the Philippines:
Areas to avoid in the Philippines
According to official government websites, here are the particularly dangerous areas in the Philippines that are formally not recommended for travelers:
- The Basilan Island ;
- The archipelagos of Sulu et Tawi-Tawi ;
- In the west of Mindanao : the Zamboanga peninsula (provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay), Western Misamis, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato (with the exception of the city of General Santos), Sarangani, Compostela Valley and the island of Samal.
- The maritime area of the southern half of Palawan to the Sulu archipelago (the entire northern half of Palawan represents no risk);
These areas are exposed to increased risks of terrorism, kidnapping and piracy.
See more details on these most dangerous regions of the Philippines on France Diplomatie.
Manila is it dangerous?
The capital of the Philippines is known to be a safe city, but not everywhere! As in all major capitals, some neighborhoods are less safe than others. See which neighborhoods to avoid in Manila.
Quezon City to avoid
On the island of Luzon, 16 km north of central Manila, lies Quezon City . It was the former capital of the archipelago and has become the most densely populated area in the Philippines.
But Quezon City has also become a city with a fairly high crime rate. So, if you have to go there or stay there, it is recommended to be very careful, especially at night.
On which safe island to stay in the Philippines?
For a dream stay in the Philippines, I recommend staying on the island of Palawan but only in the North (see areas to avoid in Palawan ).
Indeed, in Palawan and all around the island are the most beautiful sites in the Philippines : El Nido, the islands north of Palawan, the Bacuit archipelago and Coron Island.
Please note that you have the option of visiting Palawan and its most beautiful islands by booking a 10-day tour departing from Manila: Palawan in 10 days
Alternatively, in the Northwest of Palawan Island, facing a dream beach, lies the superb Cadlao Resort and Restaurant.
This hotel enjoys an ideal location to discover the island of Palawan, enjoy the beautiful beaches of El Nido and the entertainment because it is close to the center of El Nido.
And as a bonus, its location allows you to go out to sea without having to plan for transport because the hotel is located very close to the El Nido Jeepney ferry terminal.
