Key Takeaways
- The #1 reported scam is the The Dangerous 'Alternative Ferry' to Coron
- 1 of 4 scams are rated high risk
- Use app-based ride services (Grab, Gojek) instead of street taxis — always confirm the fare before departure
- Never accept unsolicited offers from strangers near tourist sites in El Nido
⚡ Quick Safety Tips
- Keep phones and valuables in secure pockets when in crowded areas
- Use only licensed taxis or app-based ride services
- Book tours and tickets through verified operators with online reviews
- Keep a copy of your passport separate from the original
Jump to a Scam
The 4 Scams
Official ferry tickets from El Nido to Coron sell out fast.
When you can't get one, a 'travel agent' appears offering passage on 'another boat.' What they don't tell you is this boat departs from a port in northern Palawan and involves a 10+ hour crossing on a rickety barge through open sea with significant swells. Tourists have been stranded, seasick for hours, and in genuine danger on these crossings.
Red Flags
- Ticket for a route that's 'sold out' at official operators
- Significantly cheaper than the official ferry
- Departure from a different, unfamiliar port
- No safety equipment or vessel registration visible
How to Avoid
- Book El Nido-Coron ferries weeks in advance through official operators (Montenegro Lines, Bunso Ki Ferry)
- If sold out, fly via Manila or wait for the next day's sailing
- Never board an unregistered vessel for open-sea crossings
- Your life is worth more than saving one day
You book Tour A (the famous Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon tour) for ₱1,200.
When you arrive at the port, you learn about the Eco-Tourism Development Fee (₱200), the environmental fee (₱200 per lagoon), kayak rental for the lagoon (₱300), and lunch isn't included. Your ₱1,200 tour is now ₱2,500. The fees are legitimate — but honest operators include them in the quoted price upfront.
Red Flags
- Very low quoted price compared to other operators
- Fees and add-ons mentioned only at the port on departure day
- Operator doesn't give you a detailed price breakdown when booking
How to Avoid
- Ask specifically: 'Does the price include environmental fee, ETDF, lunch, and lagoon fees?'
- The all-inclusive fair price for Tour A is ₱1,500-2,000
- Book through hotels or established operators who quote all-in prices
- The environmental fees are real and non-negotiable — just make sure they're in your quote
You sit at a beachfront restaurant and order grilled fish and prawns from a menu that shows 'market ...
You sit at a beachfront restaurant and order grilled fish and prawns from a menu that shows 'market price.' The waiter brings a stunning platter. The bill arrives at PHP 7,000 -- roughly $125 -- for what you thought would be a casual dinner. The 'market price' was never disclosed before cooking, and additional charges for rice, sauces, and cooking fees have been added. Some restaurants also charge a significant service fee not mentioned on the menu.
Red Flags
- Menu shows 'market price' or 'SQ' (seasonal quote) without a figure
- Waiter doesn't confirm the total price before cooking starts
- Asterisks on the menu with fine print about additional charges
- Restaurant has no posted prices on the outdoor display
How to Avoid
- Always ask for the exact peso price per kilo before ordering seafood
- Check Google Maps reviews for the specific restaurant before eating
- Restaurants a block back from the beach are typically 30-50% cheaper
- Budget restaurants in El Nido town offer full Filipino meals for PHP 150-300
You arrive at your El Nido hotel after a long journey from Puerto Princesa only to be told your ...
You arrive at your El Nido hotel after a long journey from Puerto Princesa only to be told your Booking.com reservation does not exist. The front desk claims they never received payment or the booking was canceled. They then offer you a room at a much higher 'walk-in' rate, knowing you are exhausted and have limited options in a small town. As r/Palawan and r/phtravel users report, some El Nido properties deliberately void online bookings during peak season to resell rooms at premium walk-in prices, telling guests to seek refunds from the platform while pocketing the higher rate from the next guest.
Red Flags
- The hotel claims no record of your booking despite your confirmation email
- They blame the booking platform rather than checking their own system
- They conveniently have rooms available at a much higher walk-in rate
- This happens during peak season when demand exceeds supply
- Staff suggest you contact the booking platform for a refund rather than honoring the reservation
How to Avoid
- Print your booking confirmation and bring it as proof
- Contact the hotel directly by phone or email a few days before arrival to reconfirm
- Book through platforms with strong buyer protection like Booking.com or Agoda
- Have a backup accommodation option identified before arriving
- If your booking is denied, call the platform's customer service immediately from the lobby
🆘 What to Do If You Get Scammed
📋 File a Police Report
Go to the nearest Philippine National Police (PNP) station. Call 911 or 117 (PNP Hotline). Get an official crime report — you'll need this for insurance claims. You can also report online at pnp.gov.ph.
💳 Cancel Your Cards
Call your bank immediately. Most have 24/7 numbers on the back of the card (keep a photo saved separately). Block any suspicious transactions before the thieves use your details.
🛂 Lost Passport?
Contact your nearest embassy or consulate. The US Embassy in Manila is at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila 1000. For emergencies: +63 2-5301-2000.
📱 Track Your Device
If your phone was stolen, use Find My (iPhone) or Find My Device (Android) from another device. Don't confront thieves yourself — share the location with police instead.
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