Question 1

What is the "Underground River Ticket Scalping" scam in Palawan?

Accepted Answer

The Puerto Princesa Underground River requires advance permits that sell out quickly. Scalpers outside the permit office and near hotels sell permits at 2–3x face value, and some sell photocopied fakes that are rejected at the entrance. Book Underground River permits online through the official Puerto Princesa Underground River website at least 2 weeks in advance. Never buy from street sellers.

Question 2

What is the "Underground River Ticket Scalping" scam in Palawan?

Accepted Answer

The Puerto Princesa Underground River requires advance permits that sell out quickly. Scalpers sell permits at 2–3x face value, and some sell photocopied fakes that are rejected at the entrance. Book Underground River permits online through the official Puerto Princesa Underground River website at least 2 weeks in advance. Never buy from street sellers.

Question 3

What is the "Island Hopping Boat Engine 'Breakdown'" scam in Palawan?

Accepted Answer

Some budget island-hopping boats conveniently 'break down' near a souvenir island where the operator earns commission from purchases, extending the stop while skipping other promised destinations. Book with established operators that have consistent reviews. If a stop is clearly being extended beyond the itinerary, you are likely being kept at a commission stop.

Question 4

What is the "Island Hopping Boat Commission Stop" scam in Palawan?

Accepted Answer

Some budget island-hopping boats conveniently break down near a souvenir island where the operator earns commission from purchases, extending the stop while skipping other promised destinations. Book with established operators that have consistent recent reviews. If a stop is being extended beyond the itinerary, you are likely being kept at a commission stop.

Question 5

What is the "El Nido Tour A/B/C/D Upsell" scam in Palawan?

Accepted Answer

Tour operators in El Nido aggressively upsell from the standard Tour A package to combined packages costing several times more, using misleading photos and claiming certain islands are 'only accessible' on premium tours. In reality most sites are accessible on the basic tours. Book Tour A first and decide later if you want more. Read recent traveler reviews on TripAdvisor to know exactly which islands each tour visits before paying.

Question 6

What is the "El Nido Tour Upsell" scam in Palawan?

Accepted Answer

Tour operators in El Nido aggressively upsell from the standard Tour A package to combined packages costing several times more, using misleading photos and claiming certain islands are only accessible on premium tours. Book Tour A first and decide later if you want more. Read recent traveler reviews on TripAdvisor to know exactly which islands each tour visits before paying.

Tour & Activity Scams in Palawan

Underground River Ticket Scalping

Underground River Ticket Scalping

Island Hopping Boat Engine 'Breakdown'

Island Hopping Boat Commission Stop

El Nido Tour A/B/C/D Upsell

El Nido Tour Upsell

Experienced a scam here?