Driving a pickup alone from Panglao to Boracay
How safe is this trip for a white foreigner going alone? Keeping recent events in mind, I'm wondering where it would land on a scale of 1 to 10.

How safe is this trip for a white foreigner going alone? Keeping recent events in mind, I'm wondering where it would land on a scale of 1 to 10.

As far as I know, private cars aren't allowed on Boracay. I didn't see a single one when I was there.
From a ‘safety from violence’ standpoint, it's very safe… this isn't Central America
The northern Cebu route has some nice views, but don't do it at night. Plan the trip over two or three days. These aren't European highways where you can drive half asleep.
Why? Unless you need to deliver a car for some reason, I think you'll be disappointed. It's about 400 miles of rough road and shacks. A hot Jennifer Lopez isn't going to be working at a roadside diner along your route.
I drove about 6,000 km around Luzon over a month in 2024. A few notes. No lights at night. Dogs, scooters, carts, kids. If it feels sketchy, it probably is. In rough areas, red lights are just a suggestion. Check your left mirror when turning. Sounds obvious, but I hit a guy on a scooter. Even though I was driving properly.... Not fun. Not even one beer. Drive only during the day, 6 to 6, with frequent relaxed stops planned in. Take two or three days. Tint the whole car, all 360 degrees, even if it cuts your visibility at night. It blocks thieves' view and cuts down on sun fatigue. Enjoy it. Water, water, water. Toilet paper. Wait two minutes before getting out of your car at gas stations or wherever you park.
I live near Boracay and know the roads well. You won't have any problems from Panglao to Iloilo, just be careful when you enter Aklan. The roads get a bit tricky, especially near Boracay, since it's all winding and uphill.
It's rainy season, bro. The Philippines is expected to get up to three typhoons this month and a stronger southwest monsoon. Besides flooded roads, your ferry rides will be uncertain; buses and trucks get stuck at terminals for days because of bad weather. Better to book a flight.
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