Safety Precautions During Travel & On-Tour Client Responsibilities (All Activities and Services)

D’Palawan Travel and Tours (“Agency,” “we,” “us,” “our”) provides this Safety Precautions During Travel & On-Tour Client Responsibilities page to help reduce preventable injuries, delays, disputes, and operational disruptions while you are actively participating in any tour, transfer, rental, accommodation stay, or travel-related activity coordinated, arranged, introduced, booked, scheduled, referred, or otherwise assisted by the Agency.

This page is intentionally written in a long-form and traveler-friendly way and applies broadly to all related activities, including (without limitation): island hopping, land tours, city tours, river boat tours, cave tours, snorkeling, diving, firefly watching, swimming, hiking/trekking, boarding/disembarking outrigger boats (bangka), hotel and lodging stays, trying meals and delicacies, airport transfers, land transfers, boat transfers, car/van rentals with driver, self-drive car rentals, self-drive motorbike rentals, and motorbike/car services with driver.

IMPORTANT ROLE NOTICE: In most cases, the Agency acts as a booking and coordination facilitator only. Most services are performed by independent third-party Providers who control operational decisions, safety protocols, routes, staffing, and equipment used on the day of travel. For full role and liability boundaries, review our Disclaimer and Terms of Service.

1) Mandatory Acceptance: These Safety Precautions Apply During Your Activity and Form Part of the Terms of Service

Required on-tour compliance: By making a reservation, submitting payment or deposit, replying “Confirmed/Agree/Yes,” signing any waiver, accepting pickup, arriving at a meeting point, boarding any vehicle/vessel, checking into accommodations, receiving any rental unit/vehicle, or participating in any activity arranged through D’Palawan Travel and Tours, you confirm that:

you have read and understood this Safety Precautions During Travel & On-Tour Client Responsibilities page;
you agree to observe these safety precautions while the service is ongoing (including during transfers, activities, stopovers, waiting periods, and return trips); and
you acknowledge that these safety precautions are incorporated into and form part of our Terms of Service.

Incorporation by reference: This page must be read together with the Agency’s legal framework, including:

Service-specific waivers also apply depending on your booking (in addition to this page), including:

Clarification duty: If anything is unclear, you agree to request clarification before continuing your activity via Contact Us. If you have an emergency, do not rely on chat/forms—contact appropriate authorities. See: Emergency.

Non-waivable rights: Nothing on this page is intended to unlawfully waive rights that cannot be waived under applicable Philippine law (including mandatory consumer protection standards). These precautions exist to support safety, compliance, and realistic expectations.

2) Universal Safety Rule: Follow Provider and Authority Instructions Immediately

Regardless of activity type, you agree that the following are non-negotiable:

Safety briefings are mandatory: Listen fully. If you do not understand, ask before proceeding.
Provider/crew/guide instructions control: Providers and authorized personnel may impose safety rules, restrict participation, modify routes, shorten itineraries, enforce cutoffs, or cancel activities due to safety or directives.
Official directives override preferences: Port authority rules, Coast Guard restrictions, protected-area limits, and local ordinances may require changes without notice.
Refusal can result in removal: If you refuse safety instructions or behave dangerously, you may be denied participation without refund and without liability for the Agency (subject to applicable law and the Refund Policy).

3) Situational Awareness: Reduce Preventable Accidents

Many travel injuries happen not during “big moments,” but during ordinary movement—walking on wet surfaces, stepping on uneven ground, getting in/out of vehicles, or handling luggage.

Stay alert: Watch your footing, hand placement, and surroundings—especially near water, docks, stairs, rocks, boats, and moving vehicles.
Keep hands free when needed: Use backpacks or pass bags separately when boarding/disembarking so you can hold rails/handles.
Do not rush: Most slips and falls happen when travelers hurry, push through crowds, or ignore instructions.
Hydration and heat management: Drink water regularly, use sun protection, and take breaks. Heat exhaustion can develop quickly in Palawan conditions.
Stay with the group when required: If guides require group cohesion for safety or permits, comply.

4) Sea-Based Safety: Island Hopping, Boat Tours, Boat Transfers, and Boat Rentals

Sea travel includes dynamic hazards such as waves, wind, spray, slippery surfaces, currents, and moving vessels. During any sea-based activity:

Wear safety gear: Use life vests and other safety equipment when provided and/or required. Do not remove them against instruction.
Stay seated and balanced when advised: Sudden waves can shift weight and cause falls. Keep your center of gravity low when moving.
Hands and feet placement: Avoid placing fingers near ropes, cleats, or moving parts. Watch for pinch points.
Keep areas clear: Do not block crew working areas, engine access, or emergency gear.
Weather realism: If conditions worsen, accept reroutes/returns. Comfort preferences do not override safety decisions.
No risky jumping/diving: Do not jump from boats or dive into unknown water depths.
Respect marine life: Do not touch corals or wildlife. Injuries and environmental damage may result from contact.

For deeper sea-specific obligations and risk allocation, review: Boat Transfer (By Sea) Waiver and Liability Disclaimer and Boat Rental (By Sea) Waiver and Liability Disclaimer.

5) Boarding and Disembarking Outrigger Boats (Bangka): Highest Risk Moment

Boarding/disembarking is commonly where accidents occur due to wet surfaces, moving boats, uneven shorelines, and waves.

Wait for the crew’s signal: Do not board/disembark until instructed.
Use support: Hold rails/handles and accept assistance.
One person at a time when directed: This reduces destabilization and crowding.
Pass items safely: Hand bags first or last as instructed. Avoid jumping with luggage.
Protect devices and valuables: Use dry bags; keep valuables secured and close.

6) Water Safety: Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving, and Open-Water Exposure

Water activities can be dangerous even for confident swimmers due to currents, fatigue, panic, and changing conditions.

Know your limits and say so: If you are not a confident swimmer, disclose immediately and use flotation devices.
Buddy system: Do not swim/snorkel alone. Stay within designated areas.
Follow entry/exit procedures: Enter/exit the water only where instructed.
Conserve energy: Avoid overexertion. Currents and waves can increase fatigue quickly.
Stop if unwell: If you feel dizzy, short of breath, panicked, or cramping, signal immediately and exit the water with assistance.
Respect equipment rules: Use properly fitted masks, snorkels, fins, and vests. Do not misuse gear.
Children require close supervision: Guardians must maintain direct supervision at all times.

Diving note: Diving activities may be subject to operator-specific training, certification, medical screening, and equipment rules. Always follow the dive operator’s procedures and local regulations.

7) Land Tours, City Tours, Hiking, Trails, and Uneven Terrain

Land-based activities still carry risks: heat exposure, slips, falls, sharp rocks, uneven paths, steep steps, and sudden rain.

Wear appropriate footwear: Slippers may be unsafe for trekking, caves, or rocky areas.
Stay on approved paths: Do not enter restricted or unstable areas.
Watch for sudden weather: Rain can turn trails and steps slippery fast—adjust pace and follow guide instructions.
Do not separate from the group: If you must step away, inform the guide and follow safety protocol.
Hydration and pacing: Prevent heat exhaustion by pacing yourself and drinking water regularly.

8) Cave Tours and Similar Attractions: Slips, Low Visibility, and Impact Risks

Move slowly and deliberately: Surfaces can be wet and uneven.
Use hand support: Hold rails where available and avoid unstable edges.
Do not touch protected formations: Many caves have conservation rules.
Follow lighting rules: Use approved lighting only when allowed and avoid blinding others.

9) River Boat Tours and Firefly Watching: Balance, Quiet Conduct, and Conservation

Keep movements controlled: Sudden shifting can destabilize small boats.
Follow life vest rules: Wear safety gear when required.
Keep noise low: Firefly and wildlife areas require quiet conduct.
Respect conservation rules: No touching/harassing wildlife, no bright lights where restricted.

10) Vehicle Travel Safety: Airport Transfers, Land Transfers, Car/Van with Driver

During vehicle services (airport transfers, land transfers, car/van with driver), your responsibilities as a passenger include safety cooperation and respectful conduct.

Use seatbelts: Wear seatbelts when available. Parents/guardians manage child safety needs.
Do not distract the driver: Avoid behaviors that reduce driver focus, especially on rough roads.
Safe loading: Keep aisles clear, secure luggage, and do not overload beyond capacity.
Stops and roadside safety: Exit the vehicle only when safe and as instructed, especially near traffic.
Respect route/safety decisions: Drivers may reroute due to hazards, closures, or weather.

For applicable rules and allocations, review: Airport Transfer (By Car/Van) Waiver and Liability Disclaimer, Land Transfer (By Car/Van) Waiver and Liability Disclaimer, and Car Rental (With Driver) Waiver and Liability Disclaimer.

11) Driving Safety: Self-Drive Car and Self-Drive Motorbike (Highest Client Responsibility)

Self-drive rentals require the highest level of personal responsibility. During the rental period, you must operate safely, lawfully, and prudently.

Drive defensively: Expect unpredictable road behavior, pedestrians, animals, potholes, and sudden stops.
Adjust to conditions: Slow down in rain, on gravel/sand/mud, on blind curves, and in low visibility.
No intoxication or impairment: Never drive under the influence of alcohol/drugs/impairing medication.
Helmet and safety gear: For motorbikes, wear helmets properly and ensure passengers comply.
No risky overtaking: Avoid aggressive driving/riding, speeding, and unsafe overtaking.
Stop if unsafe: If conditions are unsafe (storm, flooding, landslide risk), stop and reassess.
Follow capacity rules: Do not overload vehicles or carry passengers beyond safe/legal limits.
Secure unit and keys: Keep keys secure, lock the unit when unattended, and avoid leaving valuables visible.

Read the full waivers for self-drive risk allocation and obligations:

12) Accommodation Safety: Hotels and Lodging Houses

Secure valuables: Use safes where available and practice reasonable personal security.
Follow house rules: Respect policies (no smoking areas, quiet hours, visitor rules).
Report hazards promptly: If you see unsafe stairs, exposed wiring, broken locks, or other hazards, report to the accommodation provider immediately.
Emergency awareness: Know exits, basic emergency procedures, and where staff can be reached.

13) Food Safety: Meals, Delicacies, and Allergy Precautions During the Trip

Verify ingredients when needed: If you have allergies, confirm directly with food providers.
Eat responsibly: If you have a sensitive stomach, avoid high-risk food choices.
Hydration and hygiene: Wash hands when possible and manage hydration to reduce heat-related issues.

14) Conduct Standards: Respect, Safety, and No Interference

No harassment or abuse: Aggressive behavior toward crew, guides, drivers, or other guests is not allowed.
No dangerous actions: Reckless swimming, ignoring safety zones, climbing restricted areas, or tampering with equipment is prohibited.
Respect protected areas: Follow environmental rules and avoid damaging ecosystems.
Provider refusal: Providers may refuse participation for safety or conduct reasons under their rules.

15) Emergencies and Incident Response

If an incident occurs:

Notify the operator/crew/guide immediately: They control on-site response protocols.
Seek medical help promptly: For urgent issues, contact local authorities or emergency responders.
Document when safe: If appropriate and safe, document relevant details for reporting purposes.
Non-emergency assistance: For non-emergency coordination, you may message us, but our channels are not emergency services. See: Emergency.

On-Tour Acknowledgment Statement

Client Acknowledgment (Safety Precautions During Travel): By proceeding with a booking, submitting payment or deposit, replying “Confirmed/Agree/Yes,” signing any waiver, appearing at a meeting point, accepting pickup, boarding any vehicle/vessel, checking into accommodations, receiving any rental unit/vehicle, or participating in any tour, transfer, rental, or travel service coordinated by D’Palawan Travel and Tours, the Client confirms that they have read and agree to comply with this Safety Precautions During Travel & On-Tour Client Responsibilities page throughout the duration of the service. The Client acknowledges that this page forms part of, and is incorporated into, the Agency’s Terms of Service, together with the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, Disclosure, Refund Policy, and all applicable service-specific waivers (including, as applicable, the Tours and Travel Packages Waiver and Liability Disclaimer and transportation/rental waivers). If any provision is unclear, the Client agrees to request clarification via Contact Us before proceeding. Nothing herein is intended to unlawfully waive rights that cannot be waived under applicable Philippine law.

UPDATED: January 3, 2026 (Philippines)