Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
Dumaguete Named Safest City in the Philippines for 2025
Looking for a travel destination where you can relax, explore, and feel completely safe? You might want to add Dumaguete City to your list. Recently, this peaceful spot in Negros Oriental was recognised as the safest city in the Philippines for 2025. That’s not just a random claim. The recognition came from the World Travel Index, and it’s backed by solid data.
Also read: Dumaguete to Siquijor: Here’s Why It Should be Part of Your Travel Bucket List
Dumaguete ranked number one for safety
Image credit: Mike Gonzalez | Wikimedia common
According to the 2025 World Travel Index report, Dumaguete earned a Safety Index score of 81.36. That placed it at the top among all cities in the country. It also landed at 1,097th in the world out of more than 3,000 cities evaluated.
In second place was Davao City, which is also known for its safety, with a score of 80.73.
The ranking was based on several important factors that matter to travellers. These include:
Low crime rates, such as theft, scams, and drug-related incidents
How safe people feel during the day and night
Reviews and discussions from real travellers on platforms like Reddit and Quora
Data gathered using artificial intelligence, which analysed millions of travel reviews and safety-related posts
With all these considered, Dumaguete came out on top. Visitors reported feeling at ease while exploring, whether they were taking a walk by the sea or riding a tricycle through town.
What makes Dumaguete feel so safe?
Image credit: Dumaguete City | official FB page
The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) shared that Dumaguete’s strong performance is thanks to teamwork between the local community and the police. The city has consistently low reports of crimes, especially those that tend to affect tourists, like petty theft and harassment.
Locals often describe Dumaguete as a quiet and friendly place. It is known for being calm, with a lifestyle that helps keep crime rates down. This reputation has been growing over the years, and now, with the 2025 recognition, more people are taking notice.
Also read: Best Kept Secrets: Exploring Hidden Gems in the Philippines
Why now is the perfect time to visit Dumaguete
If you have not been to Dumaguete yet, now is a great time to go. Apart from being safe, it is also known for its unique charm. This university town is filled with culture, coastal views, and easy access to nature.
You can spend your mornings sipping coffee at a local café, then head to Apo Island for some of the best snorkelling in the country. Or visit Valencia for waterfalls and hot springs. If you prefer something chill, walking along Rizal Boulevard during sunset is always a good idea.
Dumaguete is ideal for solo travellers, barkada trips, or even peaceful getaways with family. With its mix of safety, friendly locals, and natural beauty, it ticks all the right boxes.
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About Author
Jeliefer Sumaya
Jeliefer is a laid-back storyteller who thrives on turning simple moments into unforgettable tales. When she's not writing, she’s spending quality time with her kids, unwinding with a good movie, or finding inspiration in everyday life. For her, it’s all about keeping it real and cherishing life’s little joys.
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