Living in a crime-free city is a dream of every human in this mother Earth (at least it’s what I heard from my neighbours). Numbeo, an online database that provides information about the living conditions in countries around the world, conducted a survey to collect data among those who visited its website regarding the safest city in Southeast Asia. The website enables users to share and compare information about the cost of living between cities and countries, reported consumer prices, perceived crime rates, quality of health care, among others.
Herewith is the ranking of Top Safest Cities in Southeast Asia in 2018, together with their Safety Index (and Crime Index, as well):
- Singapore
Singapore was named the safest city with 16.23 percent crime and 83.77 percent safety rates. For the third year in a row, Singapore remains in the top three safest cities in the world, according to The Economist’s latest Safe Cities Index.
- Valenzuela, Philippines
Five cities in the Philippines have been named among the 10 safest cities in Southeast Asia, and one of them is the Valenzuela City. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian credited Valenzuela City’s “culture of empowering governance” as the driving force behind its recognition as the safest city in the Philippines with 25.21 percent crime and 74.79 percent safety rates.
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
Located near the foothills of northern Thailand, an hour’s flight from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is popular for those seeking a calmer way of life and a more temperate climate. If you want to experience the urban life of Thailand but at the same time feeling concern about your safety in Thailand, Chiang Mai might be the perfect alternative for those adventure seekers.
- Davao, Philippines
Davao City got 28.4 points in the crime index and 71.6 points in the safety index. Davao City is the hometown of President Duterte, which was its mayor for more than 22 years.
- Makati, Philippines
Makati has a moderate safety index of 59.25, based on the answers of 42 contributors. While it reported mostly low to moderate scores when it comes to crime, and moderate to high when it comes to level of safety, the biggest concern of the respondents seems to be the vast occurrence of corruption and bribery, especially in the local government.
- Baguio, Philippines
A total of 20 contributors gave Baguio City a middling safety index of 55.01. Respondents see safety in the City of Pines to be moderate to very high. But while they see that most crime issues in the city are low to moderate, the highest issue is the problem of drug dealing and use, property crimes, and corruption and bribery.
- Bali, Indonesia
From its forested volcanic mountains to its rice paddies and coral reefs, Bali is a vacationer’s dream. Overall, Bali is a safe city with a rating of 57.5%, it is ranked 88th on the ranking of the safest and most dangerous cities. Crimes in Bali are largely non-violent.
- Cebu, Philippines
The highest problem in Cebu City seems to be related to drugs, as well as corruption and bribery, while all other concerns about crime are given a low to moderate grade when it comes to how big a problem these are. Respondents also feel a moderate to high level of safety when walking alone during the day and at night.
- Penang, Malaysia
Penang is a city located on the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Tourism plays an important part in Penang as it was awarded a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Hence, tourists have been visiting Penang on a daily basis. People are generally close and warm knitted and we guess that is what plays a part in keeping the city safe.
- Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand’s capital, Bangkok has flourished into a modern and cosmopolitan city, with gleaming skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and world-class public-transit options. Bangkok is generally considered a safe city, especially compared to other tourist destinations in the region. But thieves and pickpockets will hide in plain sight in high-traffic areas and strike if you’re not paying attention. Be sure to secure all your valuables and remain vigilant when sightseeing. If you do, you shouldn’t have an issue.
Sources:
- https://seasia.co/2018/04/09/the-top-safest-cities-in-southeast-asia
- http://nomadcapitalist.com/2013/10/20/top-5-livable-cities-southeast-asia/
- https://insidemanila.ph/article/5037/valenzuela-davao-makati-baguio-and-cebu-listed-among-safest-cities-in-southeast-asia