Dumaguete City – the capital of Negros Oriental – is known as the City of Gentle People and University town. Located in region 7, Central Visayas, the charming city became one of the hot-spots for tourists from all over the world. It is a vibrant city which makes its way into the heart of each visitor immediately. While diving is since may years the main attraction of the region, the City government put much effort into promoting the land-based tourist attractions of Dumaguete and Negros Oriental.
Dumaguete is subdivided into 30 Barangays, the smallest political division in a Philippine city. (Info about all Barangays in Dumaguete)
Dumaguete Hotels, Inns and Guest Houses
With the growing numbers of tourists and business traveler coming to Dumaguete, new Hotels, Guest Houses and apartment complexes grew throughout the city. There is accommodation for each wallet, Back-packers will find their Bed ‘n Breakfast and business traveler get a Hotel in the center of Dumaguete where all banks and office buildings are just a stone throw away. Pension Houses, Inns, Guesthouses in Dumaguete are located in various areas from the lively city center to a more quiet and peaceful area.
There are also Beach Resorts in Dauin that offers both the sensational sea view and sea breeze all at super prices. Being the gateway to the world known Apo Island, Dauin is not only a great area for snorkeling and diving but also for relaxing.
Restaurants in Dumaguete
One thing visitors should never become in Dumaguete is: hungry! Uncountable food-stalls, BBQ-stands and bakeries are open 24/7. Some of the famous fast-food chains have multiple outlets all over Dumaguete. Local snacks are sold everywhere; from sweets to ice cream and even Filipino treats. For those who long for the taste from home, culinary international delights and meals are available around the city and mostly at the waterfront of the Rizal Boulevard.
Visitors can enjoy the local eateries around the city all at super affordable prices. Fresh seafoods like shrimps, clams, lobsters and fish are also available all throughout the city. Being hungry is definitely not be in your way while visiting the City of Gentle People. (Info about restaurants in Dumaguete)
What to Do in Dumaguete?
Many people use Dumaguete City as a jump-off to the more know tourist spots of Negros Oriental like the underwater paradise of Apo Island or dolphin watching in Bais. Visitors should not miss the points of interest in the City itself. The rich history can be recognized in the whole architecture of the city. From the architectures of the church, school and even some houses. Take one day or two to discover the secrets of Dumaguete itself, before wondering Negros Oriental…it’s worth it!
Watch some videos of the Tourist Spots in Dumaguete City below:
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How to get to Dumaguete
The city can be reached via air, land and sea. Multiple daily flights are departing from Manila and take passengers in just over an hour to the capital of Negros Oriental. Cebu Pacific also offers an flight from Cebu. The propeller machine takes a scenic route with a lower altitude along the coastline and reaches the city of gentle people in less than 30 minutes. The Dumaguete Airport is actually located in the neighboring municipality of Sibulan just north of the city limit. From there it takes 10-15 minutes to the city-center or 30 minutes to the beach resorts in Dauin.
Dumaguete Airport in Sibulan
If you are coming from the other side of the island, one can reach Dumaguete City through the Ceres Liner bus. The main terminal for these buses in Negros Oriental are in Dumaguete City and will not cost a thousand pesos to reach the destination.
Ferry to Dumaguete
Taking a ferry from Cebu City is another option to get to Negros Oriental. Some ferry lines go directly to the Sea Port in Dumaguete, while others run via the port of Tagbilaran on Bohol. There are more ferry connections from Dumaguete to and from the northern towns in Mindanao. Also Siquijor is multiple times daily connected via ferries of different companies.
Dumaguete Ferry Schedules to other Islands
Tips while visiting Dumaguete City:
Know how transportation around Dumaguete City works, especially the rates.(Read more about trike and tricycle rates in Dumaguete here)
Know when the peak seasons are before calculating your budget for the trip. (June to September are off-peak season, October to November is Buglasan Festival & Dumaguete Charter Day, December & January are definitely peak seasons, March till May are summer break for most schools)
There is always something going on in the neighboring towns and cities of Dumaguete all year round. Check the different fiesta and festival celebration a month before your trip and see if there is another thing to look forward to.
Be aware of the locations of Hospitals, Police Station and Fire Station near the city, just in the worst-case scenarios. (Emergency Contacts here)
Locals have adopted several accents from its neighboring islands. It is normal if you hear them shouting at each other within one-meter distance. This is usually the normal tone they use when ‘talking’.
If you stay in a guesthouse or apartment with a kitchen that allows you to cook, buy your fresh ingredients from the public market as early as possible (6am-7am best times). Supermarkets like Robinson’s Place and Lee Plaza usually opens around 9am or 10am.
Know the different types of Filipino Food and Snacks before going on a local food trip. (Know the Filipino Food and Snacks here)
Renting of own vehicles like motorbikes and cars are highly recommended when visiting different Tourist Spots in Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental.
Enjoy your Trip to Dumaguete City!!!
Another Awesome Website of:
DumagueteInfo Net Service