We stayed in Dumaguete after our short 10-minute ferry ride from the island of Cebu. This place is an easy hop-over the water if you ever find yourself in Cebu, and a perfect stop-over between Siquijor and Cebu. We dwelled in the town for 6 nights as we needed to extend our visa (1 month in the Philippines was not long enough!) However, 3-4 nights is an acceptable amount of time to spend in Dumaguete, and see all of the places to visit. Dumaguete is the capital of Negros Oriental and is the gateway to amazing diving, waterfalls and day trips. Here is our travel guide about everything you need to know about Dumaguete.
QUICK GUIDE
How to Get Around Dumaguete
What to Do in Dumaguete
Where to Eat in Dumaguete
Where to Stay in Dumaguete
HOW TO GET AROUND DUMAGUETE
There are a multitude of travel options in the Philippines, and travelling around Dumaguete was relatively easy.
Buses – Local buses are an affordable travel option to get from one destination to another (like Dumaguete to Bacolod). However, they can also be quite jam-packed if you don’t arrive early enough. From our experience, we tried a few times to catch a local bus, but would wait over 2 hours just for a bus that had no room for us. So, although affordable, buses might not be the most convenient.
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Scooter – For shorter trips, like daytrips to waterfalls and beaches or just to duck down the road for some food, we rented a scooter for 300 pesos ($9 AUD) a day.
Tricycles – If you are not confident in riding a scooter, then taking a tricycle is also a convenient and affordable option for short day trips, or to a café. There are drivers with tricycles all around Dumaguete, and are really cheap. This was how we travelled between the ferries and our accommodation.
Jeepneys – Riding in a Jeepney is how the locals travel between municipalities and towns. Jeepneys are an open-air small bus, and are super cheap. A Jeepney ticket is normally anywhere from 7 PHP to 12 PHP (21c-36c AUD) depending where you need to go. It is best to ask a local about the Jeepney routes, and which one you should take. It’s something you should experience at least once!
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WHAT TO DO IN DUMAGUETE
Although Dumaguete is a bustling small city, there are many natural wonders and tourist spots that await not too far out of town – from waterfalls, hot springs, lakes, sandbars, beaches and islands.
Spend the Morning on the Beach in Dauin
We spent the morning on the beach in a town not far from Dumaguete. A 30-minute scooter ride lead us to a palm and resort lined beach. However, we visited during the Easter long weekend, and the beach was filled with locals and Filipino tourists. But, by just venturing a little further down the beach, we could have a little stretch to ourselves and a palm tree to lie under. On the way back, we visited Fin Bar for a delicious veggie burger with halloumi!
CHECK OUT OUR SHORT VIDEO CLIP FROM OUR DAY IN DAUIN
Unwind at Forest Camp Nature Resort
Not only is this place an amazing accommodation in Dumaguete, it is family friendly and open to the public. There is an abundance of activities here, suitable for everyone. The resort is designed to make you feel like you are in the jungle, with an abundance of greenery, natural pools and a river running alongside the resort. For just 1200 PHP per person ($36 AUD) we could spend the whole day here. The resort has a restaurant, zip-line, waterslides, a spa over-hanging the river, natural swimming pools, rock climbing, diverse accommodation options, camping and even a skate bowl. This is a must if you ever find yourself in Dumaguete!
CHECK OUT THIS TOUR TO FOREST CAMP HERE.
Snorkel with Turtles in Apo Island
It is easy to spend a full day on Apo Island as it is the most popular tourist spot in Dumaguete. We are suckers for islands, beaches and good snorkelling, so this was a must for us! We relaxed on the beach, spent most of our time in the water with an abundance of turtles and walked up to the “lighthouse” for views over the ocean. If you want to find out more about Apo Island and all the essential information you can read our Full Apo Island Guide here.
CHECK OUT SNORKELLING PACKAGES TO APO ISLAND HERE.
Enjoy Manjuyod Sandbar
Although you can do Manjuyod Sandbar as a complete tour from Dumaguete, we decided to be adventurous and do it ourselves. We left at 4:30am in the morning to arrive there at 6:00am, and catch one of the first boats to the sandbar. There is a high chance in the morning that you will see dolphins and the tide will be low. However, as we arrived so early, we were required to pay for the whole boat that would have otherwise been split between 5 people.
Although a little expensive, we took the boat by oursleves to 2 sand bars (1 was still underwater) and had a ball splashing around in the water. There are also banana boats and biscuit rides, taking tourists for rides from the sandbars for some extra bit of fun. Unfortunately, the place does get crowded quickly. If you want to find out more information about Manjuyod Sandbar, then check out our Full Manjuyod Sandbar Guide here.
CHECK OUT MANJUYOD SANDBAR TOUR PACKAGES HERE.
Explore Balinsasayao Twin Lakes
Between Manjuyod Sandbar and Dumaguete is the Balinsasayao Twin Lake Nature Park. This place is the perfect nature escape. For only 100PHP ($3 AUD) per person to enter the grounds, it is an easy stop-over to enjoy some of the nature activities. After enjoying a meal at the scenic restaurant, you can also walk around the lake to the bird watch tower for sights of both the lakes, or take a row boat or a kayak to the other side.
CHECK OUT TWIN LAKE TOUR PACKAGES HERE.
Waterfall Hop the Afternoon
One of the most impressive waterfalls we have seen in the Philippines was not far from Dumaguete. We paid 30PHP (90c AUD) to enter and explore Casaroro Waterfall. After 300 steps down, and almost getting lost on the way there, as there is no designated path along the river, Casaroro Waterfall finally revealed herself. She was tall and elegant, and oh so magical! We had to get a few snaps here! Not too far down the road is also Pulangbato Falls. Unlike Casaroro, you can drive right up to the waterfall. After paying 100 PHP ($3 AUD) each to enter we admired the sulphur infused waterfall and swam in the natural pool next door. This place also has a restaurant, accommodation, children’s pool and kiosk all on site. Find our FullDumaguete Waterfall Guide here.
CHECK OUT TOUR PACAKGES TO WATERFALLS FROM DUMAGUETE HERE.
Relax at the Red Rock Hot Springs
Only a few hundred metres down the road from Pulangbato Falls is the Red Rock Hot Spring. Although an amazing place to relax, this place gives Bree nightmares as she still battles the orange tinge that the water gave her blonde hair! For only 60PHP ($1.80 AUD) per person to enter you can enjoy the two hot, sulphur-infused pools, but make sure you don’t wear white bathers and shower before and after getting in the water. Oh, and don’t get your hair wet!
CHECK OUT TOUR PACKAGES TO RED ROCK HOT SPRINGS HERE.
WHERE TO EAT IN DUMAGUETE
Dumaguete doesn’t have to be hard to find vegetarian food. Here is a list of our favourite places that we ate at.
Casablanca– One of the most popular restaurants in the city right on the boulevard, and it’s not hard to see why – with European décor and delicious meals!
Roti Boss– An Indian restaurant that we came back to multiple times! The Veggie Korma was to die for!
Sans Rival Bistro (boulevard front)– Along the boulevard is another popular café. This is a great spot for light meals, sandwiches and desserts.
Finbar in Dauin– When we visited Dauin we had to stop here for food. The vegetarian burger was delicious and we had our first slice of halloumi cheese in a long time!
Aima Café– Easily one of the best veggie burgers in the Philippines!
WHERE TO STAY IN DUMAGUETE
Where you stay in Dumaguete really depends on your budget, location preference and style. If you want easy access to cafes and food, then near the city is perfect. If you are wanting to be close to a beach, then anywhere south towards Dauin is suitable. Or, if you are wanting more of a nature escape, then head inland towards Valencia. Check out the accommodation map below to find an area right for you.
Booking.comHotel Accommodation in Dumaguete
Family-Friendly Forest Camp Nature Resort – As mentioned above, this place is a dream! Located inland in Valencia, Forest Camp Nature Resort is super family-friendly and offers a full range of accommodation options. This place isn’t necessarily a hotel, but the Deluxe Rooms are gorgeous! There is also accommodation types for all traveller’s, from dorm rooms, hammock rooms, family rooms and camp grounds.
Eco Conscious Atmosphere Resorts and Spa – Located in the coastal region of Dauin, Atmosphere Resorts and Spa is an eco-luxury resort, putting sustainable values first and committing to reducing their environmental impact. Their rooms are to die for, if you are looking for luxury then look no further!
Hostel Accommodation in Dumaguete
Top Rated Antwet Backpacker’s Inn and Rooftop Bar – With a 9.4 on Booking.com, this place is perfect for the solo traveller. From dorm rooms to the rooftop bar, you will have plenty of opportunities to meet new people.
Homestay Accommodation in Dumaguete
Our Personal Favourite ESE House – We always choose to stay in locally-run home-stays, and ESE House has got to be one of the best! Located not too far out of town, this place offers it’s own open-air kitchen, spacious garden, clean bathroom and double or twin rooms.
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