Dumaguete Travel Guide – Accommodation, Itinerary, and Expenses
Negros Oriental is an underrated province in Visayas. Its capital and main port, Dumaguete City (the City of Gentle People) are now emerging as a popular tourist destination because of its strategic location. From its port, you can easily jump across various islands in the Visayas and Mindanao. Its neighbor provinces Negros Occidental (where Bacolod is situated) and the mystic island of Siquijor are very much accessible from Dumaguete City, the province’s capital. Acting as a gateway to various beautiful attractions, Dumaguete City has been a favorite side trip of travelers visiting Cebu, Bohol, Bacolod or Dapitan.
If you plan to visit Dumaguete City, or use it as a connecting location for your Visayas trip, use this travel guide and see the best that the city and its neighboring towns can offer.
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HOW TO GET TO DUMAGUETE CITY
By Air
There are daily flights from Manila (MNL) and Cebu to Dumaguete (DGT) via Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines. The airport is located in Sibulan town, about 20 minutes away from Dumaguete town proper.
By Land & Boat
Dumaguete is accessible from Cebu, Bohol, Dapitan, and Siquijor by boat. There are fast crafts and ferries that ply the routes daily. The boat ride from Bohol to Dumaguete can get pretty wild due to the open seas.
For those coming from Cebu, another option would be to take a land trip from Cebu City to Liloan in Oslob which is in Southern Cebu. The land trip takes 3 to 4 hours. From Liloan port, a 20-30 minutes ferry ride will bring you to Sibulan Port/Town. Just ride a tricycle to reach Dumaguete town proper.
DUMAGUETE TRAVEL GUIDE – WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO
Dumaguete is very popular for its premier diving sites. It is known around the globe as one of the diver’s paradise because of the cybernetic palette of living colors in Apo Island. The famous Whale & Dolphin Watching can also be done on a one-day visit. It is situated in the nearby Bais City which is in close proximity to the protected marine sanctuary, the Tañon Strait where the tourists can enjoy watching dolphins and whales frolicking from the deep.
During our Siquijor – Negros Occidental – Negros Oriental trip, it was raining consistently, so when we were in Dumaguete we decided not to go onto the “deep blue” and just explore the city and the nearby towns. Besides, it was just me and my two-year-old daughter in that trip, so in my heart of hearts as a mother, “safety first” prevailed. Below are the places we visited:
Rizal Boulevard
Fee: Free of Charge
Dumaguete’s most popular esplanade, an immediately visible stretch when coming into the Dumaguete port via any sea vessel. This place is where people from all walks of life flock to enjoy the dancing morning lights during sunrise. It is said that the place was named after Dr. Jose Rizal because once upon a time, the great doctor has had a nice afternoon coffee with the locals before departing for Dapitan where he was exiled. Ahhh, heartbreaking tale, noh?
Silliman University: Anthropology Museum and Library
Entrance Fee: Less than Php100
If you are into artifacts and archaeological findings, include this place in your list. The university museum boasts some collections that are dating back 2,000 years! The second floor of Silliman Hall is in itself a cultural relic of old America. Also, check Silliman University Library where you can see the largest collection of books and publications in the province. Note: Some areas on campus are not accessible for tourists or may require identification (bring an ID).
Casaroro Falls (Valencia)
Fee: Php10
Despite steep, slippery, and challenging trails, Casaroro Falls has attracted all kinds of tourists and guests. The trek towards the charming waterfalls requires almost 40 minutes of committed efforts. The rewards of seeing the towering Casaroro Waterfalls up close is uplifting. Definitely worth the pagod!
Pulangbato Falls (Valencia)
Fee: Php50
This unassuming beautiful waterfalls with pristine waters flowing over crimson red limestones is also a must-see. If you plan to visit Casaroro Falls, by all means, take a side trip to this equally amazing body of water. Pulangbato (literally red rocks) is easy to find and requires not much of an effort. No wonder locals & tourists alike flock and stay in this site than the famous waterfalls of Casaroro.
Valencia Hot Springs
Fee: Php50
There are a lot of hot springs in valencia. When we were there I was asking our guide where could I find the volcano, and he told me he has no idea. But usually, when there are hot springs most likely there’s a volcano nearby, isn’t it? Anyway, you will definitely love dipping to one of the swimming pools in Valencia that gets its source of warm water from a naturally occurring spring. Aside from its revitalizing effect, dipping into hot springs also believed to be therapeutic as it helps to relieve a variety of health problems such as asthma, arthritis, and insomnia.
Tiera Alta (Palinpinon, Valencia)
Fee: Php50
A mountainside resort immersed with breathtaking sights amidst serene atmosphere. It offers brilliant architectural constructions designed with perfection. I personally like the lighthouse and infinity swimming pool.
CHECK & BOOK DUMAGUETE ACTIVITIES BELOW:
Klook.com
Klook.com
WHERE TO STAY IN DUMAGUETE
Islands Leisure Boutique Hotel & Spa, located in Dumaguete City, Dumaguete, is a popular choice for travelers. The hotel is not too far from the city center: just 0.1 Km away, and it normally takes about 10 minutes to reach the airport. With the city’s main attractions such as Sidlakan Negros Village, El Camino Club, The Christmas House within close reach, visitors to the hotel will just love its location. Rate: As low as Php1000 per night. Book here
When visiting Dumaguete, you’ll feel right at home at Golden Gate Suites, which offers quality accommodation and great service. With its location just 0.05 km from the city center and 4km from the airport, this 2-star hotel attracts numerous travelers each year. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations. Rate: As low as Php900 per night. Book here
Ideal for fun and relaxation, Gabbys Bed and Breakfast is located within Dumaguete City. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations. Gabbys Bed and Breakfast offers impeccable service and all the essential amenities to invigorate travelers. Rate: As low as Php600 per night. Book here
Whether you’re a tourist or traveling on business, La Fusion Garden Resort is a great choice for accommodation when visiting Dumaguete. The city center is merely 1.8 km away and the airport can be reached within 5 minutes. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations. Rate: As low as Php350per night. Book here
For other accommodation options in Dumaguete, you can click on this link or use the search box below:
DUMAGUETE TRAVEL TIPS
- There are various ways to get to the jump-off points of each location but I highly suggest that you simply rent a motorbike for Php400 a day and explore the place. This will give you more time and save you more money. All of them are accessible by motorbikes.
- If you are traveling with a kid(like me who went through 3 provinces with a 2-year-old dumpling), it’s best to rent a tricycle when doing the countryside aka city tours to serve as your shelter against the heat of the sun or strong rains. It’s also more comfortable. You may contact Kuya Francis at +63935-288-8188. He served not only as our driver but also as our tour guide/photographer.
- For hotel bookings in Dumaguete and other affordable tour packages, contact Sole Adventours.
- Be part of Love Eat Wander Facebook community and be connected with thousands of like-minded individuals. Share your climb and travel stories with through Tweets and Instagram photos. Please follow @loveeatwander.
SAMPLE ITINERARY IN DUMAGUETE
0800 – ETD from the hotel
0900 – First Stop: Casaroro Falls
1100 – Second Stop: Pulang Bato Falls
1130 – Third Stop: Tierra Alta
1200 – Quick lunch
1300 – Pulang Bato Falls
1400 – Valencia Hot Springs
1500 – Siliman University (Museum, Campus, and Library)
1600 – Rizal Boulevard
1700 – Back to Hotel
DUMAGUETE BUDGET
Php1,000 per person excluding airfare to tour the city and nearby towns is enough.
See other photos of our Dumaguete/Negros Oriental trips here
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