A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO DUMAGUETE CITY: 8 Tips and Tricks for First-time Travelers

Planning a trip to Dumaguete City? There are a lot of tourist spots and attractions to enjoy and activities to do in (and near) Dumaguete City. What to do, where to eat and what not to miss? Check out this interview we had with Ryan from Dumaguete City. He shared to us some of the must-do activities, best hotels to stay, best places to eat and some useful travel tips that will surely be very helpful when planning a trip to Dumaguete City, especially for first time travelers.

DUMAGUETE TRAVEL GUIDE: 8 Tips and Tricks for First-time Travelers

Silliman University

1. Where are the best places to stay in Dumaguete City?

There are many hotels and budget accommodations in Dumaguete City to choose from. Bethel Guest House at the boulevard for the view of the sea and nightlife, Manhattan Suites Inn or Go Hotels Dumaguete beside Robinsons Place Dumaguete for shopping and easy access to bus terminals.

For a more relaxing feel, Florentina Homes or Gabby's Bed and Breakfast is a place to stay. For backpackers and the budget conscious, try the new Flying Fish Hostel along Hibbard Avenue, Dumaguete City.

For diving enthusiasts and easy access to Apo Island, you may opt to stay south of the city at the resorts in Dauin. Atmosphere Resorts and Spa and Sea Dreams Resorts are recommended for a luxurious stay.

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2. Where to eat in Dumaguete City?

Being a university town, Dumaguete is a food haven. Bars and restos lining up along the boulevard, cafes and budget-friendly eateries abound. San's Rival Bistro and Hukad in Robinsons are my personal favorites. Lantaw Restaurant for Filipino food, KRI for their unique and tasty menus, and Hayahay for the night vibe. For a relaxing view of the sea and a taste of the original barbeque chicken of the province, try JO's Chicken by the Sea in Sibulan north of the city.

Tip: Don't forget to try the fish balls and tempura along the boulevard.

Casaroro Falls

3. Places to visit in Dumaguete City?

• Within the city: The boulevard, The Belfry tower and the Dumaguete Cathedral - oldest stone church in Negros
• Silliman University: The church, Anthropology museum, and the Zoo
• Outside the city: Twin Lakes (Sibulan), Dolphin watching and white sand bar (Bais/Manjuyod), Forest Camp and Casaroro Falls (Valencia), Apo Island (Dauin)

Dumaguete is also a gateway to the nearby islands/provinces. South Cebu (Oslob/Sumilon) is just less than 1 hour away from the city, Siquijor (1-2hrs), Bohol (2-3hrs), Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte (3hrs).

4. Must-do activities in Dumaguete City?

• Stroll along Silliman University
• Take a picture with the "I love Dumaguete" sign at the boulevard and eat fishballs/tempura or chill at the Hayahay Treehouse and Restobar, or videoke with friends at Whatever KTV

Away from the city:

• Swim with the sea turtles (pawikan) at Apo Island
• Commune with nature at the Forest Camp in Valencia or a trek adventure to Casaroro Falls
• Watch the dolphins in Bais and walk along the Manjuyod sandbar during low tide
• Snorkel and find Nemo at the Dauin marine Sanctuary
• Kayak at the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in Sibulan

Apo Island

5. What are the "Secret spots" in Dumaguete City?

• Kookoo's Nest in Tambobo bay
• Niludhan falls in Bayawan City

6. How to get around in Dumaguete City?

The tricycle and multicabs are used to get around the city and nearby towns. The bus (Ceres Liner) is the main transpo around the island and serve daily trips to Bacolod and Cebu.

7. What are the best pasalubong from Dumaguete City to bring back home?

No doubt, the Silvannas of San's Rival is the top choice. Other pasalubong treats include the "budbud" (suman/sticky rice) with chocolate and the "budbud kabog" (millet and coconut milk rolls).

8. Where to shop in Dumaguete City?

San's Rival for pasalubong, Handumanan for handicrafts, Robinsons Place / Lee Super plaza for Dumaguete shirts. Tip: For bargain shopping on surplus or used clothes (ukay ukay), and homewares. Alymae US surplus is the place to go.

A photo posted by #worstphotographer (@rmb0920) on Jul 29, 2016 at 5:41am PDT

Get more travel tips from Ryan by following him on his Instagram account @rmb0920 where he shares his travels and adventures around the Philippines and beyond.

DUMAGUETE ITINERARY: Top Things to Do in Dumaguete City + Itinerary

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