Dumaguete City, Philippines: travel guide
The City of Gentle People — a charming coastal city known for whale sharks, quiet beaches, and laid-back island atmosphere.
- Country
- Philippines
- Currency
- PHP
- Time zone
- Asia/Manila
- Nearest airport
- DGT
Top places to visit in Dumaguete City
Dumaguete Cathedral
Church · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h
The St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral — a 19th-century coral-stone church at the center of Dumaguete.
Pulangbato Red Falls
Waterfall · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · entry PHP 30
A scenic red-tinged waterfall caused by iron-rich volcanic rock — a hidden gem above Valencia town.
Casaroro Falls
Waterfall · 4.7 rating · about 3 h · entry PHP 60
A dramatic 30-m waterfall at the end of a steep jungle canyon hike — one of Negros Oriental's most beautiful.
Twin Lakes Balinsasayaw
Nature · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · entry PHP 50
Two volcanic crater lakes in the mountains above Dumaguete — a serene highland escape.
Silliman University Museum
Museum · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h
Anthropology and natural history museum on the Silliman University campus — oldest US-founded university in Asia.
Manjuyod White Sandbar
Beach · 4.5 rating · about 4 h · entry PHP 300
A 7-km-long white sandbar dubbed the Maldives of the Philippines — only fully exposed at low tide.
Silliman Beach
Beach · 4.0 rating · about 1 h
A relaxed stretch of grey sand fronting Silliman University — popular for sunset strolls and student hangouts.
Mabinay Crystal Cave
Nature · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · entry PHP 50
A vast cave system with stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground stream — inside one of Negros's karst mountains.
Rizal Boulevard Dumaguete
Cultural · 4.6 rating · about 1 h
The beloved seaside promenade of Dumaguete — lined with cafes, restaurants, and benches facing Tañon Strait.
Apo Island Marine Reserve
Wildlife · 4.5 rating · about 6 h · entry PHP 250
A world-renowned community-managed marine sanctuary — snorkel with sea turtles and thriving coral gardens.
Things to do
- Apo Island Snorkeling & Turtle Watch Water Sports · 4 h · from PHP 530 per person
- Dumaguete Dolphin & Whale Watching Wildlife · 4 h · from PHP 430 per person
- Casaroro Falls Trek Hiking · 4 h · from PHP 180 per person
- Dumaguete Boulevard Evening Walk & Food Stalls Food Tour · 1.5 h
- Twin Lakes (Balinsasayaw & Danao) Day Trip Nature · 5 h · from PHP 180 per person
- Manjuyod Sandbar Day Trip Boat · 6 h · from PHP 430 per person
- Silliman University Cultural Walk Cultural · 1.5 h
- Forest Camp & Highland Resort Zip Tour Adventure · 4 h · from PHP 250 per person
Where to stay in Dumaguete City
- City Center about PHP 2,000 per night
Waterfront city with accommodation
Hotels
- Harold's Mansion Dumaguete 3-star · PHP 2,500 to PHP 5,500 per night
- South Sea Resort Dumaguete 3-star · PHP 3,000 to PHP 7,000 per night
- Florentina Homes Dumaguete 2-star · PHP 1,500 to PHP 3,200 per night
- Bethel Guest House PHP 900 to PHP 1,800 per night
- Hotel Palwa PHP 1,000 to PHP 2,000 per night
- Vintage Inn PHP 700 to PHP 1,400 per night
Where to eat
- Why Not Restaurant & Bar Filipino, International · about PHP 350 per person
- Sans Rival Bistro Filipino, Bakery · about PHP 150 per person
- Casablanca Restaurant International, European · about PHP 800 per person
- Hayahay Treehouse Bar Filipino, Seafood · about PHP 350 per person
- Harbor Lights Seaview Restaurant Filipino, Seafood · about PHP 400 per person
- Café Antonio filipino, international · about PHP 350 per person
- Gabby's Bistro filipino, international · about PHP 400 per person
- Chapters Cafe DGT cafe · about PHP 200 per person
Getting around
- Scooter Rental main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Tricycle main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking
Every city has walking. 2.5 km ceiling is a placeholder default, not a researched per-city figure -- Singapore is sheltered and air-conditioned, Bangkok often has no pavement.
Safety and scams to avoid
Money exchange short-change
Major tourist zones
Cashier counts notes quickly, palms one, then re-counts and accuses you of being short.
How to avoid it: Use credit card. Count change yourself before stepping away.