Why should you choose Dumaguete
- Maya del Aire
- May 28, 2019
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 21, 2019
This is your little guide through Dumaguete, which you will need in case you would like to follow my 8 day itinerary. This itinerary includes: Cebu city, Bohol Island, Siquijor island, Apo island, Oslob whale shark watching and Kawasan falls canyoneering. In this itinerary Dumaguete plays main role in connecting you to all these places and it will be your home for few days because it is the best place to stay in the area. This particular post will give you reasons why you should choose this little town while around Cebu island.
Click below to to check out your 8 day ultimate itinerary in the Philippines
Why should you choose Dumaguete
When I first started composing my itinerary I was wondering why people usually stay in Dumaguete during their visit in Cebu. It doesn’t seem that place itself has much to offer comparing to other places around, however once I got there, all puzzles came into place. Initially, I have booked 3 nights in Dumaguete, but regretted for not staying longer. Here are some of the reasons why you should stay in Dumaguete.
Sights of Dumaguete
Dumaguete is most populated city in province Negros Oriental, and its capital. Thanks to the development of Universities, the city has grown and brought many good people around that are making Dumaguete better every day.
Silliman University is the first Protestant University in the country and first American University in Asia. The campus of the university and its architecture and lawns invites tourist as well for a visit. If you appreciate nature you may spend your fee time it around acacia trees that surrounds the University.
If not, you can opt for a walk down the Rizal Boulevard, that got its name by Dr. Jose Rizal, Filipino icon who fought for better life under Spaniards in 1880s. The boulevard features beautiful big branches trees, and benches from where you can watch the sunset, or enjoy music from local bars around.
Another witness of history is Belfry tower, which was built in 1800s to serve as a watch tower and prepare citizens from pirate attacks, which very usual at those times. The Dumaguete Belfry was also used to call residents to the mass, as it is located right behind the Saint Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral. Some people nowadays still come to light a candle, or simply to take a short climb on the steps up to take photos of the surroundings.
Dumaguete connects people
As it is the biggest city in the area, it is very well connected to the other islands and touristy places around. Dumaguete city has an airport that daily operate flights to Manila, with Cebu Pacific and Philippines Air for very affordable prices, starting from $50. The international airport is still under construction, and it is planned to be finished by 2025. There are few marine ports in Dumaguete, and its boats can take you to Siquijor, Oslob, Apo Island or Cebu city. Bus terminal also connects cities around and it is easy to book. You can sometimes choose between air conditioned or traditional buses.
Tips and tricks***
Bear in mind that this is the best connected port in the area. If you would like to go from Oslob to Bohol, your only way will be with local Bangka boat which doesn’t feel safe, nor is legal. Therefore is expensive. Some islands you won’t be even able to reach with any kind of boats, because there are no scheduled rides to there. For this particular reason, I highly advise you to choose Dumaguete in case you decide to do all these activities I have suggested in my 8 day itinerary.
After tour activities
Many tours that you will do will include waking up early, to catch a boat or a good current, or dolphins, that means that also your activity will be finished before sun comes down. This means that you will have a lot of time in the evening to spend it doing different activities. Luckily, Dumaguete has a lot of options for you no matter what type of traveler you are.
If you like to stay fit there are many gyms around that you can check out. Actually, Dumaguete has the best gyms in the whole area. During my vacation my partner was preparing for the competition so I had to make sure he had access to good gyms on our trip. There are many gyms that specialize in classes, but I have chosen one that was closest to me and it turned out to be very good. My option was Four C Fitness Center. We have taken a pass for whole week which turned out to be a cheaper option for already affordable price. The gym is well equipped and staff are quite friendly.
You can refer to the link bellow when looking for gyms around Philippines.
Food and drinks
If that is not your way of spending the rest of the evening, then you may head for a drink or a dinner at few places that I would recommend. They are mostly located down the Rizal Boulevard, however there are few places that I don’t want you to miss when you are there.
If you would like to have a good lunch or dinner in a nice romantic setting, go for Tres Bistro. This intimate place serves organic chicken, some local dishes and international specialties. Place is quiet and cozy and it can be an excellent place for your date night.
My favorite place for a coffee is Bo’s Coffee Robinsons. They proudly serve home grown, from the Philippines coffee that can always be complimented with some cookies or a piece of cake. They are located near the main port, so they can be a good stop for you before you head out of the island.
For drinks you can choose between many bars there. Hayahay and Tiki bar have interesting tropical interior with terraces outdoors, and can be quite busy during weekends.
Plethora of options to stay
As the biggest city in the area, Dumaguete has the best selection of hostels, private houses, hotels, motels etc. I didn’t have the best experience in Oslob, because there were just few places to stay, and the one I choose to stay was very poorly organized. In Dumaguete you will not have to worry about that, because the options are endless, and you can easily do any trips from there, even if that includes another island. My two top places that I would absolutely recommend are:
32 Revira Residences
You can find them on Airbnb as Chic and cozy modern studio or on Facebook page as 32 Rovira Residences.
They have six studios available which are perfect for couples. They are equipped with everything you need, fridge, kitchenette and bathroom. Apartments are sparkling clean, there is a reception for your convenience, free pick up, and parking. The most important is that you have a lovely host Teri who can give you suggestions about the tours around and help you organize all of that. She had endless patience for all of our requests and questions and was always easily contactable. They also have a new 4 bedroom house Casa Bianca, for bigger crowds which I’m sure that you would like.
Flying Fish Hostel
This minimalist hostel is designed for backpackers but it can suit any kind of traveler. It is located in the same area as Revira residences, which is pretty much close to everything you need. This can be your options if you are happy to socialize ad make new friends on your trip. I haven’t stayed there but people said that it is very clean and affordable.
City of gentle people
Dumaguete is known as city of gentle people, and I would say it carries that name with all the right. What I’ve noticed, apart from having an amazing host Teri, all people around seemed to be very helpful and kind. Call me biased, I do admire Filipino people, but Dumaguete stole my heart completely. These people would always give you an advise on what would be your better and more affordable option without asking. Not like in other touristy places, where you would get ripped off, over here you will feel welcome and you will meet genuinely nice people. So don’t be afraid to ask for a direction or a suggestion for anything touristy from locals, because I assure you that you will have a great time.
Check these links for further info
https://dumagueteinfo.com/
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