Dumaguete is the perfect place for you if you are looking for a budget-friendly destination. It is budget-friendly but it will not fail to offer you wonderful scenery, tasty foods, fun activities, and new experiences. Dumaguete is a simple place with a relaxed vibe to it. It is also a very clean and safe location. Dumaguete is a travel destination that should not be rushed. Having a calm and relax mindset is the best way to enjoy your stay here.
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How to get to Dumaguete?
You can get to Dumaguete in two ways, by plane or ferry.
If you want the fastest way to get to Dumaguete then going by plane is your best option. The price of the flight would depend on various factors. Contact us to find a flight that would fit your budget.
And if you prefer slow and steady travel then going through a ferry is a great option. You could book a ferry ticket online with us.
Where to stay in Dumaguete?
The Bricks Hotel
Bricks Hotel is located at Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete. It has very interesting because of its industrial and unfinished look. It is a short walk to the pier so it is the perfect place to stay if you have a plan to travel the next day. The room you will be staying in is very simple and clean.
Gabby’s Bed and Breakfast
Gabby’s B&B is located at Cimafranca Subdivision Clay Town, Daro, Dumaguete City. This place is perfect for travelers and backpackers because it is very affordable. If you are going to take pictures, then go to their balcony because it is very instagramable. The food here is also very yummy.
Casa Arrieta Hostel
Casa Arrieta is located at 142 Hibbard Avenue, Dumaguete City. Staying here would be very advantageous for you because it is located along a major road. This means you won’t have any trouble going to restaurants, spas, and bars because it will just be within a walking distance. The owners and staff are also accommodating and friendly.
Where to go to Dumaguete?
Dumaguete has a lot of tourist spots to offer. You would see a lot of beautiful places from natural scenery to interesting infrastructure. With that being said, here are some of the Dumaguete tourist spots you should visit.
Silliman University
Silliman University is the first-ever American university established in the Philippines and entire Asia. You can get a tour around the clean and enormous campus. While taking a stroll, it may remind you of your great memories when you were still studying. The students here are very nice and the surroundings are beautiful.
Saint Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral
If you are religious or just interested in religion there are tourist spots which you need to visit. First is Catherine of Alexandria Church, which is the oldest church in Negros Oriental. Devote some time to attend at least one mass here if you want to deepen your belief.
Rizal Boulevard
Rizal Boulevard is one of the famous tourist spots in Dumaguete. In the morning, this place is perfect for your early morning walk or jog. You could also enjoy a great waterfront view and a gentle sea breeze while spending some time by yourself. In the evening, things get very lively. There are a lot of stalls where you can buy mostly finger foods.
Belfry Tower
If you want to know more about the Philippines’ history, there is also a tourist spot you can visit in Dumaguete. That is the Belfry tower which is the oldest bell tower in the Visayas. This bell tower served as a watchtower so the people will be warned against pirate attacks from the sea and during the world war. This can found right outside of the Saint Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral.
What to do in Dumaguete?
Next, let’s see the things to do in Dumaguete because what’s the point of traveling if you will not do anything. Here are just some of the things to consider on what to do in Dumaguete.
Food trip
If you visit Dumaguete you should try two of the most famous desserts there which are Sans Rival and Silvanas. Sans Rival is a Filipino dessert and it means “unrivaled”. It is made up of layers of meringue, buttercream, and chopped cashews. Silvanas, on the other hand, is the cookie version of Sans Rival. It is made up of a two cashew-meringue with a layer of buttercream in between and it is coated with cookie crumbs.
Road Trip
You could go on a road trip when you visit here. There are a lot of great tourist spots you can reach by car. You could go on a road trip to Bais City and go to enjoy the view at Manjuyod White Sandbar or go for a boat ride to watch dolphins and whales. You could also go to Valencia, Negros Oriental to visit the Casaroro Falls and Pulangbato Falls. There many more places you can visit, those are just some.
Buy Souvenirs
Of course, if you are leaving Dumaguete, you should never forget to buy some souvenirs and pasalubong. If you like stone crafts then you should check out Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage (NOAH). This is a specialty store and factory in Dumaguete that specializes in stone crafts. There is also Handumanan which means “remembrance” in English. You would see souvenirs here that came from different parts of the Philippines. And if you rather give your family/friends food as a present, then buying Sans Rival and Silvanas is a no-brainer.
Night Stroll
Dumaguete City is a safe place to walk around at night. The best place to have a stroll is at Rizal Boulevard where you can choose among various foods offered on stalls. You could also try riding a kalesa at night. If you want to get some drinks, there are also bars and nightclubs around Dumaguete City. You could also go window shopping at Robinsons Mall.
Where to eat in Dumaguete?
After visiting some of the Dumaguete tourist spots and doing some activities, it is time to go on a food trip. Here are some places that you should try when you visit Dumaguete.
Esturya
Esturya is located at 172 Hibbard Avenue, Dumaguete City. This is where you will taste the best Italian food in Dumaguete. One of their best dish that you must try is their truffle pizza. This pizza has the perfect balance of chewiness and toastiness.
Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries
Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries is located at San Jose Street, Dumaguete City. It is the most popular bakery in Dumaguete. If you have a sweet tooth and cravings for desserts, then this is the place for you. This is where you go when you want to buy Sans Rival or Silvanas as a pasalubong.
Alima Café
Alima Café is located at Ipil Street Daro, Dumaguete City. If you want to have delicious and healthier choices of food, you should try this café. Their vegetarian options are worth the shot because you will get your money’s worth. If you don’t like vegetables, don’t worry because they also have meat dishes
Sans Rival Bistro
Sans Rival Bistro is located at Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete City. If you want something to eat for a reasonable price then you should definitely give this restaurant a shot. Here, you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And also don’t forget to try their most famous Sans Rival and Silvanas.
Kri
Kri is located at 53rd Siliman Avenue Insuklar Hotel, Dumaguete City. If you are looking for an inexpensive fine dining restaurant, then you should definitely try Kri. You should try their Samurai Salmon. And if you are very conscious about what you eat, don’t worry because they have many delicious vegetarian options.
There are many more things you can experience in Dumaguete. There are many more tourist spots to visit, activities to do, and places to eat too. The things mentioned here are just a few examples. And it is up to you to discover and experience those other things. We hope that this Dumaguete travel guide helps!
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