nature
Apo Island
World-famous marine sanctuary with turtles
Best timeDecember - May
Duration4-5 days
Budget / day₱1,500 - ₱3,500
From Manila1.5 hour direct
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The lay of the land
Dumaguete is a charming university city known as the gateway to incredible diving at Apo Island, swimming with whale sharks in Oslob, and the stunning twin lakes of Balinsasayao. Its tree-lined boulevard, affordable living, and friendly locals make it a favorite among expats and travelers.
Dumaguete, officially the City of Dumaguete, is a component city and capital of the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 142,171 people. It is the most populous city and the smallest city by land area in Negros Oriental, as well as one of the two regional centers in Negros Island Region.
Travel guide
Dumaguete is the capital city and main port of Negros Oriental, the province that occupies the south-eastern part of Negros Island, in the Philippines. It is sometimes called the "City of Gentle People".
Get inGet aroundSeeDoEat
Highlights
01
Gateway to Apo Island marine sanctuary
02
Rizal Boulevard sunset walks
03
Twin Lakes natural park
04
Affordable and friendly city
What to see
Top attractions
landmark
Rizal Boulevard
Scenic waterfront promenade perfect for sunset
nature
Twin Lakes (Balinsasayao)
Pristine crater lakes in a nature reserve
nature
Casaroro Falls
Stunning 30-meter waterfall in the mountains
cultural
Silliman University
Historic campus with Anthropology Museum
beach
Manjuyod Sandbar
Stunning white sandbar appearing at low tide
nature
Pulangbato Falls
Red-rock waterfall with swimming area
nature
Forest Camp
Nature resort with hiking and hot springs
How to spend the days
Things to do
Activity
Apo Island Diving
Dive with sea turtles and vibrant coral
Guide price₱2,500-4,000
Activity
Apo Island Snorkeling
Day trip with turtle encounters
Guide price₱1,500-2,000
Activity
Twin Lakes Tour
Kayak and explore the crater lakes
Guide price₱800-1,500
Activity
Casaroro Falls Trek
Hike through jungle to the waterfall
Guide price₱300-500
Activity
Manjuyod Sandbar
Full day to the "Maldives of the Philippines"
Guide price₱1,500-2,500
Activity
Boulevard Food Crawl
Try local tempura, silogs, and shakes
Guide price₱200-400
Activity
Dolphin Watching (Bais)
Morning tour to see dolphins
Guide price₱1,200-2,000
Gallery
See it first
Logistics
Getting there
Nearest airportDumaguete-Sibulan Airport (DGT)
From Manila1.5 hour direct flight
Travel options
- Direct flights from Manila (Cebu Pacific, PAL)
- Fly to Cebu + ferry to Dumaguete (4 hours)
- Ferry from various Visayan ports
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Eat
Local food
Silvanas
Frozen buttercream sandwich - Dumaguete's famous pasalubong
Tempura
Deep-fried delicacies at Rizal Boulevard
Sans Rival Cakes
Local bakery chain with delicious cakes
Fresh Seafood
Grilled catch at Hayahay restaurant
Sleep
Where to stay
Rizal Boulevard
Walking distance to restaurants and sunset views
Nightly range₱1,000-4,000/night
Dauin
Beach town, closer to Apo Island diving
Nightly range₱1,500-6,000/night
City Center
Budget options near university and malls
Nightly range₱600-2,000/night
Valencia
Mountain area, near waterfalls
Nightly range₱1,000-3,500/night
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