Things To Do
in Dumaguete City
Dumaguete City is a charming university town located in the central Visayas region of the Philippines. Known as the "City of Gentle People," it boasts a laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals. The city is famous for its vibrant food scene, bustling markets, and scenic waterfront boulevard.
With its mix of cultural attractions, beautiful beaches, and opportunities for outdoor adventures, Dumaguete City is a popular destination for both tourists and expats.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $0.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a scenic walk along the Rizal Boulevard, enjoying the fresh sea breeze. Grab some breakfast at a local café and take in the beautiful view of the ocean.
Visit the Silliman University, where you can explore its unique museum and lush campus. Don't forget to have lunch at one of the nearby restaurants serving delicious local dishes.
Wind down at a beach bar for a refreshing drink as you watch the sunset. Enjoy some local seafood for dinner and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Explore the local markets in Dumaguete for a taste of the region's culture and fresh produce. Try some of the local delicacies for breakfast.
Visit the Cuernos de Negros and appreciate the local art scene. Participate in a workshop or event if available to engage with the artists.
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant offering traditional Filipino cuisine. Share your experiences with local residents and other travelers over dessert.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including beaches and mountains.
- Mild climate, making it a comfortable place to live.
- Vibrant expat community and friendly locals.
- Affordable cost of living compared to many Western countries.
- Access to a variety of outdoor activities like diving, snorkeling, and hiking.
- Rich cultural heritage and history.
- Emerging educational hub with reputable universities.
- Limited job opportunities in certain professional fields.
- Some areas may experience issues with infrastructure and maintenance.
- Public transportation can be inconsistent.
- Potential natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes.
- Healthcare facilities may not be as advanced as in urban centers.
- Bureaucratic processes can be slow and complicated.
- Occasional issues with safety and petty crime.
Best Activities in Dumaguete City
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Snorkeling and diving to see turtles and beautiful coral reefs
Hiking and nature exploration around two scenic lakes
Trekking to a majestic waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest
Boating, kayaking, and bird watching in a tranquil natural setting
Tours
Uncover the best of Dumaguete City with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Dumaguete City
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers breathtaking views of the sea and sunset, with a promenade great for a leisurely walk or photo opportunities.
A beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for nature photography and scenic views.
Perfect for panoramic views and nature photography, with opportunities for boat rides and hiking.
A hilltop restaurant with stunning views of Dumaguete City and the ocean, providing a great backdrop for memorable photos.
Food in Dumaguete City
Dumaguete City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A buttery layered cashew meringue cake filled with creamy buttercream and topped with more cashews. Try it at Sans Rival Bistro.
Must-Try!
A ceviche-style dish of fresh raw fish marinated in vinegar, calamansi, and spices. Sample it at Lab-as Seafood & Grill.
Buttercream-filled cashew meringue wafers that are a sweet Dumaguete specialty. Get them at Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Dumaguete's breakfast street food scene, offering local favorites like budbud kabog, bibingka, and tsokolate-eh.
Step out in the evening to enjoy grilled skewers of pork, chicken, and seafood, accompanied by spicy dipping sauces.
Visit the food stalls around Quezon Park for a variety of classic Filipino street snacks like fish balls, kikiam, and squid balls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Dumaguete City and the Philippines in general, there is a strong emphasis on showing respect to elders through gestures like saying 'po' and 'opo' (a form of respect when addressing someone older) and showing deference in behavior and language.
Filipinos, including those in Dumaguete City, are generally comfortable with close physical proximity and touching as a way of showing friendliness and warmth. It's important to respect personal space but also be open to cultural differences in norms of physical interaction.
The Philippines, including Dumaguete City, is known for its conservative values. It's important to be mindful of topics for discussion, clothing choices, and public behavior to align with the local cultural norms and values.
Safety
Tipping in Dumaguete City
Ensure a smooth experience
In Dumaguete City, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. It is common to tip around 10% of the bill at restaurants and to give small tips to drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides.
Cash is widely used for transactions in Dumaguete City, especially in smaller establishments. However, larger hotels, restaurants, and shops may accept credit cards. It's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and in case a establishment doesn't accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Dumaguete City is during the dry season when the weather is generally sunny and rainfall is minimal. This period is ideal for outdoor activities, beach trips, and exploring the city without the disruptions of heavy rain.
The wet season in Dumaguete City brings more rainfall and occasional typhoons. Travelers should expect higher humidity and the possibility of storms. However, the lush green landscapes and fewer tourists can make it a good time to explore nature and enjoy discounted accommodations.
Dumaguete City at Night
Hiking in Dumaguete City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A protected area featuring beautiful lakes, lush forests, and a variety of hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. It's great for both hiking and birdwatching.
Also known as Cuernos de Negros, this is a popular trekking destination offering challenging hikes with stunning views, dense forests, and various flora and fauna.
A serene lake surrounded by mountains, offering easy trails along the shore as well as more challenging hikes into the nearby hills.
Located near Dumaguete City, this area features guided trails where you can enjoy the local flora and fauna, perfect for educational hiking.
This area offers hiking trails along the river which feature beautiful scenery, native plants, and the opportunity for river activities.
Aiports
How to reach Dumaguete City by plane.
Located in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, this is the nearest international airport to Dumaguete City, approximately 130 kilometers away.
Situated in Pampanga, this airport is around 650 kilometers north of Dumaguete City, serving various international flights.
Located in Pasay, Metro Manila, it is one of the main airports in the Philippines, roughly 600 kilometers from Dumaguete City.
Located in Davao City, this airport is about 900 kilometers from Dumaguete and serves various international destinations.
Situated in Iloilo City, it is approximately 200 kilometers from Dumaguete and offers both domestic and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Cebuanos make up a significant portion of the population and are primarily speakers of the Cebuano language.
The Visayan people, including various sub-groups, are a prominent demographic in Dumaguete, reflecting the region's cultural heritage.
Tagalogs, though not the majority, contribute to the city's demographic diversity, especially among migrants.
Boholanos have a presence in Dumaguete, often due to historical ties and migration from nearby Bohol province.
Ilocanos are another group in Dumaguete, typically from Northern Luzon, who have settled in the city for work and education.
The Chinese community plays a vital role in the local economy and has a long-standing history in the city.
This category includes various other ethnicities and cultures represented in Dumaguete, contributing to its rich multicultural landscape.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Dumaguete, often played in local courts and schools.
Volleyball enjoys popularity among both men and women, with many local tournaments and beach games.
Badminton is widely played in Dumaguete, with many indoor courts available for enthusiasts.
Football is gaining popularity, especially among the youth, with various leagues and community events.
Running is a favored pastime, with regular fun runs and marathons attracting many participants.
Nearby beaches provide excellent surfing spots, making it a popular sport for both locals and visitors.
Various forms of martial arts, including karate and taekwondo, are practiced in Dumaguete, with many studios available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dumaguete City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Dumaguete has a strong seafood culture, several restaurants like Lantaw Native Restaurant and Café Mamia offer delicious vegetarian and vegan options incorporating local ingredients.
Visitors with gluten intolerances can find gluten-free dishes at Lab-as Seafood & Grill, which offers grilled seafood and fresh salads that are safe for those with gluten sensitivities.