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Dumaguete

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Dumaguete is the capital city and main port of Negros Oriental, the province that occupies the south-eastern half of Negros Island, in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. Popularly known as the "City of Gentle People".

Travel to Dumaguete & Visa Requirements

Fly from Manila Cebu Pacific ( www.cebupacificair.com ) and Philippine Airlines (http://www.philippineairlines.com/pal_online/pal_online.jsp) both have daily flights. Fast ferries arrive daily from Cebu City, via the main port terminal. It is approximately a 4 hour ride with a stop over in Tagbilaran city, Bohol.

You can also take a bus from Cebu City to Lilo-an or Bato, then take a 20-30minute ferry ride to Sibulan, 20 minutes away from Dumaguete(about 4.5 total travel time). Several daily air-con and non-air-con buses.

Tours & Getting around Dumaguete

From the airport to the city center:

1. If you're arriving at the airport and have a hotel reservation, many can arrange car transportation or a taxi.

2. However, pedicabs (motorcycles with welded-on sidecars) are plentiful and allow economical door-to-door transportation.It costs P100-P120 to the city center [December 2008].

Motorcycles are also very popular among the locals - make friends and do a little back riding from place to place. Make sure you drive along the Boulevard (pronounced "Booleebard.")

Motor bikes Rental can be arranged at several shops in the area along Perdices St., at corners Pinili and Sta. Rosa Streets.

Warning: A 300 peso taxi ride to the city center (known as "downtown") is too much.You can choose not to take the taxi.

Note: There is no currency exchange at the Dumaguete Airport.Make sure you have enough of the local currency.

Dumaguete attractions and sightseeing

Dumaguete is a university town. The population is somewhat more than 100,000 people, and there are some 30,000 students at Silliman University. Silliman is a Protestant University in a predominantly Catholic country, and it is noted as one of the best Universities in Philippines.

Visit the Boulevard, Silliman University Campus, Maranatha Full Gospel Church (Sunday morning), the Dumaguete Catholic Cathedral.

Dumaguete city tours

Within the City

  • Silliman University Anthropology Museum:
  • Bell Tower:
  • Silliman University Whale Bone Museum:

Get out of the City

  • Casaroro Falls - This magnificent falls is in the municipality of Valencia, just west of Dumaguete City. Getting there is very easy.

1. If you are in Dumaguete City take a tricycle and tell the driver to take you to the jeepney terminal that will go to Valencia (13pesos, 25 minutes).

2. Once in Valencia, there are lots of single motorcycles that will take you to Casaroro falls (takes 20minutes from Valencia town). Please be informed that these drivers will approach you and will try to persuade their service. Generally they are nice and polite people though. It will cost you 200 pesos roundtrip. The driver can wait for you and he will take you back to Valencia. Try to haggle for the 200 pesos. (Take note: Make sure your shoes have a good grasp against slippery rocks and boulders).

  • Forest Camp
  • Japanese Shrine:
  • Apo Island:
  • Bais City Dolphin and Whale Watching:
  • Lake Balinsasayaw:
  • Lake Balanan:
  • Mabinay Caves:

Dumaguete souvenirs & shopping

Lee Plaza is the main shopping mall.

Dumaguete Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

  • Try the tempura at the boulevard.
  • Cafe Antonio at the Spanish Heritage Building, Boulevard Area.[1]
  • Sans Rival - Try the famous sans rival cake and other amazing cakes baked by one of the oldest cake shops in the city.Basic pasta and salad dishes are also available.
  • For low key good value meals Food Net one street back from Rizal Blvd serves dishes from P30 upwards.
  • The Why Not? Disco / Restaurant also on Rizal Blvd has a good deli. The restaurant is excellent and has a wide variety of dishes.
  • Tasters - For burgers and other snack meals. This is a favorite among the locals.