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Writer's pictureJared Delbo

Must See Dumaguete Tourists Spots and Things to do in Nearby Towns in Negros Oriental.

Updated: Sep 14, 2023

Now that restrictions has been lifted, there are no reasons not to visit Dumaguete and its surrounding municipalities, if you spend a week or two in Dumaguete City, you will never forget the experience from all the sights, sounds, and tastes of what Dumaguete City and the surrounding towns of Negros Oriental have to offer.


Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental has every reason to earn as one of the best tourist spots in the country. Now that the pandemic is close, Dumaguete City and its surrounding locales of Negros Oriental should deserve a place in your heart as one of the most desirable places in the country to live and to take a vacation in.


And now, I will show you just Things to do in Dumaguete and try visit its popular tourist spots.



Nightlife on the Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete:


dumaguete tourist spots: Rizal Boulevard

The nightlife in Dumaguete City is a stark contrast to the comparatively quiet atmosphere of the City at day time. After the pandemic, students from Silliman and other colleges flock to the City’s numerous night spots to drink, be merry, enjoy live music, and gorge on the freshly-cooked “pulutan” that goes with cold bottles of beer.


Here are the lists of nightlife bars (I Know) in Dumaguete City:


Famous landmarks along Boulevard. The most renowned are:

with its famous Reggae band that plays on Wednesday nights, Cocos Amigos bar with its Mexican food, Why Not Disco with its techno music, and Tiki Bar for its beach party atmosphere.


Silliman University and Museum


dumaguete tourist spots: Silliman University

Check out the rich art and history of Negros Oriental and its people placed on display in Silliman University’s museum. Situated right at the centre of Dumaguete City, Silliman University has earned its acclaim to being one of the country’s top universities producing many of its leaders and professionals who have stamped their class in the country and the country world over. There are areas within the campus that are open to tourists, and one of them is its museum.


Dive Spots: Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental




In 2008, Sport Diver Magazine, the world’s top authority in dive sites, listed Apo Island as one of the top 100 diving spots in the world. Silliman University, led by Dr. Angel Alcala, a marine scientist of the university, introduced to the locals the importance of creating a marine sanctuary in the area.


A cove on one side of the island is a perfect snorkeling site even for amateur divers. The pristine coral reef presents a wide diversity of marine life that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world within a short walk from your accommodations, such as Apo Island Beach Resort and the numerous home s-style B&B’s dotting the island itself.


The main advantage of the island is its facilities for diving where compressors and tanks are available. Moreover, there is a sanctuary for sea turtles on one side of the island where one can swim among them. The island is easily accessible by motorized Banca. Gracey Dive Resort and Restaurant in Dauin - its one of the those resorts who offer island tour all across Apo Island.


Explore the places to visit in Negros Oriental


1. Pamplona: The mountain chapel and springs


Just an hour’s drive away from the centre of the City is Pamplona and its mountain ridges. The scenic views from the cliffs overlooking the plains of Pamplona offer a fantastic view punctuated by the views offered at the Mountain Chapel in Barangay San Isidro called Cafe Alicia.




2. Valencia: Lanzones, Majestic views, Mount Talinis, a rich history, and the Casaroro Falls


Kanto Kuridas Camping Ground Cafe is perhaps the most photographed camping grounds in Valencia. It’s cool waterfalls amidst lush greenery and natural rock formation, and the water gushes down to a swimming hole. But the university town’s major attraction doesn’t end there.


Mount Talinis is a site of numerous volcanic crater lakes and has a rich biodiversity. Tejero Highland Resort and Adventure Park offer the best value for relaxation and recreation with zipline, ATVs, Water slides, natural pools, and a hotel. Fruit sellers offer larger-than-usual lanzones at affordable prices.



Reference in Instagram:



3. Amlan: The Glampers Recreational, Lake Balinsasayao Crater Lake


Amlan is the fourth municipality from Dumaguete, surrounded by lush greenery perfect for picnics in the quiosks dotting its shores. Lake Balinsasayao is a long drive away from the coastal city of Dumaguete. The Glampers Recreational offers a spectacular view of the surrounding plains and is also a popular camping site.


Unfortunately the Amblang Nature and Adventure Park in Amlan is closed and no longer operational as of 2023. 😢






4. Dauin: The Only Town in Negros Oriental with Stunning Beaches with Underwater Paradise.


Dauin is a short drive away from the city center (15 min to be exact) and contains the nearest beach resorts from Dumaguete City. Numerous beach resorts string the length of the shore of Dauin which presents an affordable and idyllic recreation site for local families and vacationers.


Here's the thing You wont believe what you can find even in the shallows of Dauin without going to Apo Island.



5. Easy Access to Siquijor Island


The Ferry Terminal along the boulevard is the main point of embarkation for ferries that service the routes between Dumaguete and the provinces of Siquijor. Siquijor itself is inaccessible directly by plane. Instead, the highly recommended course is to fly from Manila by Air to Dumaguete City and book a ferry ride to Siquijor.


Siquijor Island is a distinct province that is unexplored by most tourists. It has many beautiful beaches and dive sites that are strung throughout the island. Three trips are coming from Dumaguete daily, so you can’t miss the opportunity to explore this gem of neighboring islands.




A Must See Places to Visit in Siquijor thru Google Maps:



What Dumaguete is known for: Is There Foods



Tourists and locals can’t leave Dumaguete without taking some of the famous Sans Rival and Silvanas from the renowned pastry shop located at San Jose St. in Dumaguete City. There are many versions of these pastries that can be found globally, but there is nothing quite like those offered here and at an affordable price. Located just a short walk from Rizal Boulevard, this is a perfect place to have coffee while enjoying these among other pastries on offer.




Enjoy the famous Cebu Lechon and fresh seafood in this restaurant right along Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City. Its more subdued life in the day explodes during the night. People flock to this place for rounds of beer and to hear live band performances while enjoying much of the sumptuous food that never disappoints locals and tourists alike. In Central Visayas, the word “hayahay” means “airy,” “comfortable,” “relaxed,” which are just a few words that can describe how hanging out here can be for you.




Painitan sa Tiangge. Dumaguete Public Market


Enjoy the famous bodbod with chocolate syrup in the mornings at the tiangge at the Dumaguete’s public market. Locals usually point visitors to try this place. The place is perfect for morning coffee along with your bodbod while you join locals who are on their way to work.



Gabby’s Bistro. Rizal Blvd., Dumaguete City

If you somehow miss continental or Italian cuisine, then this is the place to drop by. Enjoy a most varied menu at affordable prices. Best place yet, it is right along Rizal Boulevard and offers a quaint atmosphere perfect for daytime hangouts.





Is Dumaguete worth visiting this 2023?

dumaguete tourist spots: Rizal Boulevard

Yes, Dumaguete is definitely worth visiting. It is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Dumaguete:


  • Beautiful beaches: Dumaguete is located on the coast of Negros Oriental, so it has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. Apo Island is a popular snorkeling and diving destination, while Manjuyod Sandbar is a natural sandbar that juts out into the sea.


  • Lush rainforests: Dumaguete is also surrounded by lush rainforests, which are home to a variety of wildlife. You can go hiking, camping, or simply take a refreshing dip in one of the many waterfalls.


  • Charming colonial architecture: Dumaguete has a charming mix of Spanish colonial and modern architecture. You can visit the Silliman University campus, which is home to a number of historical buildings, or take a walk along Rizal Boulevard, a waterfront promenade lined with restaurants and shops.


  • Friendly locals: The people of Dumaguete are known for being friendly and welcoming. You're sure to feel at home in this charming city.


If you're looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation, Dumaguete is the perfect place for you.


As I mentioned, these are just a few of the most remarkable sights, sites, places, activities, and tastes Dumaguete and its surrounding towns can offer. Not only is a vacation house rental here so affordable,


but there is also one more great reason why one should take a vacation here.


Its people. It’s no surprise that Dumaguete’s tagline is the City of Gentle People because they really are.


I have never been turned away whenever I ask for directions, and people have always gone out of their way to help me find the best and most affordable ride around the City and in the surrounding towns. The Philippines, in general, is renowned the world over for its friendly people. And the rest of the Philippines point to Dumaguete City as having the nicest people. That tells a lot about how awesome and the gentle people of Dumaguete City really are.




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